[Federal Register: December 16, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 241)]
[Notices]
[Page 70025-70026]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16de03-70]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection;
Comment Request
AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Preparedness and
Response Directorate, Department of Homeland Security.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency, as part of its
continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites
the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity
to comment on proposed continuing information collections. In
accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)), this notice seeks comments concerning the information
collection outlined in 44 CFR Part 61, as it pertains to application
for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
is authorized by Public Law 90-448 (1968) and expanded by Public Law
93-234 (1973). The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 requires that
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provide flood insurance
at full actuarial rates reflecting the complete flood risk to
structures built or substantially improved on or after the effective
date for the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the community,
or after December 31, 1974, whichever is later, so that the risks
associated with buildings in flood-prone areas are borne by those
located in such areas and not by the taxpayers at large. In accordance
with Public Law 93-234, the purchase of flood insurance is mandatory
when Federal or federally related financial assistance is being
provided for acquisition or construction of buildings located, or to be
located, within FEMA-identified special flood hazard areas of
communities that are participating in the NFIP. When flood damage
occurs to insured property, information is collected to report,
investigate, negotiate and settle the claim.
Collection of Information
Title: National Flood Insurance Program Claims Forms.
Type of Information Collection: Revision of a currently approved
collection.
OMB Number: 1660-0005.
Form Numbers: 81-40 (Worksheet-Contents-Personal Property), 81-41
(Worksheet-Building), 81-41A (Worksheet-Building Continued), 81-42
(Proof of Loss), 81-42A (Increased Cost of Compliance Proof of Loss),
81-43 (Notice of Loss), 81-44 (Statement as to Full Cost to Repair or
Replacement Cost Coverage, Subject to the Terms and Conditions of this
Policy), 81-57 (National Flood Insurance Program Preliminary Report),
81-58 (National Flood Insurance Program Final Report), 81-59 (National
Flood Insurance
[[Page 70026]]
Program Narrative Report), 81-63 (Cause of Loss and Subrogation
Report), 81-96 (Mobile Home Worksheet), 81-98 (Increased Cost of
Compliance (ICC) Adjuster Report), 81-109 (Adjuster Preliminary Damage
Assessment), 81-110 (Adjuster Certification Application).
Abstract: In order to document and pay claims made against the
National Flood Insurance Program Direct Business this information is
collected and reviewed as part of the claims handling process by the
servicing company under contract to FEMA.
Affected Public: Individuals or households; Business or other for-
profit; Not-for-profit institutions; Farms; Federal Government; State,
Local or Tribal Government.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 19,605.
Number of Respondents: 5,000.
Frequency of Response: On occasion, dependent on weather and
related flooding conditions.
Estimated Hours Per Respondent: The average time required for the
adjuster for each claim filed and the policyholder to list the items
damaged in the flood and meet with the adjuster concerning the loss is
estimated to be 4 hours. Burden hours are derived from the reports of
the Adjusters who meet with the policyholders, from local community
officials, and from DHS-FEMA staff's personal experience.
Estimated Total Cost to Respondents: $405,412.00.
Estimated Total Cost to the Government: The adjusters are paid from
a fee schedule based on the gross amount of the claim. The average
adjuster payment was $500.00 per claim. The number of claims annually
varies with the weather and related flooding conditions. We estimate
5,000 claims, which provides, reimbursements to adjusters for expenses
incurred in accordance with NFIP standards to evaluate the loss and
obtain a proof of loss signed by the claimant, of approximately
$2,500,000.00. All these costs are paid by the National Flood Insurance
Program and by the government.
Comments: Written comments are solicited to (a) Evaluate whether
the proposed data collection is necessary for the proper performance of
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical
utility; (b) evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) evaluate the
accuracy of the estimated costs to respondents to provide the
information to the agency; (d) enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be collected; and (e) minimize the burden
of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including
through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or
other technological collection techniques or other forms of information
technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.
Comments should be received within 60 days of the date of this notice.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons should submit written comments to Muriel
B. Anderson, Chief, Records Management Branch, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, 500 C Street, SW., Room 316, Washington, DC 20472, or e-mail address: Muriel.Anderson@dhs.gov, or facsimile number (202)
646-3524.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information contact
James S.P. Shortley, Director of Claims, Mitigation Division, Risk
Insurance Branch at (202) 646-3418. Contact Ms. Anderson for copies of
the proposed collection of information.
Dated: December 9, 2003.
Edward W. Kernan,
Division Director, Information Resources Management Division,
Information Technology Services Directorate.
[FR Doc. 03-30990 Filed 12-15-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-11-P