Release Date: October 4, 1999
Release Number: 1289-16
» More Information on Pennsylvania Severe Storms and Flooding
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- As cleanup continues in the aftermath of flooding, state and federal officials urge disaster victims to take protective measures to prevent the damage from happening again.
"It's safer, cheaper, and ultimately much easier to limit future destruction than repair or replace your possessions after disaster strikes," said Jack Schuback, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official coordinating the disaster-recovery effort in Pennsylvania. FEMA calls such actions "hazard mitigation."
Some mitigation measures, such as acquisition of structures or elevation of buildings are costly, long-term projects. However, residents of flood-prone areas can make many simple home improvements themselves.
"The rebuilding phase of a disaster is the ideal time to consider ways to limit future damage," said Bob Churchman, acting director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Churchman is the state coordinating officer for the disaster recovery.
Schuback and Churchman suggested the following measures:
Funding for hazard mitigation projects may be available to victims of the recent floods who qualify for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans. SBA may increase the approved loan amount by up to 20 percent if the funds are used for mitigation projects to protect the house from future flood damages.
For more information on hazard mitigation call FEMA's toll-free Helpline at 1-800-525-0321. The number for hearing- or speech-impaired individuals is 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). Lines are operating 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Last Modified: Friday, 12-Dec-2003 09:49:04