West Virginians Learn How To Reduce Flood Damage
Release Date: August 4, 2003
Release Number: 1474-82
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
Charleston, WV -- When people think of safe rebuilding, they might picture a monstrous and costly task, such as constructing a house from the first two-by-four to the last brush of paint. Yet, there are simpler, less pricey measures they can take that can result in substantial savings when the next flood rushes through town. This lesson is what West Virginians are learning across the 19 counties approved for individual assistance under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster declaration.
From family-owned hardware stores deep in the hollers to nationwide chains in big city suburbs, FEMA community relations officers and mitigation specialists have distributed an array of written materials describing low-cost, user-friendly methods to protect homes and businesses from the ravages of flood waters. "We've placed these publications in 22 supply stores across the affected counties," said Community Relations Coordinator John Sheehan. "We want West Virginians to know we care about everyone getting the information. We've brought the mitigation brochures and booklets to them, so all they have to do is go to their neighborhood supply store."
One of the 22 stores that agreed to display the FEMA mitigation materials was the Hager Supply Company in the city of Hamlin - population 1,134. Co-owner, Frances Miller, was on hand to welcome a community relations officer, a mitigation educator and a public information officer for the kick-off event. "We're just wanting to do our part to help people get the information they need," said Miller. "We know it's hard when you're having to rebuild after a flood - for some, the second time this year. Maybe thanks to this material, next time it won't be so bad."
In a state that has received three major disaster declarations for severe storms and flooding during the past two years, there is no doubt it is only a matter of time before the next big storm causes rivers to overflow and houses to fill with water. To help diminish the costly effects of repeated flooding, FEMA experts are reaching out to the citizens who are most vulnerable.
"People have been really interested to learn there are little things they can do to protect themselves and their property from the next flood," said Noah Thacker, community education branch chief for mitigation. "It doesn't have to be expensive to elevate appliances above the flood level and to relocate electric panels. These are some of the small things people can do that may have big results. If they would just use these measures now, whether or not they're rebuilding from current flood damage, they could save themselves a lot of money and a lot of heartache for when the next flood comes."
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 04-Aug-2003 09:06:23