Federal Experts Offer Free Advice At Disaster Recovery Centers On Rebulding Better And Safer
Release Date: February 5, 2004
Release Number: 1507-013
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and Landslides
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Only a few more days remain to take advantage of the free technical advice on how to reduce damages from future disasters available at the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers located in Marietta and Dillonvale.
Technical experts and informational handouts at the centers will explain mitigation techniques. Mitigation simply means taking action now to lessen damage to your home or business from a future flood or other severe weather events. The free advice is available to anyone interested in ways to protect their families and homes in future disasters; not just those whose homes were affected by the January flooding.
The Marrietta and Dillonvale Disaster Recovery Centers will close operations at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7. They are located at: Muskingum Township Building at 26 Townhall Road near Marietta and Dillonvale Fire Department at 153 Main Street, Dillonvale. Operating hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Disaster Recovery Center in Grove City will also have technical expertise available and is open 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closing at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Two short-term Disaster Recovery Centers will have informational handouts on mitigation available. Locations and operating hours are: Riecker Building, Chamber of Commerce Room, 155 East Main Street, McConnelsville; open Friday, Saturday and Monday, Feb. 6, 7 and 9; and Moose Lodge, 418 North Main Street in Uhrichsville, open Wed. and Thurs., Feb. 11 and 12, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
"As people repair or rebuild, it's an ideal time for them to incorporate disaster-resistant measures," Ron Sherman, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinating officer, said. "Many of these are small changes that can make a big difference the next time flood waters rise or when severe weather strikes."
Dale Shipley, executive director of Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) and state coordinating officer for the disaster recovery efforts, said that similar steps taken after other disasters in the state already have proven effective in minimizing subsequent damage.
"We know that these mitigation techniques work because we've seen examples where damage was reduced or prevented in another disaster," says Shipley. "Right now, many Ohio residents have a chance to take those same steps as they repair or rebuild. We hope they'll consider implementing some of these low-cost methods that will better protect their families and homes."
When considering repairs or reconstruction on your home, consult with your local building official. Getting a building permit is especially important for those with a home or business located within the 100-year floodplain.
Officials agree that the best way to minimize damage from severe storms is to consider both wind- and flood-resistant techniques. Many of these measures can be put in place for little or no cost, and some require more of an investment. More information on these techniques can be found on the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/fima.
Techniques to protect homes from flood damage:
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Install a sewer backflow valve to temporarily block drainpipes and prevent sewage from backing up into the house.
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Add a sump pump in your basement to help keep groundwater from entering your home's interior.
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Elevate key utilities and appliances - water heaters, furnaces, washers and dryers. When possible, move them from a basement or lower level to an upper floor. Otherwise, relocate appliances on a base at least 6 inches tall. Be sure to use a licensed contractor when plumbing or electrical changes are needed.
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Raise electrical components - panel boxes, switches, outlets - at least 1 foot above the 100-year flood level. For help in determining the 100-year flood level in your area, check with local officials.
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Cut drywall so that it is one-half to 1-inch off the floor, especially in basements. Concrete floors commonly absorb ground moisture - especially in winter months. That moisture can wick up the wallboard if it's touching the floor, allowing mold to grow out-of-sight within the walls. (You can hide the gap with wood or rubberize floor trim.)
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Anchor a fuel tank by securing it to a large concrete slab or by running straps that are attached to ground anchors over the tank.
- Add waterproof veneer to exterior walls and seal all openings, including doors, to prevent water entry.
Don't forget to buy flood insurance - even if you don't live in a flood-prone area. Flood insurance provides year-round financial protection and improves your ability to quickly recover when severe storms strike and cause unexpected flooding.
To minimize damage often caused by high winds:
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Anchor critical building components in three areas:
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Attach roof rafters to the walls with a metal connector - most easily added when new roof sheathing and shingles are installed - to help the structure resist wind uplift.
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Tie one floor to another with a continuous strap (nailed on the outside of the wall) or with a floor-tie anchor, nailed to the inside of the wall.
- Secure the structure to the foundation with connectors nailed to the studs and bolted into the concrete - also to help the structure resist wind uplift.
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Attach roof rafters to the walls with a metal connector - most easily added when new roof sheathing and shingles are installed - to help the structure resist wind uplift.
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Fortify gable roofs by bracing the end wall of the gable to resist high winds.
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Take outside measures to minimize flying debris:
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Replace landscaping gravel and rock with shredded bark.
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Keep trees and shrubs trimmed.
- Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on your house or those around you.
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Replace landscaping gravel and rock with shredded bark.
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Reinforce glass windows and doors by:
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Installing impact-resistant laminated glass window or door systems.
- Applying high-strength window security films to standard window and patio door glass.
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Installing impact-resistant laminated glass window or door systems.
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Fortify garage doors by:
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Installing permanent wood or metal stiffeners to an existing door.
- Replacing door with one that is designed to resist high winds.
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Installing permanent wood or metal stiffeners to an existing door.
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Build a "safe room" inside your home to provide shelter from a storm by:
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Reinforcing an existing room (bathroom, closet or utility room) to withstand uplift, overturning or penetration from flying debris.
- Building a small, attached addition to your home with proper anchors and reinforcement to resist high winds or tornadoes.
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Reinforcing an existing room (bathroom, closet or utility room) to withstand uplift, overturning or penetration from flying debris.
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.
The Ohio EMA coordinates State assistance and resources during an emergency and prepares the state for all hazards through planning, training, exercises and funding activities at the state and local level. This includes providing assistance to individuals and administering state and federal assistance to individuals and governmental entities recovering from disaster-related damage and costs. Ohio EMA coordinates homeland security funding, weapons of mass destruction training, anti-terrorism planning and training, and assists local and state agencies determine homeland security strategies and priorities.
Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Feb-2004 14:46:41