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My recent visits with Baton Rouge, Louisiana flood survivors reinforce the critical role flood insurance plays in returning our citizens to home, work and school after disasters. Already, nearly 29,000 survivors have filed claims for the flooding in Louisiana, and FEMA has paid out over $400 million to policyholders.One of our priorities at FEMA is to mitigate the impact of natural disasters by building resilient communities and helping Americans recover when damage occurs. A key resiliency resource is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which saves our country $1.7 billion in...
Posted On: September 21, 2016 Each year at this time, millions of Americans celebrate the return of spring by reinvesting in the places and spaces where they work and live. Whether it's adding a new roof, a new room, or a new coat of paint, we get to work on projects big and small that help make our homes and businesses safer environments to make a life and living.For the fifth consecutive year, President Obama has proclaimed May as National Building Safety Month to highlight the essential role that safe building codese and standards play in decreasing the damaging effects of disasters and breaking the cycle of human...
Posted On: May 20, 2015 One year ago, on May 20, 2013, Moore, Oklahoma experienced a deadly tornado that devastated the area. Less than one year from the event new homes became safer.On April 17, 2014, Moore, Oklahoma, became the first in the nation to establish building code requirements to make residential buildings able to withstand the forces of an EF2 tornado. Building Code Amendments stand out as a great example of managing risk and improving building safety.The code amendment, including requirements for roof sheathing, hurricane straps and stud spacing, is designed so that the homes can withstand winds up to...
Posted On: May 29, 2014 Helping homeowners and communities know their risk of being impacted by disasters stands as one of our top priorities at FEMA. When you know your risk, you can prepare for the worst, take steps to mitigate against hazards, and protect yourself, your family and your property.Year to year, flooding is the most costly disaster in America. Flood maps play a vital role in helping us prepare for flooding by informing communities about the local flood risk. Flood maps help communities to incorporate flood risk into their planning. They’re also the basis for flood insurance rates through the National...
Posted On: February 21, 2014 In my experience, people tend to think that making their home or business more resistant to disasters is a very complex process that requires many professionals. However, in the majority of cases, a little do-it-yourself effort can go a long way. Making your home safer can be as simple as clearing flammable materials around your home if you live in an area prone to wildfires – or as complex as using specialized techniques when rebuilding your home after a disaster.This month has been designated by the President as National Building Safety Month to highlight the importance of...
Posted On: May 16, 2013