HELENA, Mont -- Rebuilding or repairing a home after a disaster can be a daunting task. But with the right information, homeowners can build back smarter and stronger. FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand at the Tri-County Fair in Deer Lodge to provide information about ways to rebuild that can reduce the risk of damages from future disasters.
FEMA mitigation outreach specialists will explain how best to clean up mold, mildew and bacteria, a common problem after flooding. Specialists will be offering tips on how to protect structures from future flooding, including information about relocating electrical panels, washers, dryers, heating and cooling equipment to avoid water damage, and the option of permanent flood mitigation through the home acquisition, relocation or elevation process.
Through Sunday, August 21
Tri-County Fair,
Powell County Fairgrounds
North end of town on Main Street.
Deer Lodge, Montana
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday
Homeowners can get expert advice about how to reinforce structures against high winds and flooding. Information on flood insurance and free publications on a variety of rebuilding and safety topics are also available.
Those who suffered damages as a result of this year's flooding - or anyone who would like to know about basic preparedness and rebuilding stronger and safer - may learn more by visiting a mitigation specialist at the fair this week.
A Congressionally mandated study in 2005 by the National Institute of Building Sciences showed that every dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of four dollars in future losses due to disasters.
Homeowners, renters and businesses who suffered damage as a result of the severe storms and flooding that occurred from April 4 through July 22 may still register for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number: 1-800-621-3362. The lines are open 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily. Registration can also be done by going online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY can call 1-800-462-7585 TTY directly.
Online help is also available at:
- www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/build_safer.shtm
Low-cost measures to reduce risk from natural disasters, building and retrofitting tips, and how to build a safe room - www.fema.gov/rebuild/mitigation.shtm
Information and resources for making your property less susceptible to future losses - www.fema.gov/mitigation/community-rebuilding-resources
Safer building design and construction for design professionals, home installers, surveyors and state and local officials - www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/after.shtm
Resources for different phases of recovering and rebuilding - www.fema.gov/rebuild/smart_strong.shtm
Information and guidance on building safer
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.