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 following locations to provide information about ways to rebuild and repair to reduce the risk of damages from future disasters:
- Lowe's, Bozeman
- Home Depot, Great Falls
- Lewis and Clark Library, Helena
FEMA mitigation outreach specialists will explain how best to clean up mold, mildew and bacteria, a common problem after flooding. Specialists will also be offering tips on how to protect structures from future flooding; including information about relocating electrical panels, washers, dryers, and heating and cooling equipment to avoid water damage. The option of permanent flood mitigation through home acquisition, relocation or elevation process may also be covered.
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Schedule:
7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 14 through Saturday, September 17
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, September 18
Lowe's
1731 Tschache
Bozeman
7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 14 through Saturday, September 17
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, September 18
Home Depot
1500 Market Place Dr
Great Falls
11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, September 17
Lewis and Clark Library
Large Conference Room
120 S. Last Chance Gulch
Helena
Homeowners can get expert advice about how to reinforce structures against high winds, earthquakes, flooding and other hazards. Information on flood insurance and free publications on a variety of rebuilding and safety topics will be available as well.
Those who suffered damages as a result of this year's flooding - or anyone who would like to know about basic preparedness and rebuilding or repairing stronger and safer -- may learn more by visiting a mitigation specialist at a home improvement store 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:
- /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;
- /rebuild/mitigation.shtm Information and resources for making your property less susceptible to future losses;
- /mitigation/community-rebuilding-resources Safer building design and construction for design professionals, home installers, surveyors and state and local officials;
- /rebuild/recover/after.shtm Resources for different phases of recovering and rebuilding; and
- /safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities Information and guidance on building safer and smarter.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first respo...