FEMA Region 3: Act Now to Prevent Problems from Spring Flooding

erika.osullivan — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:21:44 +0000

PHILADELPHIA- While Spring brings the promise of warmer weather and longer days, it also brings the threat of spring flooding. That is why the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 3 is urging residents to take a moment and look at whether they’re prepared should parts of the region experience spring flooding.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States and can occur anywhere at any time. Rainfall is only one of the many reasons flooding can disrupt a community. Other causes include melting snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems. Floods can develop slowly or quickly with little or no warning at all.

“Every step you take now to prepare ahead of a storm or flooding event can help not only protect your family and the life you have built, but help you recover quicker as well” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “I encourage everyone to make a plan and practice it with their families.”

Mitigation measures reduce a property’s risk. They allow residents to return home more quickly, with less damage, after the next storm. While it may cost more to begin with, mitigation pays off in the long run. In fact, it’s estimated that for every dollar spent on mitigation, you save six dollars from future losses.

Here are some actions you can take if you know your property is vulnerable to floods:

Raise or flood-proof your washer, dryer, water heater and HVAC systems. If possible, move these appliances out of your basement to the second floor or attic.
Relocate electrical outlets to three feet above the floor.
Seal your basement walls with waterproofing compounds.
Elevate the exterior air conditioning compressor 2-3 feet.

Now is also a great time to consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Just one inch of water in your home can cause $25,000 in damage and flooding is typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance.

Last year, The National Flood Insurance Program completed a holistic update to the way it prices flood insurance called Risk Rating 2.0. This new rating methodology ensures rates are more specific to the flood risk for each property, rather than generic flood zones. Call your insurance agent to get a quote in just a few minutes. Having a policy in place can provide financial peace of mind before the next storm hits.

It’s also important to make-a-plan for your household, to include your pets, so that you and your family are aware of what to do if flooding occurs. As a part of your plan make sure to include safest evacuation routes, nearby shelter locations, how to listen for warning notifications, and packing a safety preparedness kit.

Gather essential documents and information and place them in a waterproof container, along with creating password protected digital copies.
Move all valuable items to a higher level of the home. Prepare your home by performing regular inspections to identify home weaknesses.
Check and clean home gutters often to ensure that the home has a well operated draining system.

During flood, pay attention to first responders and evacuate immediately if told to do so.

Do not ignore signs, detours, and road barriers; they are there to keep you safe.
Avoid walking, swimming, or driving through heavy flood waters. Follow the golden rule of “Turn Around. Don’t Drown!”
If trapped in rapidly flowing water, stay in your vehicle unless water is rising in the car. If water is rising inside, move to the roof of the vehicle.
If confined to a house, do not climb into closed spaces. Move to the highest level of the home and only get on the roof if necessary to signal for help.

Stay informed by downloading the FEMA mobile app. The app is available for download on iOS or Android.

For more information on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), visit floodsmart.gov and to find information on preparing for a storm, visit ready.gov.

To schedule an interview, reach out to the FEMA R3 News Desk at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

erika.osullivan Wed, 03/22/2023 - 15:21

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Hardy County, West Virginia

erika.osullivan — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 17:51:50 +0000

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Hardy County, West Virginia

FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Hardy County, West Virginia. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on March 8, 2023. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Melissa Scott at mscott.hardyplanner@gmail.com.

The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/yCKLr.

For more information about the flood maps:

Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Hardy County Flood Mapping Milestones

September 15, 2021 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
April 14, 2022 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
June 21, 2023 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
March 8, 2023 – Appeal Period starts.
Winter 2024* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

erika.osullivan Tue, 03/07/2023 - 17:51

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Chesterfield County

charles.elison — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 20:13:04 +0000

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Chesterfield County

PHILADELPHIA - FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Chesterfield County, Virginia. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

The 90-day appeal period started on December 12, 2022. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting Christopher Workman, Inspections and Floodplain Manager, at (804) 796-7106 or email WorkmanC@chesterfield.gov.

For more information about the flood maps:

Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Chesterfield County Flood Mapping Milestones

April 28, 2020 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
June 14, 2021 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
July 22, 2021 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
June 30, 2022 — Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
On December 12, 2022 – Appeal Period started.
February 2024* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

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If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

charles.elison Tue, 12/13/2022 - 20:13

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves West Virginia Disaster Declaration

mayshaunt.gary — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 23:15:01 +0000

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves West Virginia Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of West Virginia to supplement local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from Aug. 14-15, 2022.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in Fayette County.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Jeffrey L. Jones has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Damage assessments are continuing in other areas and additional counties may be designated for assistance after the assessments are completed.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/29/2022 - 23:15

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves West Virginia Disaster Declaration

mayshaunt.gary — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:02:16 +0000

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves West Virginia Disaster Declaration

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Jeffrey L. Jones has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Damage assessments are continuing in other areas and additional counties may be designated for assistance after the assessments are completed.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/29/2022 - 18:02

FEMA COVID-19 Reimbursement Exceeds $4 Billion in Mid-Atlantic States

amanda.hancher — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:28:49 +0000

FEMA COVID-19 Reimbursement Exceeds $4 Billion in Mid-Atlantic States

PHILADELPHIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided more than $4 billion to Region 3 states and the District of Columbia for costs related to saving lives and protecting the public from COVID-19. In addition to Washington, DC, Region 3 includes Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Funds were distributed among local partners, state partners, school districts, other public entities, and certain private nonprofits.

The federal funding reimbursed costs associated with emergency protective measures via FEMA’s Public Assistance program. The program reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. These emergency protective measures included patient testing, purchasing of personal protective equipment (PPE), and patient care. Further reimbursement covered costs associated with storing, handling, transporting, distributing, and administering vaccines.

“FEMA is committed to providing mission critical funding to our state, local and nonprofit partners,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “The $4 billion in aid reduced the spread of the COVID-19 virus within our communities. FEMA continues to work hand in hand with our federal, state and tribal partners to lessen the impacts of COVID-19.”

The total amount of Public Assistance funds received, as of October, per state and the District of Columbia are as follows:

Delaware: $216,336,970

District of Columbia: $722,221,321

Maryland: $1,391,766,239

Pennsylvania: $830,914,127

Virginia: $784,516,159

West Virginia: $94,111,245

It takes scores of Public Assistance projects to add up to $4 billion. A few recent projects that FEMA Region 3 provided funding for include:

District of Columbia

DC Office of Contracts and Procurement - $481,964,601.43
- These funds allowed for the purchasing of equipment, materials, supplies, and services in response to COVID-19.

Delaware

Christiana Care Health Services - $20,389,812.10
- The funds granted to Christiana Care Health Services provided PPE, testing, patient care, and medical equipment.

Maryland

Adventist Healthcare - PNP Hospital - $42,649,915.00
- The Adventist Health funds were obligated towards testing, medical supplies, PPE, and patient care.

Pennsylvania

City of Philadelphia - $41,413,989.47
- The City of Philadelphia’s grant money provided for feeding the public, alternate care sites, emergency operation center (EOC) costs, non-congregate sheltering, distribution of information, mortuary services, and vaccines.

Virginia

Valley Health Hospital - $17,786,402.54
- Valley Health funds were obligated towards PPE, training, screening, cleaning, medical transport, temporary medical facilities, vaccines, and patient care.

West Virginia

West Virginia University - $9,566,079.98
- West Virginia University directed funds to testing and distribution of information.

The response to COVID-19 has been a highly coordinated effort between states, territories, and the federal government. In addition, to the $4 billion in Public Assistance funding, FEMA actively collaborated with the National Guard on strategic Mission Assignments. To date, the total amount of Mission Assignment funds provided per state, are as follows:

Delaware: $145,979,574.00

Maryland: $405,582,023.50

Pennsylvania: $265,271,549.00

Virginia: $471,268,549.00

West Virginia: $356,125,360.24

“The funds granted to Region 3 had profoundly positive impacts on our communities’ ability to respond to the risks of COVID-19,” Tierney said. “The funding provided the ability to purchase vital equipment and supplies. Ultimately, the funds ensured protection for frontline workers and the public.”

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If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

amanda.hancher Mon, 11/21/2022 - 15:28

Borough of Yardley Residents To Save More On Flood Insurance Premiums

amanda.hancher — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 19:56:58 +0000

Borough of Yardley Residents To Save More On Flood Insurance Premiums

PHILADELPHIA – Residents in the Borough of Yardley, PA now have lower flood insurance premiums because of the community’s initiatives to implement better floodplain management measures encouraged by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The Federal Emergency Management Agency created the voluntary Community Rating System (CRS) program to recognize local efforts to reduce flood risk, and to reward communities, their residents, and businesses by saving them money on flood insurance premiums. The Borough of Yardley recently advanced its standing in the program.

Senior NFIP Specialist from FEMA Region 3, Bobby Cobelli, presented a plaque to local officials at the Borough Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 15th. With the steps taken by the community to protect its citizens and increase its resiliency, the Borough advanced its CRS rating to a Class 8 community. “We recognize and celebrate the Borough for their ambition, hard work, and leadership in strengthening floodplain management” he said. “Advancing within the CRS program is a tremendous accomplishment.”

Under CRS, local officials are asked to meet three goals: (1) reduce flood losses, (2) facilitate accurate insurance rating, and (3) promote the awareness of flood insurance. Communities who apply to participate in CRS are required to provide information demonstrating their floodplain management program exceeds the minimum requirements of the NFIP. The program includes 10 different class rating levels based on the number and type of activities initiated by participating communities. For each class advancement, NFIP policy holders receive an additional 5% reduction in their flood insurance premiums up to a 45% reduction for a Class 1 community. Each NFIP policy written in the Borough of Yardley will have an approximate 10% CRS discount.

“Yardley should be applauded for taking this significant step to increase flood insurance awareness in their community, which provides the opportunity for residents to benefit from reduced flood insurance premiums thanks to the borough’s increased floodplain mitigation and flood control measures,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “Communities near Yardley and across the state can learn from Yardley’s CRS participation in order to provide the same benefits to their residents.”

The Borough earned its CRS classification by conducting flood outreach projects, maintaining updated flood maps, improving flood regulations, and distributing information about flood preparedness to its residents. In addition to these outreach initiatives, the community also worked to elevate 39 homes using various funding sources, like FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) funds, to permanently reduce risk to property. The Borough also maintained construction certificates, stormwater management regulations, and preserved open space in the floodplain. “CRS communities take pre-disaster mitigation steps to reduce overall flood vulnerability and build community resilience,” stated MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator. “We thank the Borough for their direct actions to safeguard their community and property from flood risk.”

To learn more about the Community Rating System, visit www.FEMA.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-community-rating-system. For information about flood insurance, property owners should contact their insurance agent, visit www.FEMA.gov/national-flood-insurance-program, or call the NFIP's toll-free information line at 1-800-427-4661.

Read FEMA CRS fact sheet for more information about the program. If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema,dhs.gov

Visit Hurricanes | Ready.gov and Floods | Ready.gov to learn more about your risk and act today.

FEMA Region 3 presents plaque to local officials at the Borough of Yardley’s Council Meeting. From left: Bobby Cobelli, FEMA NFIP Specialist; Wes Foraker, Yardley Borough Emergency Management Coordinator; Audrey Kenny, Bucks County Director of Emergency Services

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema

amanda.hancher Wed, 11/16/2022 - 19:56

FEMA announces $51 million in firefighter grants across Region 3

charles.elison — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 18:03:11 +0000

FEMA announces $51 million in firefighter grants across Region 3

PHILADELPHIA– Some 300 fire departments in five mid-Atlantic states have received more than $51 million in competitive grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) awards help fire departments protect their communities by funding replacements of aging equipment; vehicle purchases; personnel training; radios, protective gear, tools and life-saving equipment; and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fires and fire-related hazards.

State	Number of Awards	Amount
Delaware	2	$257,216
Maryland	22	$6,766,841
Pennsylvania	226	$31,775,832
Virginia	22	$5,621,286
West Virginia	29	$6,710,363
Totals	301	$51,131,541

“Firefighters play a crucial role in keeping America’s communities safe and resilient,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “We take pride in helping fire departments stay ready to save lives and property, and we urge fire departments to apply for funding in the next cycle.”

Awards went to fire departments in areas from small towns to big cities. A few include:

East Bank, a small town in West Virginia, which received more than $150,000 to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). SCBA allows crews to breathe safely as they fight fires.
Chesterfield County, Va., just south of Richmond, which received $1.9 million for a source capture exhaust system and its installation. These systems capture and contain vehicle exhaust emissions and airborne particles, reducing health risks to firefighters.
The City of Pittsburgh, which received $1.7 million for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
And Sharpsburg, Md., a small town near the Antietam National Battlefield, that received $1.9 million for mobile radios.

Opportunities to apply for the next round of AFGs should begin in late 2022 or early 2023; the date has not yet been set.

To see a list of the most recent recipients, click here and scroll down to the “Awards” section. You can search by city or state to see if any departments in your area received an AFG.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

charles.elison Fri, 10/28/2022 - 18:03

FEMA COVID-19 Assistance to West Virginia Tops $100 Million

charles.elison — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:28:47 +0000

FEMA COVID-19 Assistance to West Virginia Tops $100 Million

PHILADELPHIA - With obligations last week to two Charleston healthcare systems, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) financial assistance has reached $100 million for the State of West Virginia in its ongoing fight against COVID-19.

FEMA reimbursed Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) for more than $1.76 million contracted nursing support, medical supplies for hospital staff and patients, and COVID-19 test processing equipment from September 2021 to June 2022.

Thomas Memorial Hospital Association was also reimbursed for more than $1.04 million to cover costs of contracted nursing support from December 2021 to the start of January 2022.

“After reaching this $100 million milestone, FEMA is especially proud to support West Virginia in its battle against COVID-19,” said FEMA Region 3 Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “The extra staffing, supplies, and testing have been crucial for the healthcare missions of both CAMC and Thomas Health.”

“We work with our FEMA partners every day to serve West Virginia’s citizens,” said West Virginia Emergency Management Director GE McCabe. “We’re grateful for FEMA’s enduring partnership and support as we continue to combat COVID-19.”

Learn more about FEMA’s coronavirus response at www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus.

FEMA last week obligated more than $1.76 million in Federal Grants to the Charleston Area Medical Center Health System in Charleston, W.Va., to cover the costs for staffing, equipment, and testing for COVID-19 treatment. Thomas Memorial Hospital Association was also reimbursed more than $1.04 million for contracted staff as well. The two obligations pushed FEMA grants to more than $100 million toward West Virginia’s coronavirus pandemic efforts.

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

charles.elison Fri, 10/28/2022 - 14:28

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in City of Falls Church

charles.elison — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:00:15 +0000

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in City of Falls Church

PHILADELPHIA - FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the City of Falls Church, Virginia. The community is invited to participate in a second 90-day appeal and comment period starting on November 3, 2022.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community members can identify corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

Residents, business owners and other community members are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Those who are interested in making comments may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is incorrect.

An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is conducting this 90-day appeals period and addressing any comments or appeals that are received. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting Jeff Ruben, GIS and Floodplain Manager, at (703) 248-5328 or email jruben@fallschurchva.gov.

For more information about the flood maps:

Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

City of Falls Church Flood Mapping Milestones

April 6, 2020 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
Sep 18, 2020 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
Oct 21, 2020 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
Jul 22, 2021 – Oct 20, 2021 – First appeals period.
April 29, 2022 – Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
Nov 3, 2022 – Second Appeal Period starts.
December 2023* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

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If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

charles.elison Fri, 10/28/2022 - 14:00