FEMA URGES ACTION NOW TO PREVENT PROBLEMS FROM SPRING FLOODING
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-urges-action-now-prevent-problems-spring-flooding]


Release Date: 
Apr 5, 2021 

BEFORE RIVERS RISE FROM SPRING FLOODING, THERE ARE ACTIONS YOU CAN
TAKE TO BE SURE WATER DOESN’T CAUSE PROBLEMS IN YOUR HOME.

Rising temperatures and a warmer Gulf of Mexico could mean more
moisture in the air and more weather systems like the one in Aug. 2016
that devastated parts of southern Louisiana causing millions of
dollars in damage.

There are ways to protect the life you have built, and it is always a
good time to prepare for disasters. Disaster preparedness decreases
losses that happen over and over, financial hardship and death. FEMA
hopes you will consider mitigation options after seeing what has
worked for other people in their homes and communities.

What you need to know:

Mitigation reduces a property’s risk. It allows 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, estimates are that on average for every dollar spent on
mitigation, you save six from future losses.

Some actions that you can take before the next big storm include:

 	* Elevate (move up higher) 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.
 	* Purchase flood insurance by calling your insurance company or
local independent agent who can write flood insurance directly with
the National Flood Insurance Program.

Resources:

 	* Visit FloodSmart.gov  [http://www.floodsmart.gov/]or call the
NFIP at 877-336-2627 for more information.
 	* Go to www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program
[http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program] to learn more
about any property’s flood risks, estimate an NFIP premium or locate
an insurance agent who sells flood insurance. Visit
www.ready.gov/floods [http://www.ready.gov/floods] for flood
information and safety tips.
 	* Speak to a Community Education and Outreach (CEO) specialist by
calling: 833-FEMA-4-US or 833-336-2487 or visit CEO’s web page for
publications you can use as guides for your recovery:
https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lamit/ or
https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-es-mit/ for Spanish. These
specialists provide information on how to repair and rebuild safer and
stronger after a disaster. Specialists are available as well by email
at FEMA-LAMit@fema.dhs.gov.

For information on Louisiana mitigation planning visit:
https://getagameplan.org/make-a-plan/mitigation-plan/