After Hurricane Ike bashed a hole in their roof and left their first floor uninhabitable, FEMA experts recommended that Galveston (TX) residents Matt and Lauren Johnson elevate their home 3' above the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
The Johnsons went for 12' instead.
“Even if it costs us more now, whatever costs us less. . . »read more
3ft of Freeboard? I’ll Take 12ft!
After Hurricane Ike bashed a hole in their roof and left their first floor uninhabitable, FEMA experts recommended that Galveston (TX) residents Matt and Lauren Johnson elevate their home 3' above the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
The Johnsons went for 12' instead.
“Even if it costs us more now, whatever costs us less. . . »read more
Free Online Hurricane Response Training
Want training on how to help safely guide your community through a hurricane, but lack the resources and time to head off to a specialized class somewhere? Have a look at the Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training (COMET) hurricane course. It's free, and you can do it from any computer connected to the internet. Here's a. . . »read more
How to File a Claim with BP
We can't find this document online (yet), but BP has released a fact sheet providing an overview of the claims process. You can download a PDF of our scan of it here: "BP Claims Fact Sheet."
Here's the entire version in English:
FACT SHEET: BP CLAIMS
BP has established a process for Gulf Coast individuals, businesses and government entities to file. . . »read more
It’s Back . . . Senate Reauthorizes National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
From the bright and informed folks over at the Association of State Floodplain Managers:
As part of a unanimous consent agreement last night, the Senate cleared a measure (HR 5569) that would extend the authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30, 2010. It was previously passed by the House, so it will become effective as soon. . . »read more
Panel to Discuss Long-Term Impacts of Oil Spill, this Friday (Web or Corpus Christi)
Curious about the projected effects of the oil spill on the region? The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies is hosting an event in Corpus Christi on Friday. Not in Texas (or too far from Corpus Christi)? You can also watch the event on your computer. From their press release:
Scientists with the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico. . . »read more
Tree Ordinance and Landscape Codes for Mississippi [Training]
This sounds promising (press release):
A Joint Event by the Mississippi Municipal League and the Mississippi Urban Forest Council
More and more communities are embracing urban and community forests as a valuable part of their community. This seminar will teach you how to develop effective tree ordinances and landscape codes. You will also learn how to. . . »read more
New Batch of Oil Spill Photos
MSNBC has added to their already expansive photo collection covering the spill from the explosion to yesterday (day 62). While they're not pleasant viewing, many of the photos are captivating. Don't forget to visit the easily-missed tabs in the upper right corner that break the photos down month-by-month.
"Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster" (on. . . »read more
Long Beach Library Sponsors Disaster Preparedness
Just got this press release from the Gulf Coast Libraries:
Are you ready for the 2010 Hurricane Season?
If you think so, test your skills and knowledge in the Amazing Library Race on Friday, June 25th from 12 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Gulf Coast Library in Long Beach. Please be on time so you can have an early start and a greater chance to win one of the top. . . »read more
Congress Wants Your Thoughts on New NOAA Climate Service
Today marks the first day of a two-week online dialogue on the establishment of the NOAA Climate Service. You can participate in the conversation by visiting their website: www.NAPAclimatedialogue.org.
The study is trying to determine how the NOAA Climate Service can best:
Provide information at the global, regional and state levels over varying. . . »read more
Federal Flood Insurance Will Cover Flood-Related Oil Damage [FEMA Memo]
FEMA has released a memo clarifying that in the event of a declared flood disaster, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage will apply even if oil is mixed with flood waters.
The brief memo suggest that the NFIP will bill the party that caused the oil damage (in this case, British Petroleum) for the damages. And while this bit is somewhat less. . . »read more
