High ground, Vol. 9, no. 2 (Spring 2004)

INTERESTING INTERNET SITES

www.fema.gov/
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's web site has many online technical and informational document including the Community Status Book which is updated daily.
www.msc.fema.gov/
FEMA's Map Service Center distributes National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) materials to a broad range of customers. MSC products include: Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRM), Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRMs), Flood Insurance Study reports (FIS reports), Digital Q3 flood data, Community Status Book Flood Map Status Information Service (FMSIS), Letters of map Change (LOMCs), and NFIP Insurance Manuals.
www.fema.gov/nfip/enlvinst.htm
Information and guidance on FEMA's Elevation Certificate.

www.state.ga.us/GEMA/
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency's web site contains updates for Emergency Managers, training schedules, and news releases. Many hotlinks to other Emergency Management web sites are also included.
www.floods.org/
The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) website includes organizational and upcoming conference information, as well as hotlinks to other sites of interest to floodplain managers.
www.fema.gov/mit/tsd/OT_Q2sr.htm
The latest version of Quick-2 (Version 2.0) can be downloaded at this web site. Quick-2 is a hydraulic analysis program produced by FEMA for computing watersurface elevations in open channels of all types. This Microsoft Windows-based version is more user friendly than its DOSbased predecessor.

H I G H Ground
Georgia Floodplain Management Office
Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division Floodplain Management Office 7 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Suite 440 Atlanta, Georgia 30334
404.656.6382 (Ph)
Inside HIGHGround
FLOOD-RESISTANT MATERIALS COMMUNITY COMPLIANCE COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT (Pike County) UPCOMING TRAINING

H I G H Ground SPRING 2004

A PUBLICATION OF THE GEORGIA FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT OFFICE :: DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

FLOOD-RESISTANT MATERIALS

WETLHCEONMFEIPTO

Advances in building science are making it increasingly possible to prevent or minimize future flood damage. FEMA's Mitigation: Resources for Success CD-ROM presents case studies of mitigation successes, including examples of financing strategies, technical resources, and points of contact to help communities promote mitigation by demonstrating the rewards of taking action. One section of the CD focuses on ways to protect homes and businesses from flood damage. The following is adapted from "Build With FloodResistant Materials" in the "Protecting Your Business From Flooding" portion of the CD.
What Can Be Done
If the building is in a flood hazard area, you can reduce the damage caused by flood waters and make cleanup easier by using flood-resistant building materials. Building materials are considered flood-resistant if they can withstand direct contact with floodwaters for at least 72 hours without being significantly damaged. "Significant damage" means any damage that requires more than low cost, cosmetic repair (such as painting). Flood-resistant materials should be used for walls, floors, and other parts of a building that are below the flood level. Both FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have published lists of these materials.
Tips
Keep these points in mind when you build with flood-resistant materials:
o As long as your building remains exposed to flooding, it is likely to be damaged, even when you use flood-resistant materials. Some amount of cleanup and cosmetic repair will usually be necessary. Also, although using flood-resistant materials can reduce the amount and severity of water damage, it does not protect your building from other flood hazards, such as the impact of flood-borne debris.
o All hardware used in areas below the flood level should be made of stainless or galvanized steel.
o Basement coverage under the NFIP's Standard Flood Insurance Policy is limited. It covers the machinery usually housed in a basement (like heat pumps and furnaces); foundations and cisterns (generally these are used for water storage in the Virgin Islands); and drywall, but not the paint to cover it. Thus, flood insurance will reimburse a claim for drywall damage, but not material to cover the drywall, even if those materials are considered flood-resistant.
(Continued on Page 2)

The following communities were approved for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):

Community Name Effective Date

City of Glenwood January 6, 2004

Elbert County

January 6, 2004

Currently, there are 444 communities in the State of Georgia participating in the NFIP - 302 cities and 142 counties. Participation in the NFIP is based on an agreement between local communities and the Federal Government, which specifies that if a community will implement and enforce mitigation measures to reduce future flood risks to new construction in special flood hazard areas, the Federal Government will make flood insurance available to all residents of the community. The City of Glenwood and Elbert County have joined over 19,000 communities nationwide who are allowed to purchase Federally backed flood insurance.
For information regarding participation in the NFIP, contact Georgia Floodplain Management Office at (404) 656-6382.

IN THIS ISSUE
!FLOOD-RESISTANT MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 1
!COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT (Pike County) . . . . . .Page 3 !COMMUNITY COMPLIANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4
!UPCOMING TRAINING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 7

H I G H Ground
A publication of Georgia Department of
Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division Floodplain Management Office 7 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Suite 440 Atlanta, Georgia 30334
404.656.6382 (Ph) 404.656.6383 (Fax)
Personnel: Collis O. Brown, State Coordinator Email: Collis_Brown@mail.dnr.state.ga.us
Mindy Cream, Environmental Specialist Email: Mindy_Crean@mail.dnr.state.ga.us
Sonya Isreal, Receptionist Email: Sonya_Isreal@mail.dnr.state.ga.us
Community Spotlight If your community is protecting the natural and beneficial function of floodplains, conducting innovative floodplain management projects,
or producing public information programs or materials, LET US HEAR FROM YOU! Your activity could be featured in a future edition
of HIGH GROUND.
Funding from FEMA's Community Assistance Program-State
Support Services Element Grant of the National Flood Insurance
Program supports this newsletter. The Contents do not necessarily
reflect the views of the Federal Government.

FLOOD-RESISTANT MATERIALS (Continued from Page 1)
o If your building is in a coastal flood hazard area, installing flood-resistant materials in areas below the flood level may create an obstruction, in violation of NFIP regulations. Check with your local building official or floodplain manager before making any modifications to your building.
o Areas of a building that are below the flood level should be used only for parking, storage, and access.
Estimated Cost
The cost of using flood-resistant materials will vary depending on the size of the project you undertake. Your local building official and contractors can give you cost estimates for materials and installation.
Other Sources of Information
To obtain copies of the publications listed below and to order other FEMA documents, call the FEMA Distribution Center at 800-480-2520. Information also is available in the Preparation and Prevention section of the Library on FEMA's web site (www.fema.gov/library/prepandprev. shtm#fima).
Floodproofing Resources
!Flood-Resistant Materials Requirements for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas, FEMA Technical Bulletin 2-93, April 1993
!Floodproofing Regulations, EP 1165-2-314, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, December 15, 1995
!Floodproofing Non-Residential Structures, FEMA 213, 1986
Flood-Resistant Materials
!Commonly Available Flood-Resistant Materials Flooring Materials o Concrete and concrete tile o Ceramic, clay, terrazzo, vinyl, and rubber tile o Pressure-treated (PT) and naturally decay-resistant lumber
!Wall and Ceiling Materials o Brick, concrete, concrete block, glass block, stone, and ceramic and clay tile o Cement board o Polyester epoxy paint o PT and naturally decay-resistant lumber o PT and marine-grade plywood o Closed-cell and foam insulation
!Other
o Metal doors and cabinets
*Excerted from Watermark, NFIP, FEMA 2004, Vol 1, PP 32-33.

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UPCOMING TRAINING COURSES
Emergency Management Institute (EMI): The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland, will be sponsoring the following resident courses. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) serves as the national focal point for the development and delivery of emergency management training to enhance the capabilities of Federal, State, and Local government officials, volunteer organizations, and the private sector to minimize the impact of disasters on the American public.
There are no tuition fees for EMI on-campus courses. All instruction, books, and housing are provided at no cost, and FEMA reimburses airfare. Participants are responsible for the cost of the meals provided and personal incidental expenses. All persons attending EMI courses are required to purchase a campus meal ticket for the period of their course.

Summer Term 2004 (April 2004 through September 2004)
To enroll in courses that will be conducted during April 1, 2004 through September 2004, applications (FEMA Form 75-5) must be received in the National Emergency training Center (NETC) Admission's office 90 days prior to the date of the course.

Course #

Course Description

E234 Digital Hazard Data Course (formerly Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map)

Date
September 27-30, 2004

E273 Managing Floodplain Development through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
E278 National Flood Insurance Program/Community Rating System (NFIP/CRS)

June 14-17, 2004 August 16-19, 2004
July 26-29, 2004 September 20-23, 2004

E279 Retrofitting Flood Prone Residential Buildings

April 26-30, 2004

E386 Residential Coastal Construction

June 14-18, 2004

IS-386

Independent Study Course
"Introduction to Residential Coastal Construction" FEMA introduced this new independent study course September 26, 2001. This course introduces you to basic information about residential coastal construction. Course content is presented in nine units. Units include Historical Perspective; Coastal Environmental; Fundamentals; Identifying and Evaluating Site lternatives; Investigating Regulatory Requirements; Identifying Hazards Parts 1& 2; Sitting; and Financial and Insurance implications.

For additional information on the following courses, or to obtain an application, please contact Georgia Floodplain Management Office at (404) 656-6382. You may also contact EMI at 1-800-238-3358.
FAQs:
Q: What Types of Property May Be Insured Against Flood Loss? A: Almost every type of walled and roofed building that is principally above ground and not entirely over water may be
insured if it is in a participating community. In most cases, this includes manufactured (i.e., mobile) homes anchored to permanent foundations, but does not include travel trailers or converted buses or vans. Contents of insurable walled and roofed buildings also may be insured under separate coverage.

VOLUME 4, NUMBER 2, SPRING ISSUE 2004

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COMMUNITY COMPLIANCE
One of the major duties of Georgia Floodplain Management Office is to visit or telephone officials of participating communities in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the requirements of the NFIP. These contacts, called Community Assistance Contacts (CACs) and Community Assistance Visits (CAVs), allow staff to provide technical assistance and guidance to communities, as well as, assess the effectiveness of the local floodplain management ordinance.
CACs
The CAC is a telephone call or brief visit to a NFIP community for the purpose of establishing or re-establishing contact to determine if any program related problems or issues exist and to offer assistance if necessary. The CAC is also a means to create a greater awareness of the NFIP and its requirements. During a CAV, the following are discussed:
!Local ordinances including floodplain management regulations.
!Adequacy and accuracy of current flood map and study (including annexation
issues).
!Flooding history (recent flooding or flood damages).
!Permitting and inspection procedures: 1. Development permits for flood hazard areas 2. Records of lowest floor elevation
!Determining substantial damage and substantial improvement.
!Documenting floodplain development.
!Biennial Reports.
CAVs
The CAV is a scheduled visit to a NFIP community for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the community's floodplain management program and knowledge and understanding of the floodplain management requirements of the NFIP. The CAV is also an opportunity to offer assistance to the community in understanding the NFIP and its requirements and to provide assistance to the community in implementing effective flood loss reduction measures when program deficiencies or violations are discovered. Additional items discussed during the CAV include:
!Documenting floodplain development.
1. Floodproof Certification
2. "No-Impact" Certification for floodway development
!Procedures for variance requests.
!Results of floodplain inspection.
Prior to each fiscal year, Georgia Floodplain Management Office in consultation with FEMA Region IV Office selects communities to receive a CAC or CAV. Information obtained from a CAC or CAV is recorded in FEMA's Community Information System.

LIGHTING THE WAY TO FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
The 2004 national floodplain managers conference is in Biloxi, Mississippi, May 16-21, 2004. Planners, engineers, consultants, coastal experts, researchers, educators, non-profit organizations, and involved citizens will gather with local, state, federal, and international government officials for the largest and most comprehensive floodplain management conference in the world. Throughout the week, over 150 of the industry's experts will conduct plenary and concurrent sessions, sharing the state-of-the-art in techniques, programs, resources, materials, equipment, accessories, and services to accomplish flood mitigation and other community goals. Comprehensive products/services exposition, technical workshops, field tours, and networking activities will stimulate attendees to meet and learn from one another. The conference is conducted by the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), the world's leading voice for sound floodplain management, with over 6,500 members from all 50 states and many nations.
This important training event takes place just a few weeks before the 35th anniversary of hurricane Camille, the second most intense hurricane of record, with 200 mph winds and 30 foot tides. Camille caused 256 deaths and $1.421 billion in damages and virtually changed the way Americans regard hurricanes. Fascinating coastal success stories will demonstrate how flood losses have been reduced and how land and water management practices have improved since "Killer Camille". Numerous projects reflecting the coastal, riverine and artistic character of the region provide ample opportunities to demonstrate flood damage reduction in the face of daunting challenges, including a tour to one of the nation's most vulnerable cities, New Orleans.
The shallow Mississippi Sound of the Central Gulf Coast posed treacherous conditions before the days of dredged shipping channels, so lighthouses lit the way to safe passage for navigators. The famous Biloxi lighthouse next door to the conference hotel is the inspiration for our theme, "Lighting the Way to Floodplain Management". Countless training opportunities all week are geared to help participants become the guiding light for flood damage reduction. Government, business, non-profit and academic sectors will share how they successfully integrate engineering, planning, open space and environmental protection all over the nation and the world to prepare for a better, sustainable future. Be sure to check the ASFPM website www.floods.org/gulfcoast periodically for conference details as they develop.
Excerted from "Lighting the Way to Floodplain Management," Association of State Floodplain Managers 28th Annual Conference Brochure, 2004.
FYI: MYTH AND FACT ABOUT THE NFIP
Myth: The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) encourages floodplain development. Fact: One of the NFIP's primary objectives is to guide development away from high risk flood areas. NFIP regulations minimize
the impact of structures that are built in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) by requiring them not to cause obstructions to the natural flow of floodgates. Also, as a condition of community participation in the NFIP, those structures built within SFHAs must adhere to strict floodplain management regulations. In addition, the Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 relies on the NFIP to discourage building in the fragile coastal areas covered by CBRA by prohibiting the sale of flood insurance in designated CBRA areas. These laws do not prohibit property owners from building along coastal areas; however, they do transfer the financial risk of such building from Federal taxpayers to those who choose to live or invest in these areas.

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VOLUME 4, NUMBER 2, SPRING ISSUE 2004

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ALBANY/DOUGHERTY COUNTY HOSTED FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL WORKSHOP
Albany/Dougherty County Department of Planning and Community Development hosted a Floodplain Management Technical Workshop on January 27, 2004, at the Riverfront Resource Center. Workshop presenters were Janice Mitchell, Mitigation Specialist - FEMA Region IV Office, Collis Brown, GA DNR Floodplain Management Coordinator, and Mindy Crean, GA DNR Environmental Specialist. Topics discussed included, Interpreting FEMA's Flood Maps and Studies, Local Ordinance Provisions for Flood Damage Reduction, Completing FEMA's Elevation Certificate, and Understanding FEMA Forms MT-1 (Letter of Map Amendment) and MT-2 (Letter of Map Revision). Twenty-six persons attended the workshop including floodplain administrators, code enforcement and building inspectors, planners, engineers, and surveyors.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
MAY 10TH - 12TH Governor's Emergency Management Conference Location: Savannah, Georgia Theme: Protecting Georgia: The All Hazards Way Contact Info: www.gema.state.ga.us MAY 16th - 21st Association of State Floodplain Mangers (ASFPM) Conference Location: Biloxi, Mississippi Theme: Lighting the Way to Floodplain Management. Contact Info: www.floods.org\gulfcoast
SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK OBSERVANCE
Governor Sonny Perdue proclaimed the week of February 22-28, 2004, as Severe Weather Awareness Week (SWAW) in Georgia. This observance is designed to educate Georgians about safety, preparedness, and response procedures for a variety of severe weather events such as floods, hurricanes, lightning, thunderstorms, tornadoes, droughts, and winter storms.
Highlights of the week-long observance were Family Protection Day, Monday, February 23 and the Statewide Severe Weather Drill, Wednesday, February 25. The National Weather Service initiated the drill. Schools, churches, businesses, industry, and governmental agencies were encouraged to participate.

CITY OF DECATUR REDUCES FLOOD INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR PROPERTY OWNERS

Janice Mitchell, FEMA Mitigation Specialist (far left), John Madajewski, Assistant City Engineer, Miguel Valentin, Decatur City
Engineer (center), Collis Brown, GA Floodplain Management Coordinator, and Bill Floyd, Mayor of Decatur (far right)

Janice Mitchell, FEMA Region IV Office and Collis Brown, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, presented a plaque to the City of Decatur during the November City Commission Meting in recognition of

achieving a Class 8 Rating in the Community Rating

System Program. Across the country every year, homes and businesses sustain millions of dollars in damages caused by flooding.

Standard homeowners and commercial property policies do not cover flood losses. To meet the need for this vital coverage, the

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP makes flood

insurance available in communities that comply with the minimum standards for floodplain management. The NFIP's Community Rating

System recognizes community efforts that exceed the minimum standards by reducing flood insurance premiums for the community's

property owners. Discounts on flood insurance premiums range from 5% up to 45% based on credit points received from a variety

of predetermined activities. As a Class 8 community, property owners in the City of Decatur will now receive a 10% discount on flood

insurance premiums.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Pike County, Georgia
The fist issue of "ON THE LEVEL" newsletter was published in January 2004 by the Pike County's Building and Zoning Office. The newsletter is intended to inform and explain to its audience the requirements of local and state building standards. Georgia Floodplain Management Office commends Cassandra Waddell, Zoning Administration and the Staff of the Building and Zoning Office on this public outreach publication.
If your community is protecting the natural and beneficial function of floodplains, conducting innovative floodplain management projects, or producing public information programs or materials:
LET US HEAR FROM YOU! Your activity could be featured in a future edition of HIGHGround

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VOLUME 4, NUMBER 2, SPRING ISSUE 2004

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