Disaster Operations and Hazard Mitigation Flashcards
Who is responsible for disaster and emergency response activities in MBTS
Emergency Management Coordinator/ Fire Chief
Is there a written emergency response plan that identifies your departments duties during and after a disaster
Yes but it is generic for the Cape Ann Communities
What are the objectives of a building condition survey
if building is too dangerous to enter, and which buildings need a permit before they can be repaired or reoccupied
What are the three categories of building condition that are determined during the building condition survey?
A- Apparently Safe, no external damage
B- Building obviously substantially damaged
C- Could be substantially damaged, but damage not obvious (basement is flooded)
What is one of the best guides you can give to owners and residents of flooded buildings
FEMA/ RED CROSS publication, “Repairing your Flooded Home”
Can your community waive the requirement for a development permit so people can repair their flooded homes more quickly
No, repairs or reconstruction must meet building code. OK to waive the permit fee after a flooding event.
When you inspect a flooded building to determine if the structure is substantially damaged, which of the following items should you check? walls and ceilings foundation deck or porch molding and built in bookcase duct work water heater kitchen cabinets
all of the above
Does your community or state license contractors or have procedures to prevent “fly by night” unqualified contractors from preying on disaster victims?
not sure
What sources of assistance are there to help your post-disaster permit operations?
Mutual aid agreement, check with MEMA , FEMA and state NFIP coordinator, State building code agency, Cooperative Extension Services
What is a good definition of “flood hazard mitigation?”
Defined as all actions that can be taken to reduce property damage and the threat to life and public health from flooding.
What are the six basic strategies of flood hazard mitigation measures?
Prevention Property Protection Natural Resource Protection Emergency Services Structural Projects Public Information
What are some of the benefits of preparing a mitigation plan?
ensure all possible activities are considered
link floodplain policies to activities
coordinate with community goals
educate residents
build public and political support for projects
fulfill requirements for federal or state assistance programs
What are the guidelines of multi-objective management?
keep effort locally based
understand flood problem in relation to watershed
consider all possible solutions
identify other community concerns and goals
obtain expert advise
build partnership among private and public groups to work on objectives
Where can you get technical help in planning and implementing a mitigation program?
Soil and water conservation districts Natural Resource Conservation District Watershed or stormwater management districts Cooperative Extension US Army Corps of engineers
List some of the sources of financial assistance that are available for a mitigation program
FEMA Public Infrastructure Assistance
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant after a disaster declaration
FEMA Individual and Family Grants to assist victims with unmet needs.
Pre-disaster Mitigation Program, before a disaster
Could MBTS be eligible for a Section 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant even if it did not receive a disaster declaration
Yes, a PMD anytime or FMA, also as long as disaster was in the state, the HMGP applies to all Cities/Towns in that state.
The building condition survey identifies three categories of building condition. Which two need permits?
Categories B and C will need permits for sure, category A may need a permit if repairs need to be done.
What type of work may not need a permit after a flood?
Cleanup and temporary emergency repairs:
removing and disposing of damaged contents, carpeting, etc
hosing, scrubbing and cleaning floors and walls, ductwork
covering holes on roof or walls as temporary patch
making building safe to enter by removing sagging ceilings, and shoring up broken foundations
Once you advise an owner that a permit may be necessary, do you need to inspect the building or can you save time and just wait for a permit application?
You should schedule the initial inspection as soon as possible after you have notified the owner that a permit may be needed.
Who can help you make sure people don’t reoccupy damaged buildings before they have passed an inspection?
Make sure utility compancy won’t turn service on unless there is an “Approved to Connect” sign posted on building
Instruct police and other departments about permit requirements and ask them to reports any construction projects underway without posted permit signs
Get news media to help spread work on requirements and why they are needed.
Can constructing a levee and maintaining sand dunes be considered flood hazard mitigation measures?
Yes
What is more important: a plan document, or the planning process.
The planning process is more important since it educates citizens and community leaders.
Which of the following are benefits of multi-objective management?
It helps look at all possible solutions
It coordinates flood issues with other community concerns
The cost of implementing programs is shared with others
The floodplain and watershed are treated as resources
All of the above
Which are two types of grants available through the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
Planning grants to help develop or update a flood mitigation grant
Project grants to implement projects in conformance with the flood mitigation plan
If flood is bad enough to result in a Presidential disaster declaration, why should my city need flood insurance policies on the buildings it owns in the floodplain.
Federal disaster assistance for a flooded public building will be reduced by the amount of flood insurance coverage the community SHOULD have on that building. It does not matter whether the building is insured; FEMA will still only provide assistance for damage that exceeded the level of insurance.
Why are high water marks valuable records?
The help residents relate the last flood to the regulatory protection level. Record the extent of flooding to add to the hydrologic record.
How is a building condition survey conducted initially
Use maps with topo, mark impacted homes on map using code A,B,C. Building condition is just visual, from car, as a first level assessment. Allows emergency resources to isolate areas hardest hit and direct resources there.
After establishing the building condition, what must the permit officer do next?
Hand deliver a letter to each property surveyed, including those assessed as probably safe. color code results on map and keep copies of letters.
How are need for permits enforced
first step was notifying the owners, the next step is to complete inspections, and post the appropriate sign on the front of the building so it is clearly visible, with ether, SAFE for Occupancy, HABITABLE- Repairs Necessary or KEEP OUT Uninhabitable.
why is a checklist a good idea for the initial inspectionss
Makes the inspection quick and consistent. Give a copy of completed inspection to the property owner along with safety, health and repair information.
If building is flooded, how can you inspect it?
May need to delay, damage may be hiden behing walls, or under floors, require that all wallboard, plaster and insulation is removed and allow building to dry out.
why must wood be dried out before it can be recovered in wall board
If not dry, it will mold.
why does a community need contractor quality control
after a disaster, not so honest contractors may victimize property owners, offering deals, but not completing work to code. Town should have list of licenced contractors that know how to do flood repairs and clean up.
what regulatory requirements should residents be aware of related to cleaning and rebuilding in the aftermath of a flood
what activities need a permit and which do not
the substantial damage rule
Benefits of the Increased Cost of Compliance flood insurance coverage
need for licensed contractors
include property protection measures as part of repair, not just return to normal or may flood again
Use FEMA book Repairing your flooded home for important steps to document loss, and health and safety precautions.
why would a community need technical assistance after a flood?
extra resources to clarify:
issues with permit operations,
ensuring there is safe drinking water
ensuring contractors are doing proper cleaning
What is bigger concern in hazard mitigation planning other than existing flood problems?
Planning seeks to reduce flood losses and make sure that other activities don’t make things worse. It is not repairing or replacing, it is about improving.
Why is it important to consider all actions in hazard mitigation measures
Solutions should encompass wide scope/ consider other community benefits and local concerns. community should consider all possible mitigation measures and seek support from as many agencies and organizations as possible.
define hazard mitigation
minimize or reducing the impacts of flooding on human development
what are the most common types of flood mitigation projects
regulate construction in floodplain
improve drainage
implement flood warning and evacuation plans
list 2 types of projects that could be in an HMP that address natural resource protection
wetland protection
erosion and sediment control
list 2 types of projects in an HMP that address prevention
open space protection
floodplain development regulations
dune and beach maintenance
list 2 types of projects in an HMP that address property protection
aquisition of flood prone property
elevating buildings in the flood plain
flood proofing
list 2 types of projects in an HMP that address emergency services
flood warning
critical facility protection
list 2 types of projects in an HMP that address structural projects
seawalls
enlarging culverts
channel modifications
list 2 types of projects in an HMP that address public education
environmental education
real estate disclosure
