Natural Hazard Observer Nov 2005

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NFIP Simplifies Adjustment Process for Policyholders Affected by Hurricane Katrina In recognition of the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the National Flood Insurance Pro- gram (NFIP) has modified the way it settles claims to expedite the response to those policyholders in storm - stricken areas. The NFIP is utilizing all available data on water depths, aerial imagery, and information from un- derwriting files to determine properties where it is readily apparent that flood damage covered by the policy will exceed the amount of insurance purchased. It will be pos- sible to pay the policy limits through dialogue with the insured and without waiting for a site visit to adjust the loss. This process may be used when homes have been washed off their foundations, affected for long periods by standing water, or when only pilings or a slab remain. The NFIP has waived the usual requirement that the Policyholder must submit a proof -of -loss and instead, where the policyholder agrees, will rely on a report by the claims adjuster. The NFIP has urged insurance companies to provide advance checks of around $3,000 to policy- holders who carry contents coverage. Flood insurance assistance is available from the Federal Emergency Man- agement Agency at http://www.fema.gov/Press/2OO`5/k`atri nainsurance.shtm and (800) 427 -4661. Information about the NFIP can be found at http: / /www.FloodSman.govl. Hurricane Katrina and LLIS.gov In response to the recent Hurricane Katrina disaster, LLIS.gov has created a Hurricane Katrina page for mem- bers to access relevant disaster recovery lessons learned, best practices, after- action reports, and other hurricane- related documents. LLIS.gov users can submit comments, experiences, and observations from Katrina that will assist in the development of new lessons learned. In addition, users can post questions, comments, and insights to a Katrina - specific message board. Information on all phases of the disaster, including response and recovery operations, and all emergency re- sponse functions, such as search and rescue, communica- tions, and law enforcement operations, is encouraged. Whether it is the receiving of displaced residents or the sending of personnel and resources to the Gulf Coast, jurisdictions across the nation have been affected by Hur- ricane Katrina, and LLIS.gov would appreciate feedback on the disaster. LLIS.gov is also seeking similar informa- tion about Hurricane Rita. Membership to LLIS.gov is required and open only to vetted emergency response providers and homeland security officials. For more information and to register, visit http: / /www. llis. gov /. Comprehensive Transitional Housing Assis- tance Program for Katrina Evacuees The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Devel- opment (HUD) have implemented a series of measures to accelerate the delivery of federal assistance and provide transitional housing for victims of Hurricane Katrina. To- Natural Hazards Obsener November 2005 18 gether, these federal programs intend to help displaced individuals and families obtain needed stability while pro- viding them with flexible housing options as the country works to rebuild communities throughout the Gulf Coast region. Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individuals and Households Program (IHP), DHS will process expedited transitional housing assistance for qualified homeowners and renters displaced by Hurri- cane Katrina. Because not all evacuees are eligible for assistance through the IHP program, displaced families, including formerly HUD assisted evacuees and those homeless prior to Hurricane Katrina, will qualify for the Katrina Disaster Housing Assistance Program adminis- tered by HUD through the established network of local public housing authorities. A general description of the two programs is avail- able in the press release at http: / /Www.dhs.gov /d`hspublic/ interapp /press release /press release 0766.xml. More de- tailed information is available through FEMA at http: // www.fema.gov/Press/2OO5/k`atrinatranshousitzg.s/ltm and HUD at http: / /www.hud.gov /offices /pih /. NOAA and USGS to Conduct Pilot Project for Flash Flood and Debris Flow Warning System The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- tion (NOAA) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have announced plans to conduct a pilot project in South- ern California that will improve National Weather Service forecasts of potential debris flows, also known as mud flows. The project's goal is to provide public warnings of imminent threats in and near areas recently burned by wildfires. The pilot project was announced as the agencies re- leased the NOAA -USGS Debris Flow Warning System — Final Report, which outlines an initial plan for the proto- type and identifies the potential for expanding the warning system nationwide by developing improved technologies to characterize flash flood and debris flow hazards. These will be combined with existing methods used by the Na- tional Weather Service to forecast and measure precipita- tion. A principal finding of the task force that developed the report is that the potential exists to enhance and ex- pand the warning system in the future to provide detailed maps that show areas that could be impacted by flash floods and debris flows. Such maps could potentially be generated in real -time during a storm by incorporating improved forecasts and measurements of precipitation into detailed susceptibility models. For more information about the warning system, visit http: / /www. iisgs. gov /homepage /sciencefeatures /debris, fl ow_ca. asp. The 60 -page report can be downloaded from http: / /pubs. usgs. gov /circ /2005/1283/. Citizen Corps Partners with Meals on Wheels The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Citizen Corps has announced a partnership with Meals on Wheels Association of America. State, county, local, and tribal . Citizen Corps Councils will work with Meals on Wheels