FEMA offers tips to minimize future storm damage

Feb. 11--As area residents recover from damage from Hurricane Florence, FEMA mitigation specialists say there are steps small and large they can take to help reduce the potential impact of future disasters.

"We want to provide information to help people rebuild stronger, safer, better," said Joy Shannon.

Shannon and Errica Wilkerson, both community education outreach specialists with FEMA hazard mitigation, greeted customers Saturday at Home Depot in Jacksonville and were ready to provide a variety of information and tips on home repair, addressing mold, working with contractors and the importance of having flood insurance.

Flooding and water damage has been a big issue for many who had damage to their homes due to the hurricane.

For those who live in flood-prone areas, elevating the home may be the most ideal mitigation option but may not be possible for homeowners. In that case, Shannon said, there are other smaller steps to consider.

"Consider raising your appliances off the floor (to avoid flooding) or talk to your contractor about using moisture resistant materials such as the drywall for your walls," Shannon said.

With flooding and water damage, mold is a problem many face, whether it is now or after a future storm.

"If it is a small amount you may be able to clean it yourself but for large amounts you should contact a mold remediation specialist," Shannon said.

And don't forget to look in places such as crawl spaces or attic areas.

As residents rebuild, they may have new appliances or furnishings. Shannon said now is a good time for homeowners to document the "big ticket" items in their house, such as appliances, and keep records of those valuables.

"Take pictures of those things and keep receipts and scan them," she said.

Shannon said it is important for homeowners to have vital records in a safe place and to also have them on record digitally such as scanning them onto computer or emailing them to yourself so they can be accessed.

Five months after Florence, there are homeowners who have repairs completed or underway, but Shannon and Wilkerson said they also want people to be prepared for the next storm when it happens.

"Now is the time to be thinking of ways to minimize the impact if a disaster happens again," she said.

Warren Shepard, of Jacksonville, stopped by and talked to Wilkerson about damage he had sustained at his home from flooding. While he was able to keep water out of the inside of the house with help of a pump, Shepard said he had damage to AC equipment located at a lower level.

Since Hurricane Fran, Shepard said he has upgraded a sump pump and purchased flood insurance.

Is he better prepared?

"I hope so," Shepard said.

Shannon said when purchasing flood insurance, homeowners should also realize there is coverage for structure and also contents and some don't always realize they may need both.

"I have talked to people who purchased flood insurance but only had coverage for structure and didn't realize it didn't cover the contents of the house they lost," she said.

Renters may also get flood insurance for coverage of contents.

If people registered with FEMA and didn't get initial assistance, they are encouraged to appeal and to make sure they stay in touch with FEMA if they haven't heard from anyone by going to DisasterAssistance.gov or calling 1-800-621-3362.

Reporter Jannette Pippin can be reached at 910-382-2557 or [email protected]

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