FEMA Insurance, Mapping Specialists At Vernonia Recovery Center 

Release Date: February 4, 2008
Release Number: 1733-075

» More Information on Oregon Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

SALEM, Ore. -- A Town Hall Meeting in Vernonia last Thursday about new flood maps brought many questions from residents.

In response, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) have decided to bring both FEMA flood insurance specialists and flood map specialists to the Vernonia Disaster Recovery Center to be available to residents to further clarify insurance, the mapping process and its impact.

“These FEMA specialists have vast knowledge of the National Flood Insurance Program, flood mapping and mitigation,” said Glen R. Sachtleben, federal coordinating officer. “Having these experts available to meet with residents and answer their questions is an important part of the recovery process in Vernonia.”

The FEMA specialists will be at the Vernonia Disaster Recovery Center at Vernonia City Hall daily after 10 a.m. beginning today, February 4.

The new flood maps are the result of an Army Corps of Engineers study, commissioned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the December 2007 storms and flooding in the city.

Because the new flood maps are in draft form, they do not impact current flood insurance rates—even if a property switches from low/moderate- to a high-risk flood zone.

The new flood maps are designed to guide the City of Vernonia in setting standards for rebuilding and new development. The maps will be available for public review at Vernonia City Hall until Feb. 7, 2008 when the Planning Commission and the City Council will consider adoption of the draft study. Input from residents at these meetings is important and is encouraged. Both meetings will be held at the Scout Cabin in Vernonia at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with State and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other first responders.

Last Modified: Monday, 04-Feb-2008 17:03:40