View previous Hazard Mitigation editions: Here
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Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Hazard Mitigation Plan Alignment Guide
FEMA created this guide with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). It aligns the priorities of economic development and hazard mitigation planning to manage risk.
To build resilience, communities must know their risk to economic disruptions. The Hazard Mitigation Plan provides an opportunity for communities to evaluate how their economy may be affected by natural and man-made disasters. Then, they can develop strategies to reduce risk before a disaster and recover after one.
The guide outlines each step of the Hazard Mitigation Planning process and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, highlighting opportunities for integration and coordination. Aligning hazard mitigation and economic development can help a community in many ways, including expanding local resources, making communication stronger, leveraging funding, and boosting plan buy-in. When they work together, economic development and emergency management staff can build resilience for the whole community.
The guide lists EDA and FEMA resources and case studies, which can support current coordination. To view and download the guide, visit FEMA.gov.
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FEMA Tackles Equity Challenges With Updated Cost-Effectiveness
Methodology for Hazard Mitigation Grants
FEMA provides billions of dollars to communities each year through its mitigation grant programs. To get this funding, local officials have to show the federal government that their projects are cost-effective. Cost-effectiveness is calculated using a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA). A BCA compares the future risk reduction benefits of a hazard mitigation project to its costs. Until FY 2022, FEMA considered a project cost-effective when its Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was 1.0 or greater at a 7% discount rate. A lower discount rate means projects taking place today have more value. This helps communities meet BCA requirements.
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FEMA has taken great strides over the years to update the BCA methodology. Still, it is thought to be one of the most challenging steps in the application process, particularly for underserved communities. FEMA received many comments on this issue in response to its 2021 Request for Information on FEMA programs, regulations, and policies. The comments said that the current BCA process makes it hard for smaller and lower-income communities to show their projects are worth the cost.
FEMA is tackling this challenge with an alternative BCA methodology for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation and Assistance (FMA) programs. This should make it easier for smaller and lower-income communities to get funding. For the FY 2022 application period, FEMA will call a project cost-effective if it meets all three of the conditions below.
- The BCR is at least 0.75 when using a 7% discount rate.
- The BCR is at least 1.0 when using a 3% discount rate.
- The mitigation activity helps disadvantaged communities; addresses climate change impacts; has benefits that are hard to quantify; and/or is subject to higher costs due to the use of low carbon building materials or compliance with the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard.
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Public Assistance Grant Program Resources For All Disasters
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Subrecipient Monitoring
Pursuant to the Code of Federal Regulations, 2 C.F.R. Part 200 explains many requirements of the State or “pass-through entity” for federal awards. One such requirement is Subrecipient Monitoring. The intent is to:
- Evaluate each subrecipient's risk of noncompliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward for purposes of determining the appropriate subrecipient monitoring.
- Monitor the activities of the subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward.
- And that those subaward performance goals are achieved.
Source: Code of Federal Regulations
To ensure compliance with this policy and procedure, representatives from DEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program team have begun outreach to subrecipients of PA grant funding. The intent is for DEMA to perform Subrecipient Monitoring for all 3 current Disaster Declarations, beginning with DR4526 COVID-19.
DEMA’s PA support team will guide the subrecipient through the entire process including emails, coordinating virtual meetings and assisting with filling out paperwork associated with this process. Understanding Monitoring may be new to some of Delaware's PA applicants, but our team is fully prepared to guide subrecipients through every stage. We will be available for any questions, or concerns as it relates to Subrecipient Monitoring.
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The Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD)
The DEVOAD serves as an umbrella organization to encourage collaboration, communication, and cooperation of volunteer organizations in response to State disasters. Contact Delaware VOAD State Chair, Toby French, at delawarevoad@gmail.com for further information or questions.
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DEVOAD Quarterly Meeting
The next DEVOAD quarterly meeting will be held on Monday, January 23rd, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. The location is TBD.
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The Delaware Disaster Feeding Summit was hosted at DEMA on December 5th with over 30 participants spanning across public-private sector partnerships including, but not limited to: voluntary agencies active in disasters such as the DEVOAD, Salvation Army, and American Red Cross, as well as the Delaware Food Bank, Delaware Restaurant Association, and many local, state and federal emergency management stakeholders. The Summit's purpose was to discuss lessons learned from the three major presidential disasters declared in Delaware from 2020 to 2022 (Isaias, COVID, and Ida, respectively). Feeding partners agreed that developing a collaborative Multi-Agency Feeding Plan template and future mass care plan updates are necessary to best serve communities before, during, and after the next disaster. Plans will include special considerations for equitable disaster feeding, especially in more vulnerable populations throughout the state. For more information on future meetings, please contact delawarevoad@gmail.com.
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Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshop (IPPW)
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On December 7th DEVOAD leadership, Toby French and Marty Brett, participated in the IPPW hosted by DEMA in late 2022. The IPPW included coordination for 2023 training and exercise activities to build upon effective capabilities-based preparedness programs for Delaware state agencies and jurisdictions. DEVOAD advocated for an all-hazards table-top exercise (TTX) to test Delaware's disaster response and recovery capabilities, such as feeding operations, shelters, donations management, damage assessment, transition to recovery, etc. DEVOAD encourages its members to participate as a voluntary agency by coordinating with local officials; valuable experience and partnerships would be gained, which are critical during disaster situations.
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There are still properties that need assistance in our communities, please consider volunteering. If you or your organization wishes to volunteer please email Vice Chair, Marty Brett, at mbrett5@verizon.net and DEVOAD will arrange work to fit the skills and number of volunteers available.
Type Of Work:
- Yard and alley cleanup with debris removal
- Removal of drywall, insulation, and carpets
- Replacing molding and baseboards
What You Need:
Long pants, sturdy shoes, and safety glasses. Depending on the work, heavy work gloves and a respirator mask (P100 Recommended) may also be needed.
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Please visit the DEVOAD site to learn more: devoad.org
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Volunteers needed to help distribute food at our large monthly distribution! Come spend a few hours helping our neighbors in need!
New Castle County
When: Tue, January 10 at 10:45 AM - 1:15 PM (2.5 hours)
Where: 100 Flamingo Drive, Newark, DE 19702
Sign up to volunteer: Here
When: Mon, January 23 at 10:45 AM - 1:15 PM (2.5 hours)
Where: 3310 Wrangle Hill Rd, Bear, DE, 19701
Sign up to volunteer: Here
Sussex County
When: Mon, January 16 at 10:45 AM - 1:15 PM (2.5 hours)
Where: 5 Linstone Lane, Milford, DE 19963
Sign up to volunteer: Here
When: Wed, January 18 at 10:45 AM - 1:15 PM (2.5 hours)
Where: 41 Schulze Rd, Greenwood, DE 19950
Sign up to volunteer: Here
If you are unable to attend the distribution, please visit www.fbd.org/get-help to learn about other ways the Food Bank and network partners can help you!
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Customizing Climate Adaptation Options for Delawareans
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The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) introduced the Individual Adaptation Decision and Planning Tool (I-ADAPT). This new tool will help Delaware residents protect their property from damage caused by increased flooding. It will also help the state drive resilience and make communities stronger.
All Delaware residents, including homeowners, business owners, and renters, can use I-ADAPT. Residents will be able to use the tool to form a flood mitigation strategy based on information they provide using a survey. This survey, powered by ArcGIS Survey123, will ask about the resident’s property, including its physical traits and its uses. ArcGIS Survey123 will then make a detailed report which will explain if the property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area and will offer targeted actions to reduce risk. The strategy will also include estimated costs and benefits, potential funding sources, and maintenance and permit information.
The I-ADAPT tool will be posted to DNREC’s site, and will include an overview, a how-to guide, definitions, and more resources on I-ADAPT.
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SMYRNA, Del. – Winter storms can occur anytime and anywhere, sometimes with fatal consequences. Heavy snow, high winds, freezing rain, and extreme cold can knock out heat and power to homes and offices and cause hazardous driving conditions. Preparing now can help to greatly reduce any potential impacts from severe weather.
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is urging everyone to take action: make a plan, build and stock home and car emergency kits with winter weather items, and stay informed on the latest conditions. Be sure to visit PrepareDE.org for additional resources.
KEY MESSAGES
- Winter storms can be deadly, with many fatalities indirectly or directly linked to them: exposure to cold, traffic accidents on icy roads, cardiac events from shoveling snow, or fires from space heaters.
- Winter weather can range from moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow lasting for several days. Many winter storms are also accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and strong winds, icing, sleet, and freezing rain.
- Being prepared and staying informed can reduce the likelihood of negative consequences of winter weather.
WINTER WEATHER OUTLOOK
- NOAA’s Winter 2022-2023 Outlook reports the La Niña pattern is in place for a third straight year, with “warmer-than-average temperatures favored in the Southeastern U.S. and along the Atlantic coast.” The 90-day precipitation outlook calls for “equal chances for below-, near-, or above-average seasonal total precipitation.” Snowfall projections are not included, however, because they are “not predictable more than a week in advance.”
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Shoveling snow, especially if it’s heavy and wet, can cause injuries and cardiac events. Don’t overexert yourself and make sure to take your time. Ask someone for help if you need it.
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WINTER WEATHER SEVERITY AND TERMS
- Freezing rain: Creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
- Sleet: Rain turns to ice pellets before reaching ground. Sleet causes roads to freeze and be slippery.
- Winter Weather Advisory: Cold, ice, and snow are expected.
- Frost or Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected.
- Winter Storm Watch: Severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
- Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions have begun or will begin soon.
- Blizzard Warning: Heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.
PREPARE YOUR HOME
- Winterizing a home extends fuel supplies by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic. Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut any branches that could fall during a storm.
- Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Even a trickle can prevent pipes from freezing. Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
CARBON MONOXIDE
- Carbon monoxide deaths are highest during colder months due to use of gas furnaces and alternative heating, cooking, and power sources used indoors during power outages.
- All fuel-burning equipment should always be vented to the outside and kept clear.
- Clean and inspect all heating equipment and chimneys at least once every year.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, or any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents so as to not allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
- The primary hazards from using alternate sources for electricity, heating, or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, and fires.
- Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk during the winter as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of carbon monoxide. If the alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or an open window or door. Call for help and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist.
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Use environmentally safe ice melt products if you or your neighbors have pets.
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BUILD A HOME EMERGENCY KIT
Make sure a home emergency kit not only includes basics such as food, water, flashlights, candles, matches, first aid supplies, medications, and personal care items, but also supplies specifically for winter weather.
- Rock salt or environmentally safe products (to protect pets) to melt ice on walkways.
- Sand or gravel to improve traction.
- Snow shovels or other snow removal equipment.
- Heating fuel for fireplace or wood stove: keep a supply of dry wood if there is a loss of power.
- If using a generator, make sure it has fuel and only operate it at a safe distance from the house
- Clothing and blankets to keep warm: coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, etc.
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STAY INFORMED
- Sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System at de.gov/dens.
- Before a storm, download free smartphone apps from DelDOT, FEMA and American Red Cross, which provide information on shelters, providing first aid and seeking assistance for recovery.
- Make a Family Communications Plan. Family members may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how to contact one another, how to get back together, and what to do in case of an emergency.
- Keep a NOAA Weather Radio in the kit to receive broadcast alerts and warnings directly from the National Weather Service for all hazards.
WINTERIZE YOUR CAR OR VEHICLE
- Ensure antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing.
- Check that the battery and ignition are in top condition and battery terminals are clean.
- Check for brake pad wear and fluid levels.
- Check for exhaust leaks. Carbon monoxide is deadly and has no warning of its presence.
- Fuel and air filters – Replace filters and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas – a full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Ensure the heater and defroster are working properly.
- Check that front, rear, and hazard lights are working properly.
- Check the oil level and its weight. Heavier oils can congeal at low temperatures.
- Repair or replace windshield wipers and maintain proper washer fluid levels.
- Install good winter tires with adequate tread. Make sure tires are inflated to the correct air pressure.
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Keep an emergency kit in your car with first aid, food, water, blankets, and jumper cables.
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BUILD A VEHICLE EMERGENCY KIT
- Shovel
- Windshield scraper and small broom
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered radio
- Extra batteries
- Water
- Food
- Matches
- Extra clothing and blankets to keep warm, such as coats, hats, socks, mittens, etc.
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Tow chain or rope
- Jumper cables
- Road salt and sand
- Emergency flares
- Fluorescent distress flag
VEHICLE SAFETY AND WINTER TRAVEL
- During a winter storm, minimize travel by car.
- Even if winter weather conditions aren’t obviously present, conditions like black ice can cause vehicles to lose control.
ONLINE RESOURCES
More information about winter weather preparedness can be found at the following links:
Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram
CONTACT: John Petersen
O: (302) 659-2211 C: (302) 233-8180
E: john.petersen@delaware.gov
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WEBINARS, TRAINING, & CONFERENCES
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Increasing Resilience Through Land Use Planning and Building Codes
Date: January 18, 2023
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST
Register: Here
Land use planning and building codes can play a major role in reducing the risks of natural hazards. FEMA’s new National Initiative to Advance Building Codes gives communities a greater incentive to adopt and enforce stronger codes. This webinar will share strategies to bring decision-makers and local planning partners on board.
FEMA Region 3 hosts a webinar series for anyone who wants to reduce risk in their community. The hour-long “Coffee Breaks” are held every other month. These webinars serve as a space to share mitigation best practices and highlight the work happening at federal, regional, state, and community levels to reduce risk in Region 3. Coffee Break webinars are open to anyone who works in hazard mitigation, community resilience, or risk reduction planning. This work can be in the public or private sector and can include community planners, emergency and floodplain managers, GIS technicians, government officials, and contractors.
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Find a Vaccination & Testing Location Near You!
- Find a Vaccine near you by visiting: Here
- Testing: A list of testing locations can be found: Here
- At-Home Testing Kits: Here
- COVID-19 Boosters Shots: Stay informed about who is available and where you can get your booster shots in Delaware by visiting: Here
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Stay Connected & Share With Your Networks!
Want to add someone to the distribution list, have a story to share, or are experiencing issues receiving this newsletter because of firewalls or spam filters, please add Stephanie Swisher (Stephanie.Swisher@delaware.gov) to your email contact lists. You can review any past newsletter editions here.
We Hope You Are Well & Thank You For Reading!
Brought to you by the Recovery Team at the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), in partnership with Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD).
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