A7: Substantial Damage Planning and Operations

Description

1) Managing Effective Substantial Damage Operations
Molly Kaput, FEMA, molly.kaput@fema.dhs.gov
Co-presenters: Adrienne Sheldon, adrienne.sheldon@fema.dhs.gov

Abstract: Making substantial determinations can be the most difficult part of post-disaster recovery for floodplain administrators. The data needed to make these determinations are perishable and information needs to be collected in a timely manner. In addition, there is an urgency of the local permitting work that needs to be completed before survivors can begin repairs. In the immediate aftermath of an event, survivors make decisions about how to repair damage and spend the expedited funding available to them (through claim payments, federal or state assistance etc.). Completing these vital activities as soon as possible ensures that survivors recover in a way that makes them more resilient. Resources such as FEMA Public Assistance reimbursement, programs such as FEMA’s Substantial Damage Administrative Procedures Workshop, and best practices from recent disasters (FL. KY) have been developed to assist floodplain administrators in planning and executing post-disaster activities. Making a plan, collecting data ahead of time, and leveraging available resources can make the process less daunting and more streamlined. Incorporating and using the many programs and resources at the right time both pre- and post-disaster can assist local communities in effectively administering floodplain regulation. In this presentation we will discuss opportunities to prepare for substantial damage missions, provide an update of FEMA's post-disaster programs, and help locals make use of a wide variety of financial and personnel resources.

2) Simplifying Substantial Damage Estimates (SDEs) for Rapid Deployment
Traci Sears, CFM, MT DNRC, tsears@mt.gov
Co-presenters: Maria Cox, Cox@dnr.sc.gov; Anthony Moritz, Anthony.Moritz@mt.gov

Abstract: It is critical for local communities to get SDE information as soon as possible, but the very thought of conducting SDEs after a large disaster can overwhelm most floodplain managers. In June 2022 Montana was impacted by historic floods. The State Montana with the assistance and guidance of South Carolina were able to provide rapid response and support to local communities. Presenters will provide information on responding to the local and state request for support and understanding the SDE process. Additional lessons learned include innovative spreadsheet that helped simplify the SDE process, how SDE teams were put together to maximize response time, utilizing reporting tools in the field, merging existing land use data, SDE tailored results for the local community and community follow-up.

3) There’s No Place Like Home: How Substantial Damage Determinations Provide a Gateway to Rebuilding after Disaster Strikes
David Rubenstein, PMP, CFM, AECOM, david.rubenstein@aecom.com
Co-presenters: Elizabeth Levitz, elizabeth.levitz@aecom.com

Abstract: While much effort is undertaken by communities to remove structures from the risk of flood, or mitigate the risks when that is not possible, it is ultimately a matter of time until a natural disaster occurs resulting in damage to structures. Upon a presidential disaster declaration, Substantial Damage Determinations (SSD) are the critical first step in communities building back. SSDs apply to structures located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) with estimated repairs of 50 percent or higher of the structure’s market value prior to the event and this designation requires homeowners to meet current building codes and floodplain management regulations, when rebuilding after a disaster. This presentation will cover recent updates to the SDD process, which determines when a SDD is applicable, while also sharing best practices to prepare for and perform SDDs in accordance with the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) of 2018 Section 1206. This information is invaluable for communities to understand thoroughly as FEMA does not make SDDs, the local community official does. As a result, there is much for the local building official or floodplain manager to understand before an event occurs to prevent timely delays or confusion during the recovery period. Under DRRA, if the disaster is authorized for assistance under a major disaster declaration with FEMA Public Assistance permanent work, then the cost for the post-disaster floodplain permitting, floodplain damage inspections and SDD and appeals process may be reimbursed. We will cover the proactive measures communities can take to be prepared before they are impacted, leading to increased resilience as their ability to respond to disasters is increased.

Contributors

Molly Kaput

Molly Kaput started in January 2022 as the FEMA Floodplain Management Division’s first Disaster Operations Coordinator. In this new role, she serves as an important connection point between the FPM program and the disaster workforce as she integrates program changes and improvements into program delivery via guidance, tools and outreach. She has already begun working on several program post-disaster initiatives within Floodplain Management. Prior to joining FEMA HQ, Molly worked for over ten years in both FEMA Regions I and III supporting communities to ensure compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program. Suring her FEMA tenure, she has completed multiple deployments in support of disaster recovery efforts with a specific focus on substantial damage and has served as FEMA’s National Floodplain Management SD and Disaster Operations Committee Co-Chair for over 3 years. She helped lead the development of the Substantial Damage Playbook in 2018-2019 which focuses on long-term community support and accountability for implementing and enforcing floodplain management provisions post-disaster. In addition, She has supported FEMA SD initiatives including the development programs for SD analytics, SD operations planning, and implementation of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act.
Traci Sears

Traci Sears is a CFM and the National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator for the State of Montana. She works with local communities, state, and federal partners on flood recovery, the CRS, mitigation, flood insurance, policy issues, and permitting to reduce flood losses and build community resilience. Ms. Sears is a founding member of the MT Silver Jackets Program, the MT Stream Restoration Committee, MT CRS Users Group, the National Hazard Mitigation Association (NHMA), and the Resilience Neighbors Network (RNN). She is a member and board liaison of the Association of MT Floodplain Managers (AMFM). She is actively involved in national flood policy issues and is the current ASFPM Region 8 representative. She recognizes the importance of advocacy for the states. She has been passionate about the association’s transparency and marketing of accomplishments and services.
David Rubenstein

Mr. Rubenstein is Certified Floodplain Manager and a Project Manager Professional currently focused on water resources and project management out of the AECOM Dallas, Texas office. Mr. Rubenstein has dedicated a majority of his 21-year career, by working with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and leads in communicating FEMA’s vision of creating and communicating the various Flood Risk Products that allow various state and local stakeholders to make informed risk-based mitigation strategy decisions. Mr. Rubenstein has 15+ years’ experience in GIS and has detailed knowledge of many of the ARC GIS components. Mr. Rubenstein has been working on and leading Substantial Damage Determination (SDD) teams since the Mississippi Spring flood of 2011. Mr. Rubenstein has since served on 8 other SDD assignments from New Jersey To Texas and has led in the assessment of thousands of structures.