Message from Jim

As an advocate of the National Flood Insurance Program, the last four years have been interesting. We all know the story starts with the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW-12). That was soon followed by the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA) of 2014, which reversed or slowed the implementation process of portions of BW-12 provisions. Oddly, it has been extremely quiet since then, to a point that many believe that flood risk and premiums became a concern not worthy of much attention in the future. Articles are now surfacing as the reform process continues which acknowledge the understanding that the program has been moving forward since 2012, just a bit slower. This process needs to occur.

Turning back the clock a bit into the 19th century, did you know that the "Great Flood of 1862", which mainly impacted land currently encompassing California, Oregon, and Nevada, and to a lesser degree; Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico in Dec. 1861 - Jan. 1862 is known as the storm that caused California to go bankrupt? Interestingly, if this event occurred today, the magnitude of this storm due to the increase of infrastructure and development would result in an estimated $725 billion in damage (Ingram, 2013). Now I realize a response may be that the number is not real or can’t be computed, but wrapped nicely inside this figure is the need to understand the urgency to change flood risk perception and behavior. Did you know that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates between 1970 and 2010, a population increase of 39% (34.8 million people) has occurred in the United States Shoreline County population (NOAA, 2015). Society continues to move to locations which flooding can reach more easily. Scenic views and the anticipated increase in real estate values continue to place immense strain on the NFIP, natural resources, and life safety.

Six weeks ago, Central Louisiana celebrated a flood insurance victory four years in the making when approximately 2,000 homeowners surrounding the Beaver Bayou received letters telling residents their homes and properties were no longer classified as being in a high-risk flood zone requiring expensive mandatory flood insurance policies (Allen, 2016). Or did they? Three weeks later, much of the same area was under several feet of water! I'm not sure if “expensive mandatory flood insurance” is the appropriate phrase to use. Hopefully, changing coverage to a Preferred Risk Policy instead of eliminating the coverage was the popular choice. Non-mandatory flood insurance does not mean safe from flooding.

Education remains the steadfast foundation of understanding flood risk. Whether to gain a better understanding of program reform, or acknowledge the difference between perceived and actual risk, our ability to make sound choices and plan for the future increases as our education increases. In my opinion, it is that simple! Habits aid us in remaining alive in a changing world, but only intelligence can furnish the means for progressive adjustments (Lindeman, 1961).

Flood Terminology: Breakaway Wall

A wall that is not part of the structural support of the building and is intended through its design and construction to collapse under specific lateral loading forces, without causing damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system. Breakaway walls are used in the construction of buildings located in coastal high hazard areas (V Zones) which may experience wave action. FEMA has published Technical Bulletin 9: Design and Construction Guidance for Breakaway Walls Below Elevated Buildings to help with the process.

"NFIP regulations require that the area below the lowest floor of elevated buildings either be free of obstructions or have any enclosed areas be constructed of non-supporting breakaway walls, open lattice-work, or insect screening. The walls, lattice, or screening are intended to collapse under wave loads without causing collapse, displacement, or other structural damage to the elevated building or the supporting foundation system. Obstructions below an elevated building can significantly increase the potential for flood damage by increasing the surface area subject to wave impact and velocity flow." (FEMA, 2008)