Monday, September 25, 2017

Update: September 2017. FEMA Risk MAP Guidance Updates

FEMA Risk MAP Guidance Updates

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains guidelines and standards to support the Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) Program. These guidelines and standards define the implementation of the statutory and regulatory requirements for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These also guide the development of Flood Risk Projects, processing of Letters of Map Change (LOMCs) and related Risk MAP activities. More information is available at FEMA.gov.
FEMA maintains the Risk MAP guidelines and standards and issues updates on an annual basis each November.  For the 2017 Annual cycle, a Public Review for standards was held in August. FEMA is now initiating a review of all guidance, technical references and other resources.
This annual update includes routine maintenance and completion of the transformation of legacy guidelines and specifications to produce new guidance documents that align with the current structure of the Risk MAP Program.  In additional to these updates, there are several more significant changes that FEMA plans to implement that include:
  • establishing guidance for Base Level Engineering (BLE)
  • clarifying how submitters can use Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) or other elevation data for Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs)
  • updating Flood Risk Product (FRP) requirements based on feedback from FRP users and stakeholders in the Fall of 2016
  • updating coastal standards to consolidate the definition of the V-Zone for coastal flood risk
Listed below are the guidance, technical reference, and other documents that are being updated for the 2017 Annual (Fall) cycle. If you are interested in reviewing any of the documents listed below, you can access the documents through the Risk Management Directorate SharePoint site and should provide comment through SharePoint if you are a mapping partner who has SharePoint access.  For stakeholders who do not have SharePoint access, email FEMA.GS@riskmapcds.com to request the documents that you wish to review.
FEMA recognizes that many stakeholders have been impacted by the recent hurricanes and other events.  If you feel like you need more time to review any of these materials, please email FEMA.GS@riskmapcds.com.
Comments received by October 16, 2017 will be considered for incorporation. 
Major Changes
Base Level Engineering: New content to establish consistent requirements and to support the emerging creation and understanding of Base Level Engineering (BLE).  Affected documents:
  • BLE Guidance (New)
  • Discovery Guidance
  • CNMS Technical Reference
  • FIS Report Technical Reference
  • Domain Tables Technical Reference
  • FIRM Database XML Schema

LiDAR for LOMAs: New/revised content to clarify how submitters can use LiDAR or other elevation data for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA).  Affected document:
  • MT-1 Technical Guidance
Flood Risk Products: Updates to reflect Flood Risk Product (FRP) improvements that were implemented based on feedback from FRP users and stakeholders in the Fall of 2016.  Affected documents:
  • Areas of Mitigation Interest Guidance
  • Changes Since Last FIRM Guidance
  • Flood Depth and Analysis Grids Guidance
  • Flood Risk Database Guidance
  • Flood Risk Assessments Guidance
  • Flood Risk Map Guidance
  • Flood Risk Report Guidance
  • Quality Management for Flood Risk Projects Guidance
  • Flood Risk Database Technical Reference
  • Data Capture Technical Reference
  • Domain Tables Technical Reference
  • CNMS Technical Reference
  • Flood Risk Database XML Schema
  • Flood Risk Products Checklist
Coastal Updates:
  • Coastal Floodplain Mapping Guidance - Updates to support the combination of two existing standards (SIDs 91 and 98) to define the V-Zone for all coastal Flood Risk Projects, regardless of the flooding source.
  • Coastal Erosion Guidance - Updates to simplify language and to clarify that wave setup should be used for dune erosion analyses regardless, of the coastal flooding source.
  Guidance Transformation
  • Coastal Wave Runup and Overtopping
  • General Hydrologic Considerations (Update to existing document to include transformation of the follow content: Hydrologic & Hydraulic (H&H) Analyses of Lake Levels for Closed Basins, , Hydrology: Regression Equation Analyses, and Hydrology: Stream Gage Analyses)
  • Hydrology: Rainfall-Runoff Analyses
  • Ice Jam
  • Levee
  • Project Planning
  • Post-Flood Hazard Verification/Recovery Tools
  • Acceptable Models List
  • Mitigation Planning Technical Assistance
Other Minor Changes
Guidance
  • Appeal and Comment Processing
  • Coastal General Study Considerations
  • Database Verification Tool (DVT)
  • Data Capture Workflow
  • Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Database
  • Key Decision Point (KDP) Process
  • National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL)
  • Metadata

Technical References
  • Data Capture
  • FIRM Database
  • Metadata Profiles

Templates
  • FIS Report Template
  • TSDN Checklist
  • FEDD Checklist
  • Metadata Profile XML Schemas
Regulatory Checklists

Friday, September 22, 2017

Sept 23rd. California CBC Delegation Special Presentation. Surviving Crisis and Disasters

HOT! Event. Saturday, 9/23/2017. "Surviving Crisis and Disasters" presentation at the 2017 California Congressional Black Caucus Delegation. BEMA International

Non-deployed BEMA International members in D.C. area plan to attend

Register at: 
      http://ccbcd.org .  Follow ‘REGISTRATION’ link to all events.  This event is free.


PRESS RELEASE


CONTACT: Alicia Hamilton
Universal Citizens Media Network
Phone: 424.248.7688

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2017, Washington, DC

California CBC Delegation Presents “Surviving Crisis and Disasters” at the Renaissance Marriott in Washington, DC

In consideration of the recent disastrous storms that have impacted millions of American nationwide, the California CBC Delegation is presenting “Surviving Crisis and Disasters” with Subject Matter Experts speaking on various aspects of emergency and disaster preparedness. 

Topics include; 
    -Environmental and Climate Justice by Ms. Jane English, NAACP, 
    -Preparing for Economic Threats by Bishop Clarence Harris, 
    -Global Threats and Hazards by Mr. Charles Sharp, 
              CEO Black Emergency Managers Association International, and 
    -Individual and Community Preparedness by Alicia Hamilton, 
              Founder of PAC RED,

The event will be held at The Renaissance Marriott at 999 9th Street, Washington DC, 2001 in the Renaissance Ballroom A on September 23, 2017 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM.  Register at: 
 http://ccbcd.org .  Follow ‘REGISTRATION’ link to all events.  This event is free.

PAC RED (Preparation and Awareness for Community Resiliency in Emergencies and Disasters), is a Non-Profit Organization based in the Los Angeles California. The organization works to help improve individual and community emergency preparedness, response and recovery in the event of a natural or man-made disaster through training, resource, relationship and capacity building.
###

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Response & Recovery. Time to Expose and make our communities more resilient physically & mentally

During times of natural disasters and evacuation of residents and communities, can these crisis events also be a time to address other social crisis events from homelessness, human slavery, sex trafficking, and other issues thru evaluation, and therapy from the trauma of natural events to individuals and families?

Rebuilding communities to be more resilient physically and mentally.

bEMA International 



CNN....................

Monday, September 18, 2017

Regional Support to the Caribbean - CDEMA Emergency Assistance Fund.



BEMA International Members, Friends, and Associates:

Rarely do I promote or endorse for donations organizations providing assistance in times of disasters due to my understanding of ‘disaster capitalism’, institutionalized\culturally acceptable corruption, outrageous administration and operating expenses of some entities.

For the past 12-hours till now (5:30am ET) I have been monitoring the forecasts, temperature, and path of Tropical Storm Maria that may pick-up speed to reach the U.S. Coastlines (Gulf, Florida, or Eastern Seaboard).  Its’ immediate affect will be on the nations of the Caribbean, Cuba, Haiti, Virgin Islands (territories of U.S., and GB).

CDEMA has setup a disaster relief fund to provide assistance to all member nations of the Caribbean, Haiti, and hopefully assistance that will not be provided by our current administration to Cuba.



If fundraising opportunities are still being conducted please consider the island nations of the Caribbean to receive some portion by providing it directly to the CDEMA Emergency Assistance Fund.

To Mr. Ronald Jackson, Executive Director CDEMA, and all member nations and friends within CDEMA, within BEMA International “We Stand As One” and I and every member of the association stand with you.

In December 2017 CDEMA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency) has scheduled its bi-annual conference on disaster risk management.  Hopefully this event will take place following the 2017 hurricane season.  This was a time to further our association relationship with Emergency Management\Disaster professionals of CDEMA member nations, Haiti, and Cuba. 

Peace unto each of you.  God’s speed.

Sincerely,


Charles D. Sharp


Charles D. Sharp
Chief Executive Officer
Black Emergency Managers Association
           International
1231  Good Hope Road  S.E.
Washington, D.C.  20020
Office:   202-618-9097 
bEMA International 
GC_Endorser_BLUE_RGB_GRADIE     








“Our lives are not our own. We are bound to others, past and present, and by each crime and every kindness, we birth our future.” ¯ David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas

Cooperation, Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, Community engagement, and  Partnering (C5&P)             A 501 (c) 3 organization.

Sunday, September 17, 2017

$$ Charitable Organizations List. September 2017. Disaster Relief.

Responsible giving during times of crisis.  Understand the process, and ensure your financial dollars are helping and assisting those at the lowest level.

Review the example listed below to get a picture of how charitable organizations are rated globally.  Conduct a search of organizations that you support currently, and during planning for disasters in your community.  Understand WHO will be available and continue to provide assistance in your communities.

Sometimes the microscope has to be pointed inward.

bEMA International 



Charity Navigator  (www.charitynavigator.org)

Charity Navigator



EXAMPLE:
   Charity Search:  Black Emergency Managers Association

Black Emergency Managers Association

WASHINGTON, DC

Why isn't this organization rated?
This organization is not eligible to be rated by Charity Navigator because it is not required to file the full IRS Form 990. It is required to file a form 990-N. This form provides some information, but it lacks the level of data we require to issue a rating. Visit the Methodology section of our site to learn about our criteria for evaluating charities.
What does it mean that this organization isn’t rated?
It simply means that the organization doesn't meet our criteria. A lack of a rating does not indicate a positive or negative assessment by Charity Navigator.
EIN46-0700671
Name in IRS Master FileBLACK EMERGENCY MANAGERS ASSOCIATION
Street Address1231B GOOD HOPE RD SE
City, State, ZipWASHINGTON, DC 20020-6907
NTEE CodeM03
NTEE ClassificationProfessional Societies, Associations
NTEE TypePublic Safety, Disaster Preparedness and Relief
ClassificationEducational Organization
Subsection501(c)(3)  (View the list of codes)
Activities
Foundation StatusOrganization that normally receives no more than one-third of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business income and at the same time more than one-third of its support from contributions, fees, and gross receipts related to exempt purposes.  509(a)(2)
DeductibilityContributions are deductible
AffiliationIndependent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations).
Group Name[Not Applicable]
Ruling DateJanuary, 2016
Asset Amount$0
Income Amount$0
Form 990 Revenue Amount$0
Latest Form 990 ReturnDecember, 2016
Filing Requirement990 - Required to file Form 990-N - Income less than $50,000 per year
Fiscal Year EndDecember
The data displayed in this profile is provided by the IRS for free in the form of Publication 78 and the Business Master File (BMF).
We invite you to share your opinions, thoughts, experiences, and stories about this charity here to help inform the decisions of other donors.  

Need more help getting started? Check out our FAQs.
 
This tool is not for questions about Charity Navigator, such as how we derived this charity’s rating. We will happily answer those questions if you contact us directly. Likewise, if you have questions for this charity, then we encourage you to contact the charity directly (we include the charity’s contact information in the upper left-hand corner of this page) since few charities regularly monitor this commenting tool.


Recovery. DEBRIS Removal. Small business Community Service Opportunity, and Home Owner

Debris removal is an essential part of the recovery process from tornedoes, hurricanes, flooding, and even snow removal.

Community engagement planning, and overall emergency management planning must consider debris removal as a vital part of recovery. 

For small business transportation, hauling, and waste management companies this provides a vital service in your and neighboring communities recovery.  If interested register with your local emergency management, transportation, or other public agency for when times of disasters strike, your expertise is needed in recovery.

BEMA International

Small Business Contracting Opportunities (Nationally)
https://www.fema.gov/debris-removal-contractor-registry-information

Debris Removal Contractor Registry Information
FEMA is no longer hosting the Debris Removal Contractor Registry in an effort to streamline the Federal government enterprise structure.

To replace this capability, you may use the contractor registry at SAM.gov hosted by the United States General Services Administration at the link provided below.

SAM.gov provides a similar service to that provided by the Debris Removal Contractor Registry: contractors may register their business information on the site, including capabilities and locations served, and those seeking assistance from companies providing debris removal services may search for such companies on SAM.gov.

The SAM.gov registry is available here: www.sam.gov.




















Debris Removal – Homeowners
09/16/2017 03:38 PM EDT

FEMA has authorized Clean and Removal Assistance (CRA) for all designated counties in Texas for homeowners with disaster-related real property damage that do not qualify for Home Repair Assistance because the damage did not render the home uninhabitable.

This assistance is intended to prevent additional loss and potential health and safety concerns and reduce contamination from floodwater.











09/16/2017 05:15 PM EDT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Floridians begin the cleanup process after Hurricane Irma, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges everyone to know the best way to remove debris from their property.

Don’t wait to clean up storm damage. Document damage with photos or videos.




Friday, September 15, 2017

Vince Davis Interview. EP 26 Preparing The Tribal Community

/http://www.emweekly.com/ep-26-preparing-tribal-community/

Listen or read the interview with BEMA International member
Vince Davis

"Every community has its own nuances. I’m creating right now with another group of folks that I’m working with a black family preparedness handbook. Very, very similar to the native book, but very nuanced in the way that African American communities get information, communicate with one another. Again, as you attested to earlier, less than 24%, according to some recent studies, of African American families have done anything to prepare for a disaster."

Hurricane Irma Related Resources & Information for Businesses

Pertinent information for all business communities after a disaster, and in future planning.

Business Continuity Planning (BCP) must be a key factor in your overall business planning not only during times of plenty, but during times of crisis.

CDS CEO.  BEMA International


FROM OUR NETWORK FRIEND AT
    Manchester Trade Limited Inc.  International Business Advisors
   1875 I Street NW - 5th floor.  Washington, DC  20006  Tel 202-624-3195      


To view this message in your browser, click here



Hello Florida SBDC at FIU Clients and Partners:

We hope you, your family and your employees are safe.  Like you, we have been recovering from the impact of Hurricane Irma on Miami-Dade County.  For the benefit of our clients and partners, below please find updated information on Irma-related resources.

State of Florida Business Damage Assessment
  • The State of Florida has initiated a survey which will help determine the physical and economic impact to businesses from Hurricane Irma.
 
  • This survey is now live.  If your business has been impacted by Irma, we encourage you to fill out the survey.  This will assist State/Local authorities in determining the scope of impact and what type, if any, of additional financial assistance to provide to businesses. 
 
  • The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Creole.
 
 
 
SBA Disaster Assistance
  • Businesses in Miami-Dade County are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for damages from Hurricane Irma.
 
  • Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
 
  • Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes.
 
  • Loans are also available for businesses that did not receive physical damage but were economically impacted due to the disaster.
 
  • Interest rates are as low as 3.305 percent for businesses and 2.5 percent for nonprofit organizations, 1.75 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
 
 
 
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
  • Businesses in Miami-Dade County are also eligible for assistance from the Florida bridge loan program for physical or economic impact from Hurricane Irma.

  • These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims, or Federal disaster assistance.

  • Loan amounts can be from $1,000 to $25,000.   The loan term is 90 or 180 days based on individual business circumstances.  Loans will be interest-free for the loan term but must be repaid in full by the end of the loan term or penalties apply.

  • Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2017 contingent on the availability of funds.
 
 
Florida SBDC at FIU Resources
  • Our team of experienced business consultants is available to offer confidential, no-cost advising to business owners impacted by Hurricane Irma. 
 
  • More information on our program and the services that we offer can be viewed here:   http://sbdc.fiu.edu

Other Business Resources
 
 
 
 
  • CareerSource South Florida services – CareerSource South Florida administers programs to assist businesses with training needs and employees with re-employment. Contact CareerSource South Florida to learn more about its One-Stop services that may help you.  Their website is here:  http://www.careersourcesfl.com/

Stay safe,
 
Florida SBDC at FIU
(305) 779-9230


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