American Flood Coalition

What does it mean when 78% of communities impacted by Hurricane Debby were outside FEMA flood zones? A new report from First Street reveals that more than 3/4 of the properties damaged by Debby were outside of FEMA's designated flood zone. ↪ And because they were outside of this zone, many of those properties didn't have flood insurance. Equally disturbing - the storm caused roughly $12.3 billion in damage, with $9.7 billion of those costs outside of the flood zone. Why this matters: 👉Only properties inside flood zones are required to have flood insurance, but FEMA designates flood zones based on outdated and inaccurate flood maps. 👉A lack of strong flood disclosure laws across most states leaves individuals in the dark about their property's flood risk. 👉 While Debby led to widespread coastal flooding, the biggest impacts were felt inland, where increased rainfall devastated communities. As communities every day are impacted by stronger storms - including this week's flooding in Connecticut - we need to ensure flood zones are aligned with the realities of more frequent flooding, so people are better prepared for the future. https://lnkd.in/eePEjENs

🌀 In the aftermath of Hurricane Debby, communities here in Florida are still dealing with the devastating impacts. The storm caused billions in damage and flooded communities throughout the state, including relatively inland properties outside of FEMA flood zones. Debby is a reminder that flooding is happening all over the state, and in areas where it isn't expected. 🌊 Storms are coming faster and stronger and we have to set communities up with forward-looking solutions that protect communities from flooding. 💪 Florida has taken important steps to address flooding since 2021 with the “Always Ready” legislation. I look forward to continuing to work with state and local officials to make Florida more resilient to flooding. Read our blog to learn more about Florida’s efforts to boost resilience https://lnkd.in/e2CYRyFE

Three years later we remember August 17, 2021. In doing so, I keep coming back to the word “moments.” This time three years ago, like most days, the people of Haywood County went to work, opened their businesses, and sat in school. We kissed our loved ones, smiled with friends, and completed our normal routines. However, in a moment that day would change. For some that day would mark the last kiss, the last opening of a business, and the last hours in their home. The flooding brought death and destruction to our mountains and our people. But the moment the waters receded, we came together as one family. We held each other, prayed together, and took the difficult first steps to rebuild our homes and souls; a journey that continues. In those moments we recognize, recall, and again say thank you to the first responders whether they were local, from across North Carolina, or everyday citizens who rescued us in more ways than one. We remember the moments where business owners not only had the strength to clean-up, but comeback. We remember the moments where volunteers committed their time to help us see past the tears. We remember the moment in which tragedy gave rise to togetherness. I ask you today to take a moment to remember…to say thank you, to say a prayer, to say your sorry, to hug your loved ones, to commit to doing better….because in a moment, life can change forever. Let us honor what was lost in these last three years by recommitting ourselves to build a better tomorrow today. #haywoodstrong #gritandgrace🇺🇸

“It means a lot for the government to be intentional and come together to provide financial resources.” Commissioner Wayne Branch discusses how $2.7 million of federal infrastructure funds are helping Duplin County, NC strengthen transportation resilience.

"Would we be able to do projects without state and federal funding? The answer is no." Mayor Karyn Cunningham discusses a vital flood protection project that uses a mix of federal infrastructure funding and a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Resilient Florida program grant to help protect Village of Palmetto Bay from flooding.