Homeowners,
The following is a post script on how do you qualify for this
flood insurance reduction and thus save money on your flood
insurance. The following are my tips to see if you qualify and
how to apply.
Looking out for you.
Tips
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Locate and review your Elevation Certificate when you
first purchased the property. Beside the
sketch/measurements of the land and your structure is
the form "Elevation Certificate, FEMA, National Flood
Insurance Program. If you can not locate it, call your
insurance company that you are getting the insurance.
The form must be on file because it is basis for your flood
insurance. My form says OMB No. 3067-0077. See me if
you would like to see an example of the form.
In Section B, there is a Flood Determination Code in
Block 5. My certificate happens to be coded "AE." In
Block 6, the Base Elevation Flood indicates 6 Feet.
In Section C 2b, there is a notation for FIRM AE, the top
of the reference level floor from the selected diagram is
at an elevation of 3.91' NGVD (National Geodetic Vertical
Datum).
This means that our property is 2 feet below (6' - 4') the
base elevation flood level. The insurance company allows
1 ft below Base Flood Elevation for the rate reduction.
The only way around this dilemma as stated by Tracy
Mulligan (Former BB Councilman) is get relief from your
mortgage company on how the NGVD is calculated.
Another resource is Rosemary Hardiman (302) 537-4830.
Our house is a raised ranch on non breakaway walls
(cinder blocks). Your house maybe on stilts or raised
pylons and your NGVD maybe more generously
Remember, your height as
determined by NGVD can be no lower
calculated.
than 1 foot below flood elevation in
Block 2a.
6.
7.
If you don't like your Elevation Certificate, discuss it with
your surveyor and apply for new one with your surveyor.
If you need the name of a surveyor, give me a call.
Another resource for Q&A is John Eckrich in BB.
Once you have the documentation, forward the below
information from Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) to your insurance company for your reduction.
Contact
John M. Eckrich, Jr., Building Inspector
214 Garfield Pkwy
PO Box 109
Bethany Beach, DE 19930
Ph: (302) 539-8780
Ph: (302) 539-8011
Fx: (302) 539-8149
Hours
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Monday - Friday
Let me know about your success or lack of success.
Pat Neary
(703)455-9778 (Virginia)
(302)537-4119 (Delaware)
pat_neary@msn.com
This was just received this afternoon. The Town of Bethany Beach
worked with both FEMA and DNREC to accomplish this goal for the
benefit of all our property owners.
- Tony ------------------------------ Press Release Follows -------------------------NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Contact: Michael Powell or Greg Williams, Division of Soil and Water
Conservation, 302-739-9921; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-7399902.
Bethany Beach Properties Qualify for Reduced Flood
Insurance Rates
Flood insurance just got more affordable for property owners in Bethany
Beach. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved a 10
percent rate reduction on the cost of flood insurance for all properties in
the town. The town of Bethany Beach received the National Flood Insurance
Program rate reduction for implementing measures aimed at reducing
property damage caused by flooding and increasing public awareness of flood
risk.
Bethany Beach received a Class 8 rating on the National Flood Insurance
Program's Community Rating System and qualified for the reduced rate. The
Community Rating System is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes
community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum
program requirements.
To qualify for the new rating, Bethany Beach worked with FEMA and DNREC
and implemented new building construction code requirements and
stormwater runoff standards that will help reduce property damage from
flooding. In addition, the town increased flood reduction outreach and
education efforts to property owners.
FEMA estimates that roughly 2,000 policyholders in the town will each
receive an average discount of $55 per year - amounting to an approximate
annual savings of $111,000 per year for the entire town.
Beginning this month, all Bethany Beach federal flood insurance
policyholders will receive the rate reduction when their policies
renew. Property owners without current flood insurance are encouraged to
contact their insurance agent. New policies require a 30-day waiting period
before coverage will take effect.
According to Michael Powell, program manager with DNREC's Shoreline and
Waterway Management Section, the agency helps communities meet and
comply with federal and local floodplain requirements and provides training
on the risks of flooding.
"Year in and year out, flooding is the leading cause of property loss from
natural disasters in this country," said Powell. "We are pleased that Bethany
Beach has qualified for this program that will make flood insurance more
affordable. With hurricane season approaching, we encourage property
owners to protect their properties and invest in flood insurance coverage."
Other Delaware communities that have previously qualified for FEMA's
Community Rating System reduced flood insurance rates are: Fenwick Island;
South Bethany Beach; Dewey Beach; Rehoboth Beach; Lewes; Seaford; New
Castle; and Newark.
For more information visit:
http://www.swc.dnrec.delaware.gov/Shoreline/Pages/FloodMitigation.aspx
(302) 539-5638