Release No.: 1425-37
Release Date: July 23, 2002

San Antonio, TX -- Homeowners, landlords and business owners are urged to check with local governments regarding permits before repairing or rebuilding a flood-damaged structure. There are requirements on how and where structures may be renovated in a flooded area.

"Many regulations are in place to assure that there is a lessening or even a removal of a potential for damages from future floods," said Ross Richardson, Mitigation Branch Chief with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "While the government can help flood victims get back on their feet, there is not an unlimited source of money to cover ongoing losses from future flooding."

Local governments use permits to assure that rebuilders meet the necessary requirements brought about by the 2002 flooding situation. Information on these requirements is available from local city and county permitting offices.

FEMA and TXDEM Hazard Mitigation specialists are present at all Disaster Recovery Centers to assist anyone who has flood-damaged or destroyed structures with information and educational material dealing with ways to mitigate against future flood damages. The centers are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.

"There are several approaches to mitigating a flood-damaged structure," said Greg Pekar, Mitigation Officer, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TXDEM). "These include elevation, relocation or acquisition to prevent future losses."

"We urge all rebuilders to visit their local permitting offices and secure all necessary permits before they begin the task at hand," added Richardson. "Prior planning and solid information will result in a more flood-resistant structure that has an excellent chance of remaining safe, sanitary and secure when the next flood occurs."