Federal Emergency Management Agency News

In Soaked California, Few Homeowners Have Flood Insurance

ACAMPO, Calif. (AP) — On Sunday morning, Kyle Starks woke up to floodwaters that reached the door of his Jeep after yet another heavy rain storm drenched California. Emergency crews showed up with boats to float Starks and other residents …

‘Emergency Berm’ Helped Beaches During Ian, Nicole

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — While crews finish final details of a widespread St. Johns County beach repair project, county officials are considering work next year to undo erosion from Tropical Storms Ian and Nicole. “In five to six months, we …

Policyholders, Agents Say United Leaving Ian Claims in Limbo

The Florida Legislature’s insurance rescue bill, approved last week, won’t take effect soon enough to help policyholders and insurance agents who’ve had no response from beleaguered United Property & Casualty Co. on Hurricane Ian claims. The lack of information has …

Christmas Tree Sellers Feel Effects of New Mexico Wildfire

MORA, N.M. (AP) _ The Monday after Thanksgiving, Deanna Trujillo stood in the bed of her truck, watching Christmas tree after Christmas tree pile up in her trailer. There were 101 in total _ Trujillo, who sells Mora-grown Christmas trees …

Fla. Supreme Court Suspends License of Mobile Claim Center Lawyer

The Florida Supreme Court on Monday suspended the law license of attorney Jennifer Perez, who was in charge of a “mobile claim center” that was set up in a trailer in North Fort Myers about a week after Hurricane Ian …

Smith Island Changed Course After Hurricane Devastation

SMITH ISLAND, Md. (AP) — For the people of Smith Island, weather guides a way of life as much as the tranquil atmosphere for which it has become known. Hurricanes with names like Hazel, Agnes, Isabel and Irene become part …

Law Firm Denies Charges it Tried to Deceive Florida Hurricane Victims

The attorney accused of setting up a deceptive “mobile claim center” to solicit hurricane victims filed a motion on Monday to dismiss the Florida Bar’s complaint against her. A lawyer for Jennifer Perez, a partner with Gauthier Murphy & Houghtaling, …

Researchers Say Misleading FEMA Flood Maps Understate Risk

Researchers at North Carolina State University have added their voices to the growing number of people who say that federal flood maps are inadequate and misleading, causing thousands of homeowners to avoid needed flood insurance. “In fact, only about 4% …

NFIP: 43,000 Flood Claims and $273 Million Paid So Far After Hurricane Ian

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reminding flood insurance policyholders hit by Hurricane Ian that they have an extra three months to renew their expiring policies. The agency said last week that Florida property owners with National Flood Insurance Program …

Hurricane Ian’s Lucrative Cleanup Deals Generate New Storm

It has been a month since Hurricane Ian wiped out parts of southwest Florida. Now multimillion-dollar cleanup contracts are generating new tempests in the Category 4 storm’s wake. Contractors who remove debris and perform post-storm repairs are fighting over local …