by Katelyn Bailey- LGA Summer Intern
Flood Information aldwin BALDWIN BOROUGH NEWS
FLOOD SOURCES:
Flooding in Baldwin is caused by four main sources: the Monongahela River, Streets Run, Lick Run, and Becks Run. Heavy storms, melting ice and snow, and ice jams can cause the Monongahela River to crest above 26 ft, causing a high chance of flooding in the industrial areas along E. Carson St. Flooding of Streets, Lick, and Becks Runs is triggered by heavy storms. Flooding in these areas tends to happen quickly and without warning. Floodwaters can cover streets, yards, and driveways and can quickly fill basements, first floors, and garages. Flooding in these areas often occurs with little warning so it is essential to be prepared before it starts to rain.
HOW YOU SHOULD PREPARE:
There are many ways to flood proof your home. One way is to elevate your home above the floodplain. If you are unable to elevate your home, building a small floodwall around the structure may protect from floodwaters. Another way is to install check valves in your home’ s plumbing system to ensure flood water does now enter your house through the pipes. A third way to flood proof your home is to elevate some appliances( such as air conditioning units, furnaces, and hot water heaters) to make sure they have the greatest chance at avoiding flood waters.
Knowing where all important documents and medications are before a storm event is important. A flood preparation and recovery checklist is available at the Borough Office or online at baldwinborough. org. A list of local contracts who may help with home elevations and other retrofitting measures is also available.
Any land or structure alteration requires a permit from the Borough’ s Department of Building Inspections. To speak with someone in the department, call the Borough Office at 412-882-9600.
HOW THE COMMUNITY IS PREPARING:
THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM( NFIP)
The NFIP was established with the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. When FEMA was established in 1979, the agency took over the NFIP and made it what it is today. The program enables eligible property owners to purchase federally-backed flood insurance as protection against flood losses whether they are located in the floodplain or not. Nationwide, over 20,000 communities participate in the
84 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
National Flood Insurance Program. Baldwin Borough is one of these communities.
Any person living within a community that participates in the NFIP is eligible to purchase the flood insurance, though it is not required. However, NFIP flood insurance is mandatory for those who live within the Special Flood Hazard Areas( SFHA) or have a federally backed mortgage.
NFIP insurance covers structural building damage caused directly by surface flooding including a river flowing over its banks or local drainage problems. Structural damage includes all walls, floors, insulation, furnaces and other items permanently attached to the structure. Standard NFIP insurance does not cover contents but contents insurance can be purchased separately to cover personal belongings.
There is a 30 day waiting period before flood insurance coverage goes into effect so do not wait until a disaster strikes to purchase! THE COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM( CRS)
Over the next year, Baldwin Borough will be working in conjunction with
FEMA to initiate the Community Rating System. The Community Rating
System( CRS) rewards communities that enforce regulations above the NFIP minimum and implement other sound floodplain management activities. The rewards come as insurance discounts for residents. There are 10 CRS classes with class 10 being non-participation and 1 being the best. The community improves one class for every 500 points earned. Beginning with Class 9, communities receive a 5 % discount on insurance ultimately receiving a 45 % discount upon reaching Class 1.
As part of this process, the Borough will begin flood safety initiative projects at both a governmental and community-wide level. These projects include making homes in the flood-prone areas safer and doing community outreach.
For more information about Flood Safety, the NFIP, and the CRS, check out the Borough Office online or in person and the Baldwin Borough Public Library.
ELEVATION CERTIFICATES
Every new structure or substantial improvement to an existing structure now required an Elevation Certificate as part of the new CRS program. Elevation Certificates are available in office or online at https:// www. baldwinborough. org / 269 / Elevation- Certificates.