IN Shaler Winter 2018 | Page 56

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) The Township of Shaler continues to participate in the national Flood insurance Program Community rating System which is designed to lower your fl ood insurance rates. if you live in a fl ood hazard zone, you must purchase some type of fl ood insurance from an insurance provider. The Township’s participation in this program consists of a number of activities ranging from storm water management to fl ood control to emergency response plans and public education. The Township provides public education materials to residents who live in a fl ood plain area of the Township. information is provided through the Shaler north Hills Library and Shaler Township’s website (www.shaler.org). We hope to help you understand fl ood proofi ng techniques, learn about implementing fl ood prevention measures and provide sources to obtain fi nancial and technical assistance. information can also be found at Federal emergency management agency websites www.fema.com and www. fl oodsmart.gov. We hope you fi nd the information valuable as it relates to protecting your home and property. if you do not have access to a computer, the Township can provide this information which is also available at the Shaler north Hills Library located on mt. royal Boulevard. If you wish to know more about the Community Rating System, please contact the Township Engineer at: 412-486-9700, Ext. 230. MAP INFORMATION SERVICES Shaler Township can provide inquirers with information about the local fl ood hazard and about fl ood-prone areas that need special protection because of their natural functions. Township engineer, mr. matthew Sebastian, P.e. and the Township Building and Zoning Offi cer, mr. robert Vita are available to assist you in determining the approximate fl oodplain delineation on your property by using the latest edition of the Flood insurance rate maps (Firm). They can also guide you through accessing the relevant Firm information online. They can also provide advice for fl ood protection and technical advice on how to retrofi t your property to protect against fl ooding. This advice is especially pertinent for those residents in a delineated fl oodplain of a major stream in the Township, such as Pine Creek, Girty’s run, and the two branches of Little Pine Creek, which are prone to periodic fl ooding. Mr. Sebastian and Mr. Vita can be reached at the main number of 412-486-9700. FLOOD PROTECTION it is important to protect our natural fl oodplains, when possible, by discouraging building new structures or placing fi ll in them. These activities will reduce the amount of available overfl ow space from the waterways in the event of a fl ood. Shaler Township encourages you to build responsibly by getting the appropriate permits from the Township and not disrupting natural drainage channels. if you are replacing a damaged mechanical unit (such as a furnace or hot water tank), elevate it above the typical fl ood level. if you ever fi nd yourself in a fl ooding situation, it is important that you protect yourself by not trying to traverse a fl ooded intersection and avoid it at all costs. Flood waters have a tremendous amount of power and can overwhelm vehicles, in addition to harboring a wide variety of potential contaminants. remember the saying, “Turn around, don’t drown.” Register for the “No Soliciting” List The Board of Commissioners amended the policy for the “no Soliciting” list which will permit residents to continue on the list without needing to re-register. When a resident moves from the home the address will be removed from the “no Soliciting” list. residents may also remove the address online or call the Township. if a resident moves from one Shaler address to another, they must re-register. Chapter 169 of the Code of Shaler Township regulates canvassing and soliciting within the township by requiring solicitors to register for permits for door to door canvassing. residents who do not wish to be contacted by solicitors must register on a “no Solicitation” list, a copy of which is provided to all solicitors when they register for their permit. Political action or religious organizations are exempt from registering with the Township. Please call 9-1-1 if any person or group is overly suspicious or acts in an intimidating or threatening manner. 54 SHALER RESIDENTS MAY REGISTER: • At www.shaler.org under Community • Send your name and address to [email protected] • Call the Township at 412-486-9700 “no Solicitors” window decals are available at the municipal building for $2.00. if purchasing a window decal, place on your storm door or front window, wherever it is most visible from the street. Using a window decal enhances your chance of solicitors not soliciting at your home.