T
he Township of Shaler continues to participate in the
National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating
System which is designed to lower your flood insurance
rates. If you live in a flood hazard zone, you must purchase
some type of flood insurance from an insurance provider. The
Township’s participation in this program consists of a number of
activities ranging from storm water management to flood control
to emergency response plans and public education.
The Township provides public education materials to
residents who live in a flood 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 flood proofing techniques, learn about
implementing flood prevention measures and provide sources to
obtain financial and technical assistance.
Information may also be found at Federal Emergency
Management Agency websites www.fema.com and
www.floodsmart.gov. We hope you find 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 flood hazard and about flood-prone areas that need
special protection because of their natural functions. Township
Engineer, Mr. Matthew Sebastian, P.E. and the Township Building
and Zoning Officer, Mr. Robert Vita are available to assist you in
determining the approximate floodplain 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 flood protection and technical
advice on how to retrofit your property to protect against
flooding. This advice is especially pertinent for those residents in
a delineated floodplain 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 flooding.
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 floodplains, when
possible, by discouraging building new structures or placing
fill in them. These activities will reduce the amount of available
overflow space from the waterways in the event of a flood.
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 flood level.
If you ever find yourself in a flooding situation, it is important
that you protect yourself by not trying to traverse a flooded
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
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 Groups
and 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.
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.
SHALER
❘
WINTER 2019
47