Association of State Floodplain Managers Foundation

Congress has poured billions of dollars into programs to buy out homeowners and help them relocate to safer areas after natural disasters. But they’re not expected to win over many residents in flood-ravaged rural North Carolina. Their long family ties to the area, skepticism about the federal government and a dearth of affordable housing in nearby communities all point to people trying to rebuild in the same place — potentially leaving thousands of residents vulnerable to the next storm. In addition, many of these small town governments lack the “technical knowhow” to navigate the complex grants, said Joel Scata, a senior attorney with the environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council.

According to a Pew analysis of NOAA data, in the two decades since 2000, at least one flood has occurred somewhere in the U.S. on eight out of every 10 days, on average. And these events aren’t limited to coastal areas. In fact, riverine and flash flooding, particularly in inland and mountainous states, do more damage each year than hurricanes and other coastal storms.

ASFPM invites you to add your voice to the conversation at the 2025 ASFPM Annual Conference, May 18-22 in New Orleans.  The Call for Abstracts closes on Oct 31! We are accepting abstracts for both 30-minute sessions and immersive 2-4 hour workshops on a broad range of floodplain management topics. Please review the guidelines and submit your abstract. Visit ASFPMconference.org for details, including information on the selection process, presenter expectations, and more. hashtag #ASFPM2025 https://lnkd.in/gQ-sPAEA

Read the NPR article: Hurricanes are dangerous far from the coast. Communities are struggling to prepare https://lnkd.in/ez6KPqbz

It’s because of YOUR generosity that the ASFPM Foundation is able to change lives. Thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned for how you can give this December! #ASFPM #GivingTuesday

Our hearts are with the people of Asheville, NC, and all those affected by Hurricane Helene. The destruction has been overwhelming, and the path to recovery will be long and difficult. Stay safe and support each other in these challenging times.

Another great organization to learn about how we can continue our journey towards responsible floodplain and flood risk management in the Emergency Management ecosystem! I hope to see you there.

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 3, 2024 is right around the corner. Mark your calendars & stay tuned for details on how you can participate. #ASFPM #GivingTuesday

Does the National Risk Index put rural communities at a disadvantage? Climate Central, Inc. and The Daily Yonder examine the issue based on flooding in Eastern Kentucky, noting that “Despite histories of flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) classifies Pike County and the 12 other counties that flooded two years ago as facing “low” risks in the event of a natural disaster like a flood. That’s largely because they have less to lose —financially — compared to more urbanized areas.” 

In the latest installment of the CNN Opinion series on America's disaster preparedness, Daniel Kaniewski writes, "Many Americans lack the financial preparedness skills and tools necessary to bounce back from disasters. This is for a variety of reasons, many of which can be addressed prior to a disaster. Some think disasters won’t strike where they live (disasters can happen anywhere). Others believe that FEMA assistance will satisfy all their needs (it won’t)."