Emergency Management
March 2019 Flood FAQ
What is the difference between Public Assistance and Individual Assistance?
What is the National Flood Insurance Program and what does it mean to me?
My property was damaged by the flood - what do I do now?
Do I need to apply for a building or utility permit prior to beginning repairs on my home/business?
Why do I need to apply for permits to repair my flood damaged home?
Where can I go to find additional information?
What is the difference between Public Assistance and Individual Assistance?
Public Assistance is assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to state, tribal, and local governments and certain types of private, non-profit organizations. This assistance allows communities to quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President. It is broken up into two categories: Emergency Work and Permanent Work.
Emergency Work involves debris removal (category A) and emergency protective measures (category B).
Permanent Work involves roads and bridges (category C); water control facilities (category D); public buildings and contents (category E); public utilities (category F); and parks, recreational, and other facilities (category G).
Individual Assistance is provided by FEMA to individuals and families who have sustained losses due to disasters.Back to Top
What is the National Flood Insurance Program and what does it mean to me?
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures by providing affordable insurance to property owners, renters and businesses and by encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations. These efforts help mitigate the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. Overall, the program reduces the socio-economic impact of disasters by promoting the purchase and retention of general risk insurance, but also of flood insurance, specifically.
The City of Norfolk participates in the NFIP. Failing to enforce floodplain damage requirements can put Norfolk in jeopardy of losing flood insurance, disaster assistance and federal backed loans and grants for our citizens. Back to Top
My property was damaged by the flood - what do I do now?
If your home or property sustained damage from the flood waters, FEMA has issued a Disaster Recovery Checklist that will help guide you through this process. Additionally, if you are in the process of rebuilding or repairing your property, it is important to check with the Planning and Development Department to see if a building and/or utility permit is needed for your repairs. They are located at 309 N. 5th Street or you can call them at 402-844-2060.
Do I need to apply for a building or utility permit prior to beginning repairs on my home/business?
There are numerous projects/renovations that require a building or utility permit prior to beginning the repair. If you're unsure about whether or not you will need a building permit to make the necessary repairs to your property, you can call an inspector at 402-844-2060 to come and offer advice and see if a permit would be required. Back to Top
What do I need to do if I received/found a letter from the City of Norfolk regarding flood insurance?
If you received/found a letter from the City of Norfolk please read the instructions and report whether or not you sustained any flood damage to Val Grimes, City Planner, in order to stay in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program. Back to Top
Why do I need to apply for permits to repair my flood damaged home?
Permits for repairs made due to the flood are necessary to stay in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program.Back to Top
Where can I go to find additional information?
City of Norfolk: March 2019 Flood Information
FEMA: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Back to Top