Got asked to be on a panel for a webinar about the new Biggars/Waters act and how the changes at FEMA are affecting homeowners.
I'm speaking about the Elevation Cert. and datum changes. (went from NGVD to NAVD finally)
Thought I'd toss this out to see if anyone has any ideas on things I could cover. I have an outline put together, but always interested in other opinions.
thanks.
andy
I would be scared to death to testify about what FEMA says or writes.
If you misspeak, you may get sued.
Bring a video recorder and a tripod. You will then have proof of everything you said, and if you misspeak, you can send emails to each attendee with a correction/retraction.
That's about as CYA you can get without a Courtroom Stenographer.
(Just don't lose the video.)
> I would be scared to death to testify about what FEMA says or writes.
> If you misspeak, you may get sued.
where did I say that?? testify?
I'm talking about the FEMA form and what to look for.
Dr. Cliff:
You sound like you have been there and done that!!!
If possibly, bring some el certs from past jobs, and explain how they will be viewed differently. I.E., "This home was 7' low based on the current maps, but because it was built in 1955, it most likely fell under the PreFIRM guidelines."
On one job, they really questioned the heck out of me as to why their rate was jumping from $1700 to $17000. It was currently a Zone VE 16. At the time the house was built, it was a Zone A (no BFE). I went on FEMA's site and got the historic maps, and showed them how the house was built per the Zone A requirements, then the property was changed to an AE12, then to a VE16. It was important to note that not only did FEMA change the Zones/BFEs over the years, but in doing so, they also changed the building type requirement. That is to say, by current standards, this house should be a type 5 or 6 with break away walls. These are all factors that surveyors must look for when filling out the form.
If you can, research an area where FEMA has made major changes to Zone/BFEs over the years, and explain how this can make even newer homes substandard once the maps are changed.
I had a realtor ask me how to ID substandard houses. I told her that if you drive down a road near the Gulf, and see that newer houses are elevated on pilings, or are two story homes that have nothing but garage space on the first floor, and the older houses are mostly one-story ground level houses, then most likely the older homes are substandard.
> Got asked to be on a panel for a webinar about the new Biggars/Waters act and how the changes at FEMA are affecting homeowners.
>
> I'm speaking about the Elevation Cert. and datum changes. (went from NGVD to NAVD finally)
>
> Thought I'd toss this out to see if anyone has any ideas on things I could cover. I have an outline put together, but always interested in other opinions.
>
> thanks.
>
> andy
Aloha, Andy: Good luck with the Webinar!
Thanks! I had to dig out a pair of pants this morning!
Good....I'm glad to hear you're going to wear pants. The things we must remember when we go out...:-D
