2013 Flood Fact Sheet

(1)

Revised Sept. 30, 2013 at 3:15 p.m.

2013 Flood Fact Sheet

Federal Assistance (FEMA)

Adams County

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance is available to Adams County residents

• Residents affected should register with FEMA immediately by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or register online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

• Adams County is operating a Disaster Assistance Center from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week at the South Adams County Fire Department, 4711 E. 69th Ave., in Commerce City. Resources available will include information on how to apply for FEMA disaster relief, temporary housing assistance, home repair resources, mental health counseling, flood damage assessments, insurance information/assistance, information on filing for agricultural losses, opportunities to receive charitable aid, and more. Check www.adcogov.org for more details.

Arapahoe County

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance is now available to Arapahoe County residents also.

• FEMA will operate a Disaster Recovery Center for Arapahoe County residents at the Aurora Central Library Community Room, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway, beginning Friday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Residents needing assistance may also register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362).

Adams County Relief & Recovery Assistance Guide

The Colorado 2-1-1 Relief and Recovery Guide for Adams County (http://bit.ly/19uF47b) is designed to connect residents affected by the floods with disaster assistance and information. It lists information on programs and agencies. The guide is continually updated. Updates are available at www.211colorado.org.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment announced today that the Major Disaster Declaration declared Sept. 14 now includes Arapahoe and Logan counties. Individuals who have become unemployed because of the September severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides are potentially eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

The Major Disaster Declaration issued by the President Sept. 14 included the counties of Adams, Boulder, Clear Creek, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld. This amendment adds individuals in Arapahoe and Logan counties to those who may be eligible for temporary financial assistance. Those eligible include farm workers and the self-employed who have lost their jobs because of a disaster and who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. If individuals lost their jobs because of the flood and are eligible for regular UI, they should apply for those regular unemployment benefits. DUA is available only to those individuals who wouldn’t otherwise be eligible for regular unemployment benefits.

(2)

These individuals will typically be self-employed individuals who don’t meet the “employment” qualifications (e.g., ranchers, farmers, in-home day care providers, etc.) or individuals who don’t have enough wage history but can prove that they were working or were scheduled to begin work on or after the date of the flood and now cannot perform that work any longer. Claims can be filed at www.coloradoui.gov (click on “file a claim”). Claims can be filed by phone at 303-318-9300 or toll-free at 1-855-365-8233.

In addition, the Department of Labor and Employment is announcing that individuals who are currently receiving unemployment benefits while living in the flooded areas will receive a waiver from their requirement to seek work beginning the week the flooding began in their area. The start date for the flooding in the affected counties was Sept. 11, 2013. These

individuals must continue requesting payment of unemployment benefits as they always have. As long as the flood is the only circumstance that is preventing them from looking for work, they should report that they are able to work, available and looking for work.

Some claimants impacted by the flood may currently be receiving Emergency Unemployment Compensation, federal benefits that go beyond the regular 26 weeks. Individuals receiving EUC benefits must complete a series of reemployment services within six weeks. However, for the immediate future, the Department of Labor and Employment is extending the amount of time in which those claimants must complete the services.

If eligible, unemployment benefits are normally available for up to 26 weeks beginning the week following the Presidential disaster declaration. When able to return to employment or self-employment, benefits will stop.

Applications for those affected by the floods in Logan and Arapahoe counties must be filed by Oct. 25 to be considered timely, unless the individual has good cause for late filing.

Tracking Flood Damage

Aurora is actively working to identify and map flood-related damage and high-water levels throughout the city. Please share your photos, along with information about location, water levels if known, and any other useful information about your submittal. We are especially interested in high-water levels. Debris lines on vertical walls and fences won’t stay around for long and vegetation along trails and roads will soon be popping back up, erasing the data we need. Include nearby landmarks or structures when able and ask a friend to stand nearby for perspective.

Please send this information using the Access Aurora phone app (search in the App store on your smart phone), Aurora Water’s H20Tracker app (visit www.aurorawater.org and use the water wasting function after downloading the app) or www.auroragov.org/ContactUs.

Here is an example of how we would like the data:

West side of Expo Park on trail around north pond nearest Alameda 9/12/13 4:15 p.m.

(3)

Cleaning Up After a Flood

Water Quality

• No damage occurred to Aurora’s water system during the recent storms. Aurora’s water is safe to drink.

Disposing of Debris

• We are glad the dumpsters that we have provided have helped residents clean up after the recent flooding. The dumpsters will remain outside the Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle, this week but then will be removed. If you still need to dispose of flood-related debris, please make sure to visit these dumpsters by Friday, Oct. 4. If a dumpster is full, please do not leave debris outside the dumpster. Instead, check back later to see if they have been emptied. Dumpsters may be used to dispose of any flood-related items only. Put debris in a plastic bag before disposing it in the dumpster. Call 303-739-7662 with

questions.

• These special Waste Management dumpsters may be used to dispose of flood-damaged mattresses and box springs. To recycle your mattress or box spring for a fee, visit the website for Spring Back Colorado in Denver or call 720-515-1328 for details. Spring Back Colorado also will accept mattresses from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Aurora Central Facilities, 13646 E. Ellsworth Ave., for $10 per mattress or box spring. If your mattress or box spring was flood damaged, please allow it to dry in the sun before attempting to recycle it.

Retention Ponds and Standing Water

• Utah and Expo parks are designed to hold water during heavy storms. • Both parks flow into the same drainage system.

• Both parks overflowed because of the significant and sustained rains. Water continues to drain through the system, but until it does, an overloaded system is resulting in some areas with standing water essentially waiting its turn to drain.

• Crews continue to work to clear the storm drains of debris so the water can continue to flow.

• For safety, do not go in or near that water, and keep your pets out of the water as well.

Health Concerns and Questions

• Visit the Tri County Health Department website at www.tchd.org or call 303-220-9200 for health-related concerns or questions related to flooding.

• For information on how to clean and sanitize after an emergency, visit this CDC web page: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/bleach.asp.

Mold Problems

• Tri County Health Department does not inspect or test for mold. Inexpensive mold testing kits are sold at hardware stores, and mold and restoration companies also will test for a fee. City of Aurora Code officers do not test for mold. The city’s code enforcement officers can go out and visibly inspect for mold in rental properties only and issue a notice to the landlord for cleanup if warranted. This is only for mold that is visible, and we may not be

(4)

able to take action unless the occupant has a licensed contractor attest to the mold. Call Access Aurora at 303-739-7000 to request a visit from a code officer.

Arapahoe County Assessor's Office

• Arapahoe County residents are encouraged to notify the Arapahoe County Assessor's Office if any structures on their property were severely damaged or destroyed by recent severe weather or flooding. Colorado property tax law allows for the proration of the value of structures that may be severely damaged during the 2013 Tax Year. For properties that are damaged and remain damaged Jan. 1, 2014, the Assessor's Office may make adjustments to the value for the Tax year 2014 after being notified and conducting an inspection. Contact the Assessor's Office at 303-795-4600 to report if any of these conditions apply.

Making Repairs

• Search the city’s online database to find out if your contractor is licensed with the city of Aurora. Visit www.auroragov.org and search for “contractor lookup” for details.

• A workshop on how to select the right contractor is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Aurora Strong Resilience Center, 1298 Peoria St. (garden level entrance). Attendance is limited to flood victims. To reserve a spot, call 303-739-1580.

Household Chemical Roundup and Mattress Recycling Events

• These events have been rescheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Aurora Central Facilities, 13646 E. Ellsworth Ave.

• The Household Chemical Roundup will accept only products from Aurora households; proof of residency is required. No business waste is accepted. Materials will be accepted for free, except for a $3 per tire. The event is for all residents, not just flood victims.

• The Mattress Recycling Event, available on site along the right side of the entry to the Household Chemical Roundup, is open to both residents and nonresidents. The cost is $10 per mattress or box spring. The event is for everyone, not just flood victims.

Sewer Flooding

• The storm in isolated incidents caused sewer flooding in some basements. • Contact your insurance company to begin the claims process.

• Contact the city of Aurora’s risk management office at 303-739-7225 if you believe you received damage from sewer flooding and have questions.

Filing a Claim with the City

• If you have inquired about filing a claim with city of Aurora for water damage you have incurred from the recent floods, although we are not permitted to give legal advice, we are providing the portion of the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act that contains the

requirements to file a claim with any municipality. In answering claims against the city, we are guided by Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 24, Article 10, the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.

o The Governmental Immunity Act allows 90 days from the date of receipt of the notice of claim for the city to investigate a claim.

(5)

o Please understand that filing a claim does not guarantee that your claim will be paid. Based on the Governmental Immunity Act, the city of Aurora and its employees are generally immune from liability for torts.

o In the provisions of the Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-10-106(4), Governmental Immunity Act. The Statute States “No rule of law imposing absolute or strict liability shall be applied in any action against a public entity or a public employee for an injury resulting from a dangerous condition of, or the operation and maintenance of, a public water facility or public sanitation facility. No liability shall be imposed in any such action unless negligence is proven.”

o The information that we have indicates that our systems worked as designed and were properly operated and maintained. There was no negligence on the part of the city of Aurora. The amount of rain that fell during the recent storms could not reasonably be anticipated or controlled. We realize the frustration of your situation and will

acknowledge your claim notice should you wish to proceed and file a claim.

o To file a claim with the city you must comply with the requirements of 24-10-109, which in part are listed below:

o Written notice of claim shall contain:  Name and address of claimant

 Statement of claim including date, time, place of event causing loss  Statement of nature and extent of injury/damage

 Statement of monetary damages or estimate if actual amount is unknown  Documentation of loss including repair estimates, receipts, photos etc.  Sign and date notice

o Notices of claim against the city of Aurora should be submitted to the Aurora City Attorney, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO, 80012. A copy may be submitted to Risk Management at the same address.

Help for Seniors

• Senior Hub: www.seniorhub.org or 720-859-2248

This senior services agency offers support and referrals to older adults primarily in the north Denver metropolitan area.

• Volunteers of America: 303-297-0408 or

http://www.voa.org/Get-Help/National-Network-of-Services/Senior_Services/Handyman-Repair-Program

Handyman repair program for seniors • Facts from FEMA for seniors

Some disaster survivors may be wondering if accepting state and federal disaster assistance grants will cause them to lose Social Security benefits, pay additional income taxes, or change their eligibility for income-based benefit programs. The answer is no. FEMA wants to reassure survivors of the severe storms and floods that FEMA disaster assistance funds are tax-free. The disaster assistance funds are not considered income and will not affect your Social Security benefits, your state or federal retirement benefits, or any other temporary public benefit. Here are answers to some common questions survivors may have regarding disaster assistance grants:

(6)

Question: If I earn more than a certain amount each year, I must repay $1 of my Social Security

payment for every $2 earned. Will FEMA grants add to my income and require me to repay Social Security?

Answer: No. FEMA grants for housing and other needs are not considered income.

Question: Will receiving a disaster assistance grant make my income increase to the extent that

I am no longer eligible for Medicaid, food stamps or assistance?

Answer: No. Grants for housing and other needs are not counted as income in determining

eligibility for any income-tested benefit programs funded by the U.S. government

Question: Does FEMA disaster assistance need to be repaid?

Answer: No. FEMA aid is a grant that does not need to be repaid. Some affected residents also

may seek US Small Business Administration loans, which must be repaid.

Flood Damage and Insurance Tips

• Review your home and auto insurance policies, and identify what type of damage is covered and not covered.

• Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claims process. • Contact the Colorado Division of Insurance at 303-894-7490 to ask questions about

insurance and the claims process.

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the National Flood Insurance Program, a federally subsidized program available to any property owner regardless of whether the property is in a floodplain. Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period after applying and paying for the first premium before the insurance becomes effective. Visit

www.floodsmart.gov for details.

• Be on alert for predatory practices or promises that seem too good to be true. Be especially cautious of anyone pressuring you to sign a contract. Research individuals and companies by using the Better Business Bureau of Denver/ Boulder and the Internet. Check local references when possible.

• Public adjusters are licensed by the state’s Division of Insurance; call 303-894-7499 to verify those licenses.

• Visit the city’s website at www.auroragov.org and search for licensed contractors to verify the contractor is licensed in the city of Aurora. Select Doing Business from the tabs on the home page, then select Licenses under Business Information, then select Contractor Licensing. www.auroragov.org/CityHall/Licenses/ContractorLicensing/index.htm

• A workshop on how to select the right contractor is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Aurora Strong Resilience Center, 1298 Peoria St. (garden level entrance). Attendance is limited to flood victims. To reserve a spot, call 303-739-1580.

• Even if you didn’t sustain any damage, take time to review your insurance coverage and make sure your coverage is adequate to cover all losses in the future. Also, take time to update your home inventory checklist, or put one together for the first time.

Temporary Housing

• Colorado Housing Search: www.coloradohousingsearch.org Colorado Housing Search is helping flood victims in impacted areas.

(7)

o Landlords with available units are asked to log in and update your listings immediately. Call 1-877-428-8844 or email [email protected]. o Residents in need of housing may search through the listings. For help with

searching, call 1-877-428-8844 or email to [email protected]. • FEMA Interim Housing Resources: www.fema.gov/interim-housing-resources • FEMA Housing Portal: http://asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm

o Provides resources for individuals and families who have been displaced by a disaster to find a place to live

o Consolidates rental resources identified and provided by federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA), private organizations, and the public, to help individuals and families find available rental units in their area

Emergency Housing Repairs

• These programs are for low-income residents and seniors. Income restrictions apply. • Mile High United Way: www.unitedwaydenver.org

o Call the 211 Help Line for flood relief resources available through that database. • USDA Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Loans:

www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/brief_repairloan.htm

o Loans funded directly by the federal government

o Available to very low-income rural residents who own and occupy a dwelling in need of repairs Funds are available for repairs to improve or modernize a home, or to remove health and safety hazards.

o This loan is a 1 percent loan that may be repaid over a 20-year period

• Home Repair and Rehabilitation Programs – HERO Alliance: www.heroalliance.org

o This website has a list of the many organizations throughout the state offer low-interest loans and/or grants for home rehabilitation, emergency repairs, weatherization, or accessibility modifications.

o Most programs are area-specific and your home must be located within their parameters to be eligible.

o The HERO Alliance cannot guarantee eligibility or fund availability. Please contact each organization for more information, eligibility criteria and fund availability.

Rebuilding Together: www.rebuildingtogether.org or 720-524-0840

• They provide critical repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficient upgrades to low-income homes and community centers at no cost to service recipients.

Housing and Urban Development Home Repair Loan Program:

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/home_improvements

(8)

Community Development Assistance

• The Community Development Single Family Rehabilitation Program and the Emergency

Repair Program cannot assist with disaster relief efforts, which can include leaking roofs,

structural flooding, standing water, replacement of broken/leaking windows, sewer line backups, basement repairs, etc. Please contact FEMA 800-621-FEMA (3362) for

information pertaining to disaster relief assistance available in your area.

Replacing Important Papers

• Birth and Death Certificates: www.vitalrec.com

To replace a birth or death certificate for U.S. citizens who were born or died in the United States, visit www.vitalrec.com or contact:

Vital Records Office

Colorado Department of Health 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South HSVRD-VS-A1

Denver, CO 80246-1530 303- 692-2224 General 303- 756-4464 Information 1-800-423-1108 Fax

For birth records of U.S. citizens born abroad, visit http://travel.state.gov/ or request a copy of

Form FS-240 (Consular Report of Birth Abroad) from: U.S. Department of State Passport Services

Vital Records Section

1111 19th Street, NW, Room 510 Washington, D.C. 20036

This address is also used to obtain a “Report of the Death of an American Citizen Abroad” form for U.S. citizens who died abroad.

• Citizenship and Naturalization Papers: www.uscis.gov

For papers related to citizenship, immigration, permanent residency (green card), re-entry permit, employment authorization, etc., visit www.uscis.gov. Complete Form N-565. You may also contact your county court house.

• Driver’s Licenses or State ID Cards:

www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1186476450044

o To replace your Colorado driver's license or ID card, you must visit a local Division of Motor Vehicles office.

 Aurora Offices:

(9)

o Bring in one form of acceptable identification (such as a passport or birth certificate), and provide proof of address (i.e. a utility bill, credit card statement, pay stub, vehicle registration, etc).

• Income Tax Returns: www.irs.gov/localcontacts

o Call the nearest IRS office, or call 1-800-829-3676 and request Form 4506 (“Request for Copy of Tax Return”).

o To find your local IRS office in Colorado, go to: www.irs.gov/localcontacts. • Marriage Certificates & Divorce Papers

o Copies of certificates of marriage are available from the county that issued the marriage license, and divorce decrees are available from the county that granted the divorce. o For ordering and fee information, contact the local registrar in the county where the

marriage certificate was issued or the divorce granted.

o To learn where to obtain vital records, including marriage certificates and divorce degrees, contact the National Center for Health Statistics at: www.cdc.gov/nchs. • Military Discharge Papers

o Request Standard Form 180 (SF-180) from any Veterans Affairs office, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Red Cross, a veterans’ association, or military recruiter.

o You may also download the form from: www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html. Send the completed forms as indicated in the address list on page 2 of the SF-180.

o To find out if you are eligible for veterans’ benefits, how to apply, and what it will

cost, call the VA Health Resource Center at 1-877-222-8387. You may be able to

complete an application form online.

Mosquito Prevention Tips

Standing water breeds more mosquitoes. Because there is no cure or vaccine for West Nile Virus infection, it's important to prevent infection in the first place. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends following the Four Ds:

• Drain standing water around your house (this is where mosquitoes lay their eggs). • Dusk and dawn are when mosquitoes carrying the virus are most active, so limit your

time outdoors at these times.

• DEET is an effective insect repellant ingredient.

• Dress in long-sleeved shirts and long pants at dusk and dawn or when you will be in areas where mosquitoes are active.

Giving Back

To find out how you can help flood victims, visit the Help Colorado Now website at www.helpcoloradonow.org.

Helping Those in Need

To find out how you can help flood victims, visit the Help Colorado Now website at www.helpcoloradonow.org.

(10)

Emergency Alerts

• Wireless Emergency Alerts are now being sent to many cell phones. Take alerts seriously and follow instructions. Visit www.ready.gov/alerts for details.

• Register for emergency alerts from the city of Aurora (mobile phone, text message, email or all). By registering your preferred means of communications, the city will be able to

contact you when an emergency occurs in your area. Visit auroragov.org and search for “emergency alerts.”