Flooding remains to be the most destructive and costly environmental hazard across Millvale, Etna, and Sharpsburg. In an effort to combat this issue, our three river towns are working to become part of FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), a voluntary program within the National Flood Insurance Program.
By Matthew Briley
Flooding remains to be the most destructive and costly environmental hazard across Millvale, Etna, and Sharpsburg. In an effort to combat this issue, our three river towns are working to become part of FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), a voluntary program within the National Flood Insurance Program.
This program provides a framework for communities to enhance their flood mitigation efforts and rewards participating communities with discounts on flood insurance rates for the entire community. Etna has been actively participating in the program since 1996 and has reached a Class 7 designation which brings a 15% discount in flood insurance premiums across the borough. Millvale and Sharpsburg are following Etna’s lead and are working to acquire their own classification within the CRS.
A major aspect of the CRS and flood mitigation in general is public outreach. Each community within the Triboro Ecodistrict conducts periodic outreach projects about flood safety which enhance community resilience, an imperative within the EcoDistricts Protocol. We have one of these events coming up in Sharpsburg!
The last week of July will be Flood Safety Week in Sharpsburg. From July 25th-July 29th, look out for Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization's Facebook page for daily posts about flood safety and preparedness tips. The week will culminate with Flood Awareness Day on Wednesday, July 27th at the Sharpsburg Sustainability and Civic Engagement Center (511 S. Main St.) from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
This in-person event will include an informational presentation starting at 6:30pm from SNO staff and representatives from the borough. Attendees will be entered to win a hand-cranked, solar-powered emergency radio. Free food & drinks will be provided!
Attendees can expect to learn about their Sharpsburg home or business' flood risk, how to protect their property and family from flooding, Sharpsburg's flood preparedness and response efforts, and how they can get involved. All are welcome and registration is not required.
"Although the past couple weeks have been fairly dry in the region, we know that climate projections show we are at an increased risk for flash flooding. Now is the best time for our residents to stay informed and be prepared for what's to come" said Matt Briley, SNO's Environmental Program Coordinator. This project was made possible by funding from the Port of Pittsburgh Commission.
For more information, see the Sharpsburg Flood Awareness Day Facebook event page or contact matthew@sharpsburgneighborhood.org