LA-1603-07-07-653
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LAKE CHARLES, La. — Local parish and municipal officials affected by Hurricane Rita learned proper floodplain management techniques at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) recent Hazard Mitigation workshop in Lake Charles.

The workshop addressed training needs of managers who deal directly with applicants and give advice on where to build and how to elevate homes and businesses.

“On various mitigation staff visits to local communities affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, our staff identified the need for training new parish officials and refreshing existing ones,” said Michael Hunnicutt, deputy section chief with FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program at the Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office in New Orleans. “Some local officials have also expressed the need to better understand the regulatory side of FEMA and the requirements of local permit officials to enforce local Floodplain Management Regulations.” 

Training sessions included information on permitting procedures, retaining proper documentation and construction techniques in coastal areas. FEMA representatives also covered flood zones, flood maps and National Flood Insurance Program regulations.

Kara Bonsall, permit secretary with Cameron Police Jury, participated in the workshop and said, “Attending the floodplain management workshop has given me a better understanding of FEMA regulations and how to relay this information to applicants in Cameron Parish.”

Over 20 participants from Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vermilion parishes and from the cities of Lake Charles and West Lake attended the workshop. An interactive session at the conclusion of the workshop allowed officials to exchange information and learn from each other.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.