"The following information is being provided by the Borough of Etna as part of their voluntary participation in the Community Rating System. Voluntary Participation by a municipality in this program, can AND HAS lowered the Borough's Class Rating, which in turn discounts the flood insurance premiums to any property owner purchasing flood insurance in the Borough. When the Borough first jointed the program, it was a Class 10 community. Four years ago, through numerous voluntary efforts, the town was lowered to a Class 9, which provided a 5% discount on all flood insurance. The Borough received notification earlier this year, that through extended efforts, including the information on this website, "The Borough of Etna has earned a Class 8 rating under the Community Rating System for its floodplain management activities. This rating makes available a 10% discount on flood insurance premiums throughout the community". The Borough received a plaque from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agenc y) as an "expression of FEMA's recogniation for the Borough's outstanding efforts to build and maintain mitigation investments within our community".
By the end of 2004, nearly 40,000 Pennsylvanians had applied for federal relief. Despite this relief, many Pennsylvanians lost their homes and businesses and will never be restored to their pre-flood situations.
Before another disaster strikes, I encourage you to learn more about your risk, what to do to protect your property, before, during, and after a flood, how to purchase flood insurance by calling the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-800-4272419 or going online at http://www.floodsmart.gov.
You can also get information about flood insurance and disaster preparedness by calling the Department of Insurance toll free at 1-877-881-6388 or visiting their web-site at http://www.insurance.state.pa.us for on-line brochures on flood insurance and what to do if there is a disaster.
Cindy Fillman
Consumer Liaison
Insurance Department
FLOOD PROJECTS UPDATE
Since 2002, the Borough has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) on a program of flood protection projects through grant funding provided by the PADEP. Work completed includes: sewer work to correct basement flooding; work to isolate the Borough’s sewer system from flood waters through the replacement of flapgates on permitted overflows; replacement of an exposed 12” waterline that crossed Pine Creek; widening of the floodway and correction of stream bank erosion via the creation of the Dougherty Nature Trail; completion of contract tree removal; installation of additional drainage facilities at the intersection of Butler and Parker Streets; Long Alley drainage improvements; and the installation of debris traps on the Parker Street run. In addition the Borough worked with PADEP and PADOT to expedite replacement of the “Mae West Bend” Bailey Bridge. These projects have all been completed. There are two remaining projects which were part of an overall plan of improvements. They are the raising of the Allegheny Valley Railroad (AVRR) Bridge at the Mae West Bend area and the construction of Debris Control Facilities south of Burger King in Pine Creek. The railroad bridge project represents a long term improvement with respect to flood protection. The existing bridge will be replaced in cooperation with the Allegheny Valley Railroad, Allegheny County and PADEP. A greater than anticipated bid price for the railroad bridge replacement has meant the Debris Control Facilities will be delayed while supplemental funding is obtained. The Borough has applied to Allegheny County and PADEP for these additional funds. The construction of the railroad bridge replacement project should be starting this fall thanks to additional funding received from Allegheny County and the Allegheny Valley Railroad.
The Borough has applied for and continues to pursue funding for debris control and detention facilities through the PA DEP and the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development. Residents in the affected areas recently received household survey forms to help the borough qualify for the grant from Allegheny County. Completion of these forms for ANY grant through the Community Development Block Grant Program ARE A REQUIREMENT of the grant process. Thanks to the many residents who completed their forms and returned them in a timely manner, your participation can enable the Borough to be eligible for the grant. If enough of the forms are not completed, the Borough is not eligible for the grant funding. Residents of Lincoln Street also completed forms for the possible replacement of the water main service line. Thank you, as well.
The Borough has continued in its annual maintenance of catch basins and storm inlets. It has also performed a complete renovation of the storm inlet structure along Parker Street. In addition, the Borough has obtained funding and installed a new emergency radio station and a new emergency warning siren. (See enclosed flyer for vital information on how the emergency warning siren and radio station will operate.)
Borough Of Etna Flood Protection Information
Flooding in our borough can be caused by three sources: West Little Pine Creek, Pine Creek and the Allegheny River. There are also several "runs" in the borough that can flood - the Park Avenue "Run", the Parker Street "Run" and the Ganster Street "Run". The creeks and river can leave their banks during heavy storms, snowmelts or ice jams. The "runs" and smaller streams can flood during or soon after a heavy storm. In these instances, floodwaters are not as deep, but they still can cover streets and yards, can flood cars, garages, basements and lowers floors. Flooding in each of these areas can come with little warning. On previous occasions, the rainfalls only lasted thirty minutes or less and caused one or more of the "runs" to overflow. Floods can be very dangerous. Even though they appear to move slowly (three feet per second), a flood two feet deep can knock a person off their feet or float a car.
Your property may be high enough that it has not flooded recently. However, it can still be flooded in the future because the next flood could be worse. If you are in a floodplain, the odds are that someday your property will be damaged. This flyer gives you some idea of what you can do to protect yourself.
Flood Warning Procedure:
During heavy rainfall, the police will monitor the levels of the Allegheny River, West Little Pine Creek and Pine Creek as well as all the storm runs. If, and when, preset bench marks have been reached, the Fire Department and the Emergency Dispatch Center will be notified. If it is determined by the Emergency Management Committee and Emergency Management Coordinator that flooding is a real possibility, the new Emergency siren will be activated. When you hear the siren, you are to immediately tune to A.M. Station 1670. This is the Borough’s new A.M. Alert Radio Station. When you tune in, specific instructions will be given depending upon the circumstances. This may be a warning that flooding is a possibility and you may choose to take steps in anticipation of possible flooding, such as moving items from the basement, plugging sewers, sand bagging or leaving the area until the threat is passed. If the Emergency Management Committee determines that flooding is likely, instructions for evacuation will be given. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT SHOULD AN EVACUATION FOR YOUR AREA BE ORDERED, YOU SHOULD EVACUATE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY. Should you choose not to evacuate, you may be forced to ride out the duration of the flooding, as it may be impossible or life threatening to have emergency personnel try to reach you. Please familiarize yourself with station 1670 AM, which will broadcast the National Weather Service routinely, twenty four hours a day, during non-emergency times. Signs will be placed throughout the community in the near future, informing residents what station to tune into.
What You Can Do:
Several of the borough's efforts depend on your cooperation and assistance. Here is how you can help:
- Maintenance of the drainage systems is critical in helping prevent or minimize the severity of flooding. The "runs" that are discussed in the "flood protection information" sheet are inspected quarterly and after every rainfall by the Public Works Department. This includes removing any debris, i.e., fallen trees, rocks, and other trash. Even the buildup of dirt and mud needs to be removed on a regular basis. It is crucial that residents do not add to the natural buildup by throwing any debris into these runs, over hillsides, and creek banks. This includes trees in a precarious situation (in jeopardy of falling). Anyone caught doing such, will be cited and fined.
- Do not dump or throw anything into the ditches, streams or "runs". Doing so is in violation of borough ordinance No. 1215. This includes grass clippings and branches, etc. This ordinance carries stiff fines and penalties for violation.
- If your property is next to a ditch, stream or "run", please do your part and keep the banks clear of debris.
- If you see someone dumping, contact the Borough Office immediately at (412) 781-0569, or during off business hours the Etna Police Department at (412) 486-3201.
- Always check with the Building Dept. before you build on, alter, re-grade, or put fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems to other properties.
- If you see building or filling without a borough permit posted, contact the Building Dept. at (412) 781-0569.
- Check out the following information on flood proofing, flood insurance and flood safety.
Flood Proofing:
There are several ways to protect a building from flood damage. One is to keep the water away by re-grading your lot or building a small floodwall or earthen berm. Another way is to make your walls waterproof and place watertight closures over the doorways. A third approach is to raise the house above flood levels.
Many homes, though not in a floodplain, have sewers that back up into the basement during heavy rains. A plug or standpipe can stop this if the water does not get more than two feet deep. They are sold at hardware stores. For deeper sewer backup, speak to a plumber about overhead sewers or a backup valve. More information, including a list of contractors who do flood proofing and/or retrofitting, can be found in the new Flood Library located in the Municipal Building. (see article in the Council Notes Section of the newsletter for more info on the library.)
If you know a flood is approaching, you should shut off your gas and electricity and move valuable contents upstairs. There is very little notice of flooding, so a detailed checklist prepared in advance would be invaluable to you.
Emergency Flood Proofing:
We have discussed things you can do before flooding occurs and safety issues when flooding occurs. There are also things you can do as the water is rising to emergency flood proof your home. Sandbagging is one of them as well as immediately moving items from your basement to the first floor (or higher if need be). Electrical appliances should be unplugged immediately. The valve on your gas meter should also be shut-off.
Flood Safety:
Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Six inches of moving water can knock a person off of their feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to make sure the ground is still there.
Do not drive through a flooded area. Do not drive around barricades or barriers because the road or bridge may be washed out beyond them.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is the second leading cause of death during flooding. Report down power lines to Duquesne Light immediately or to the Police Department.
Look out for small animals, especially snakes. Use a stick or pole to poke through the water and turn things over where small animals may hide, to scare them away.
Look before you step Floors, stairs, and even the ground can be very slippery with mud after flooding. Debris, including broken glass or nails may also cover the ground surface.
Be alert for gas leaks. Do not smoke or light open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area properly ventilated. Contact Equitable Gas or Peoples Gas to report leaks or the Police Dept.
Special Floodplain Regulations:
Any development in the floodplain requires permits from the Building Department. This includes not just construction but fill, too. Virtually all of Etna is developed, so new construction is rare, but any improvements, additions or repairs that equal or exceed 50% of the value of the existing building is treated the same as new construction. Substantially improved or substantially damaged residential buildings must be elevated to or above the base flood elevation. To obtain a building permit, you must contact the borough office,(412) 781-0569, and ask to speak to the Building Inspector. You will then have to fill out a building permit application and submit two sets of plans or drawings with the application.
Flood Insurance:
Homeowner's insurance does not cover damage from flooding. However, because Etna Borough participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you may purchase a separate flood insurance policy. The other flyer explains flood insurance in detail.
Residents have purchased flood insurance because the bank required it when they got their mortgage or home improvement loan. These policies usually cover just the building's structure and not the contents. The typical flooding that occurs in Etna routinely causes more damage to furniture and contents than to the structure itself. If you are covered by flood insurance, check out the amount and make sure you have coverage for contents, too.
Etna Borough Flood Services:
Flood maps and flood protection references are available at the municipal building in the flood library section. There is no charge for the photocopying of this info. Reference material is also available at the Shaler North Hill Library on Mt. Royal Blvd. - just ask for the "Etna Flood Library" section.
You may also speak to the Building Inspector about your concerns. He will, at no charge, inspect your property and offer suggestions. No property can be made completely flood proofed but measures can be taken to lessen the likelihood or amount of damage.