Almost two months after Hurricane Ike hit Texas and its remnants destroyed homes in Northwest Indiana, the rebuilding process is beginning.
By now hopefully individuals needing help have contacted FEMA, the United Way, and community faith-based organizations. They have cleaned out basements and tried to salvage what they could. The Munster Civic Foundation has been diligently collecting donations and will begin to distribute those to Munster residents in need around Thanksgiving, but much of the rebuilding remains.
Now in Munster, building permits, Dumpsters and contractors line the streets as individuals work to get their homes in order. It is a difficult time for all involved.
Hopefully this flood was a once-in-a-lifetime event for the town. It has been measured as a "300-year flood." It is important to remember, during this process, that precautions should be taken to rebuild to new standards.
In the 1980s, standards were put in place to ensure that homes were built to withstand such flooding. This is why some homes were affected much more than others; they were built or repaired to a standard that would keep them out of the floodplain. Homes built prior to the '80s did not have to face such rigorous standards. These homes are built with basements below the floodplains.
In 1985, the Town Council passed an ordinance, which became Section 26-822 of the town code, requiring that repairs exceeding 40 percent of market value of the home be built to that higher standard for flood protection. This was passed so that the Town of Munster could qualify for the flood insurance program. Compliance with this ordinance often means the elimination of a basement that was originally part of the house because the elevation of the lowest floor must be built at flood protection grade - two feet above base flood elevation. This protects homes from a future event similar to the September storm and qualifies the town for flood insurance.
Although this may seem like a hardship to individuals who will lose their basements, it is based on knowledge acquired in the past decade that these basements and homes are at risk. Compliance will ensure the structure is safe for years to come.
Again, if the damage is more than 40 percent of market value of the home, the building must meet current standards. FEMA and the agents selling flood insurance did not make this fact known to flood victims, and left residents shocked as they came into Town Hall and heard that their level of damage would require a major change in their home. Although this may have been shocking, it has been an ordinance for the Town for many years and has been applied consistently. It will help your home to withstand natural events in the future; please keep this in mind as you continue to rebuild.
As work begins, also remember that a building permit is needed for any repairs. These permits will be available for flood-related work without cost until next year and can be obtained in the Building Department of Town Hall. Also available in the Building Department and online is a list of contractors registered with the town.
Ashley Porta is assistant to Munster's town manager. The opinions expressed are her own. Reach her at aporta@munster.org.
