Residents of the City of Sandy Springs, as part of Fulton County, are now eligible for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"If you have suffered damage, you should register no matter whether you are a homeowner, renter or business owner," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech. "Even if you don't have all the necessary information available - such as the exact amount of insurance loss - it is important to register. Be sure to have a secure mailing address, especially if you had to move out of your home."

Disaster assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available to cover residential and business losses not covered by insurance.

There are two easy ways to begin the application process. Register online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Help in all languages is available.

Callers are advised to have the following information available to help speed up the application process:

• Your current phone number;
• Your Social Security number, if available;
• A general list of damages and losses you suffered;
• If insured, your insurance policy number, or the agent's and company name;
• General financial information; and
• Bank account code if you wish to speed up your assistance with direct deposit.

For more information on FEMA, call 800-621-FEMA (3362). For more information on the City of Sandy Springs, visit www.sandyspringsga.org or call 770-730-5600.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a Federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance protection against losses from flooding. This insurance is designed to provide an insurance alternative to disaster assistance to help meet the escalating costs of repairing flood damage to buildings and their contents.

The City of Sandy Springs participates in the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) NFIP. FEMA accepted the City's application to participate in the NFIP on May 10, 2007. Because the City of Sandy Springs participates in the NFIP, a Sandy Springs resident may purchase federally backed national flood insurance regardless of where the resident lives.
Click HERE to learn more about FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program.

The City of Sandy Springs is working in three areas that suffered the impact of the recent torrential rains and subsequent flooding. They are as follows:

Peachtree Dunwoody Road bridge over Nancy Creek

The middle pier of the two span bridge over Nancy Creek was washed out from its foundation on Monday. The City has closed the bridge to vehicular and pedestrian traffic as it is not safe for anyone to pass over or under the bridge at this time. The bridge will likely be closed for several weeks, and a permanent solution will take several months.

The work to stabilize the bridge has already begun. A geotechnical investigation has been ordered and the options for temporary stabilization will be determined as soon as this investigation is complete. Work is expected to begin as early as next week on the temporary stabilization. Permanent stabilization methods are under investigation at this time. A detour is posted.

Riverside Drive bridge over Marsh Creek

The structural stability of the bridge was compromised and the road began to fail Tuesday morning. The water level will need to return to normal conditions in order to completely assess the damage to this bridge and analyze the available options for repair or replacement. Riverside Drive will be closed indefinitely until repairs or reconstruction can be completed. A detour is posted.

Glen Errol near Mt. Vernon

Glen Errol has experienced flooding that undermined the street adjacent to a decorative pond. Crews are trying to determine if this was due to the blockage of a pipe or due to the torrential rainfall. The road is completely closed and barricaded. Residents are able to get out of their homes on either side, therefore no detour is posted.

Contractors and staff are continuing to evaluate the existing conditions and the best methods of repair or replacement as needed for each situation. All road closures are listed on www.sandyspringsga.org as is a form for residents to submit their storm water issues. However, if residents have a life safety issue, they should call 911. More information can also be obtained by calling the Citizen Response Center at 770-730-5600.

The recent floods show not only how vulnerable our families and homes can be, but also how vulnerable the infrastructure can be. Because of this recent event, it is a good time to be reminded that preparation for all types of emergencies is key. Obviously, we cannot be ready for everything, but there are a few steps can be taken.

FEMA recommends that a Basic Emergency Supply Kit containing the following should always be on hand:

• Water - one gallon of water per person for at least three days (preferably a seven-day supply)
• Food - at least a three day supply of non-perishable food (preferably a seven-day supply)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener
• Local maps

Be sure to go through your kit annually and replace any expired items.

Lt. Larry Jacobs from the Sandy Springs Police Department also suggests extra medication and pet supplies. Go to www.ready.gov for more information on how to prepare for disasters.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has compiled a list of five tips to help prevent disaster victims from becoming the victims of scam artists.

1. The answer to everybody is "No."
2. Call your homeowner's insurance company.
3. Check referral Web sites.
4. Be aware of red flags.
5. Don't pay up front.

For more information and details regarding each tip, visit the AJC's article.

It is important to take note of Sandy Springs' sign regulations as they relate to political signage during the upcoming political season.
 
Political signage is not directly addressed in the sign ordinance; however, all signage is regulated through the following measures:

SIGN LOCATION

• No sign can be placed in the public rights-of-way of the City.
• Signs may not constitute a traffic hazard.
• No sign may be located any closer than twenty (20) feet to an intersection as measured from the intersection of the two (2) rights-of-way.

Signs will be considered out of the right-of-way if the sign is located:

• At least 10 feet from the edge of pavement, or
• Behind the utility poles that are along the streets and roads

For more information click HERE.

The Sandy Springs Fire Rescue Department is holding an exciting new event in our community-the Sandy Springs Fire Rescue Fire Station Open House. The event will be held in celebration of Fire Safety Week on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at all four of Sandy Springs Fire Stations:

• Fire Station #1, 1425 Spalding Drive
• Fire Station #2, 135 Johnson Ferry Road
• Fire Station #3, 6025 Heards Road
• Fire Station #4, 4697 Wieuca Road

The event is open to all elementary and middle school aged students and their siblings. The goal of the Open House is to learn valuable fire safety lessons from Sandy Springs' finest firefighters while having fun at the same time. They will teach children fire safety and prevention through enjoyable activities, such as friendly firefighter and fire house presentations. Firefighters will cover topics such as EDITH (exit drills in the home), the meeting place, stop/drop/roll and various other fire safety topics. The Open House will also give the students a chance to interact with the firefighters while experiencing a small part of the roles and responsibilities of the firefighters. Station tours will also be available.

Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across the country. For 85 years, fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week as part of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This makes the week the longest running public health and safety observance on record.

For more information, or for answers to any questions, please contact Capt. Mark Ware of the Sandy Springs Fire Rescue Department, at 770-730-5600 or by e-mail at mark.ware@sandyspringsga.org.

The City of Sandy Springs Recreation Department continues to build its relationships with school officials and partner with the local public schools. There are six Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) in place for the 2009-2010 school year. These IGAs will allow the recreation department to provide a variety of extended leisure opportunities for youth and adults throughout the year.

Collaborating with the schools is a natural partnership. The public school facilities are built with public tax dollars, therefore it makes sense to use them as much as possible for community activities. Dollars are saved by not duplicating facilities such as gymnasiums, auditoriums, athletic fields and classrooms.

Click HERE for more information on the Recreation and Parks Department's partnership.