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“We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we’re in a time when there are no heroes, they just don’t know where to look.” (Ronald Reagan)
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Patriots: AFC Champions? Find the predictions of Southie residents on Page 13.
Volume XVIII - Issue 3
Updated flood maps shown at FEMA open house By RICK WINTERSON
On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the Federal Emergency Management Agency held a well-attended Community Open House at the Boston Teachers Union Hall on Mt. Vernon Street. The primary purpose of the open house was to introduce Boston’s residents and landowners to FEMA’s updated “Flood Insurance Rate Maps.” Several hundred people attended, who kept coming and going throughout. The open house was organized efficiently; the FEMA staff was well-informed and there was a pleasant buzz of interest. A bit of history: For decades, the federal government has provided flood zone maps to the public. The original maps were developed on the ground, using transits and
Exercise caution on the roads this winter
telescopes. They were very useful, but current-day satellite technology (LiDAR) has allowed far more
The good news is that most of South Boston is quite safe from flooding. accurate flood maps to be made. In addition, there have been some recent flooding disasters caused by powerful hurricanes – disasters that were not accurately predicted. The two storms that hit the Gulf Coast – Ivan and Katrina – just over 10 years ago, followed by the Atlantic coast’s Hurricane Sandy in 2012, proved that U.S. flood maps urgently needed updating. FEMA was told, in essence, “to get its act together” to reduce future disaster risks. Continued on Page 6
Last Wednesday, shortly after mid-day, a crash occurred on East Broadway near the intersection with G Street. The accident was serious enough that Engine 2 and Ladder 19 were summoned form the BFD Stationhouse on Fourth Street. Ambulances were also dispatched to the scene; damage to the bodies and suspensions of both vehicles appeared extensive. While the cause of the accident is not known (possibly an attempt at a U-turn on Broadway?), please use this event as a warning to be more careful in the winter of 2016, especially now that snow has begun to fall. -Rick Winterson