RyeCity REVIEW THE
September 29, 2023 | Vol. 10, Number 38 | www.ryecityreview.com
Local Summit Panel Addresses Homeowners’ Risk of Flooding
PANTHERS PULL AWAY Pleasantville’s Daniel Picart rushes past a Rye defender during the Panthers’ Sept. 22 game against the Garnets. Picart rushed for 96 yards and one touchdown as Pleasantville topped Rye 21-12. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
New COVID vaccine recommended for 6 months and up The Westchester County Department of Health wants residents to know an updated COVID-19 vaccine that targets the variant currently circulating has been approved for use, and is recommended for everyone six months and older to protect against serious illness. Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “With new variants circulating, please schedule COVID-19 vaccines
for your whole family, as soon as possible. Vaccination protects you and it protects those around you who are more vulnerable to complications, such as infants too young to be vaccinated, seniors and people with chronic health conditions.” Most people with health insurance can find the vaccine at pharmacies, and healthcare providers. The Westchester County Health Department will offer this booster
to children eligible for the Vaccines for Children Program, and to adults who are not insured or who are underinsured. Vaccines will be available by appointment only. To learn whether you or your children are eligible and to schedule a visit, call 9955800 weekdays before 4:30 p.m. To find a vaccine near you, go to www.vaccines.gov.
By Larry Thaul
An evacuation plan, proper insurance, and structural modifications can help homeowners deal with the risk of flooding during the increasing number and severity of storms in our area according to panelists at the Sept. 12 webinar of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit. Daniel Sarnoff, village of Mamaroneck deputy village manager, whose responsibilities include flood mitigation, stressed the need for advanced preparation for potential evacuation. He recommended a “Ready to Go” bag of necessities: 1 gallon of water/day, a radio with batteries, external cell phone battery packs, first aid kit, a whistle, moist toilettes, duct tape, dust mask, etc. JoAnne Murray, president of the Allen J. Flood Insurance Agency in Tarrytown, explained that our topography is actually changing given the cumulative effect of residential development on the ground’s ability to absorb rain. For this reason, fully 40% of floods do not occur in flood
zones! The attitude of “it won’t happen to me” must be replaced with thoughtful consideration of adding flood insurance to homeowner’s insurance, even for those not located in flood zones. Homeowners should request a ‘flood determination” which will show the nearest flood zone. Separately, renters can purchase contents insurance for their belongings even if the owner does carry flood insurance on the building. Regarding FEMA flood insurance, Ms. Murray indicated that depending upon the property’s exact longitude and latitude, there can be extremely large variations in policy costs. FEMA will not reconstruct a basement nor pay for a hotel room while a homeowner is displaced. However, it will cover the furnace, hot water heater, and HVAC system. Separate contents coverage is required to cover washer-dryers in the basement. Premiums vary based upon whether your home is in an “A” zone or a “B” zone and coverage can be building-only,
see LOCAL 3