1.  What states were hit hardest by flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene?

2.  Define infrastructure.

3.  In addition to destroyed and damaged property/homes/businesses, describe the infrastructure damaged by the massive flooding throughout several states in the Northeast.

4.  What type of aid have the Governors of New York and New Jersey asked the federal government to provide?

5.  What assistance do some residents of Middlesex Borough, NJ want FEMA to provide?

6.  Much of the flooding throughout the Northeast is historic (unusual).  However, some of the areas that flooded are located in flood zones (areas that flood easily), such as Boundbrook and Wayne, NJ.  Some people have lived in these areas for many years and are unable/unwilling to sell their home and move.

If a person chooses to live in a flood zone, and the house has been flooded out more that once, what do you think FEMA and/or state government should do:

• give money to rebuild every time the home floods
• offer to buy out the home to allow residents to move to a location that is not prone to flooding
• nothing; if a person chooses to live in an area that has a high risk of flooding, they take their chances and must live with the consequences

Explain your answer.
(NOTE: When obtaining a mortgage for a house, the buyer will be told whether he/she is buying in a flood zone.  [When you purchase or refinance a home, your lender is required to obtain a Flood Hazard Determination from FEMA. This document shows the bank whether FEMA has designated the land your property is on as a Special Flood Hazard Area. Regulations require that this specific form be used for consistency and ease of understanding its contents. If the bank finds that your property falls within a Special Flood Hazard Area, it will mail you a notification of this information, which shows your flood zone designation. - from ehow.com])

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