Larimer County Begins Checking On Flood-Damaged Homes
LOVELAND, Colo. (CBS4) - Hundreds of homes in Larimer County are going under the microscope of flood damage inspectors this week.
For the first time FEMA and county inspectors on Wednesday began assessing the damage on properties where the flood waters did some of their worst damage.
Along the Big Thompson River and Highway 34 you don't have to look far to see the destruction. Many houses are half buried in sand and mud. There are approximately 270 homes in Larimer County that will be inspected.
"I'm glad to see them. The sooner the better. It doesn't look anything like it did," one homeowner who lives in the Big Thompson Canyon told CBS4.
Eric Tracy is a civil engineer who works for Larimer County and was involved in Wednesday's inspections.
"They are waiting for this determination because that's what they are using to turn in to their insurance company," Tracy said.
Greg Coulson with the Federal Emergency Management Agency was also involved in the inspections.
"We're trying to help them get them back into their homes, but get back into their homes safely," he said.
Homeowners will learn within the next two weeks whether they will be allowed to rebuild or, in some cases, not allowed.
"They are required to come into compliance with regulations and in some cases that's going to be the difference between being able to rebuild or not," Tracy said.
Coulson said the key is making sure when the next flood comes history won't repeat itself.
"The next flood will come because this is a flood plain. We just don't know when it will come."
Colorado Floods: How To Help
The recent floods are impacting families and communities throughout Colorado, so CBS4 has compiled a list of ways you can support the local communities impacted by the floods.
