Check with the Community Development Department on the extent of past flooding in your area. Department staff can tell you about the causes of repetitive flooding, what the city is doing about it, and what would be an appropriate flood protection level. They can also visit your property to discuss flood protection alternatives.
Prepare for flooding by doing the following:
Know the flood safety guidance discussed later in this letter.
Know how to shut off the electricity and gas to your home when a flood comes.
Make a list of emergency numbers and identify a safe place to go.
Make a household inventory.
Put insurance policies, valuable papers, medicine, etc. in a safe place.
Develop a disaster response plan (see Red Cross website for information on how to prepare a disaster plan for your family).
Get a copy of 'Repairing Your Flooded Home', which can be found on the Red Cross's Website.
Consider some permanent flood protection measures:
Mark your fuse box to show the circuits to the floodable areas. Turning off the power to these flooded areas can reduce property damage (fires) and save lives.
Consider flood protection alternatives such as flood walls or berms.
Note that some flood protection measures may require permits. Please check with the Community Development Department for more information.
A copy of 'Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding' is available from FEMA at no charge to download.
Talk to the Community Development Department for information on financial assistance:
If you are interested in elevating your building above the flood level, or if you are interested in selling your home to the city, the city may be able to apply for federal grants to cover a portion of the cost.
Get a flood insurance policy - it will pay for repairs after a flood and, in some cases, it will help pay the costs of elevating a substantially damaged building.
Get a flood insurance policy:
Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. However, some owners have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank when they received their mortgage or home improvement loan.
Don't wait until the next flood to buy flood insurance protection. In most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.
Contact your insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage.
During/After the Flood
Asked for a licensed electrician, plumber, etc. to check or turn on your power, water, and/or gas.
Do not wade through flood waters due to the danger of pollutants, debris, animals and insects.
Flood waters are often murky and depth is hard to determine. Do not drive through flood waters! Turn around, don't drown!