Living in the Floodplain

Kate Barrier

Where were you in April 1975?

Why Regulate the Floodplain?

To protect people and propertyTo make sure that federal flood insurance and disaster assistance are availableTo save tax dollarsTo avoid liability and law suitsTo reduce future flood losses

Nature Doesn’t Read Maps

Major storms, flash floods, and increased development can cause flooding higher than the 100-year BFE.26% chance to be damaged by flood in a 30-year mortgage – compare to 1% chance of major fire

Utility Service Outside Buildings

Whether inside an attached garage or outside, all utilities must be elevated above the BFE or protected against flood damage.

Easy, Low-Cost Protection

Move hot water heater and furnace out of basement, or build platforms for them. If flood depth is less than 2 feet, build floodwalls or anchor the tanks.

Don’t store valuables in a flood-prone basement.

How to Elevate Your Building

How to Elevate (cont.)

Using Platforms

More PlatformsYou can protect the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer from shallow flooding with a low floodwall built around the appliance. A concrete or wooden wall 1 or 2 feet high can stop low-level flooding. The wall should be waterproofed with plastic sheeting or waterproofing compounds that can be purchased at hardware stores.

Turning off the Gas

Turning off the Power

Stand on a dry spot – use a dry wooden stick or pole

State & Local Permits Needed For:

Constructing new buildingsAdditions to existing buildingsSubstantially improving existing buildingsPlacing mobile homesSubdivision of landTemporary buildingsAgricultural buildingsParking or storage of recreational vehiclesTemporary / permanent materials storageRoads, bridges, culvertsFill, grading, excavation, mining, dredgingAltering stream channels

Planning on Improvements?

Flood Insurance• 25% of all flood damages occur in low risk zones

• To purchase a policy, contact an insurance agent

• For a list of agents, call NFIP at 1-888-356-6329 or visit www.floodsmart.gov

NATIONALFLOODINSURANCEPROGRAM