Living in the Floodplain Kate Barrier

Where were you in April 1975?

Why Regulate the Floodplain? To protect people and property To make sure that federal flood insurance and disaster assistance are available To save tax dollars To avoid liability and law suits To 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 Platforms You 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 buildings Additions to existing buildings Substantially improving existing buildings Placing mobile homes Subdivision of land Temporary buildings Agricultural buildings Parking or storage of recreational vehicles Temporary / permanent materials storage Roads, bridges, culverts Fill, grading, excavation, mining, dredging Altering 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 or visit NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM