Floods are the most common natural disaster, damaging public health and safety, as well as economic prosperity.  Between 1980 and 2013, the United States suffered more than $260 billion in flood-related damages, according to FEMA.  Storm surge, and heavy downpours, extensive development and even sea level rise in coastal areas can increase the risk of flooding.

Proactive preparation helps minimize risk for personal safety and property damage during a hurricane or during rising waters due to heavy downpours and sheet flow.  Here are some strategies and tips to help with preparation for storms.

• Know Your Flood Hazard
• Insure Your Property for Your Flood Hazard
• Protect People from Flood Hazard
• Protect Your Property from Hazard
• Build Responsibly
• Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

<Bookmark>Know Your Flood Hazard

• The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) estimates there is a 1 in 4 chance that any property will have a flood insurance claim once during a 30-year mortgage.
• Just because a property hasn’t experienced a flood in the past doesn’t guarantee it won’t flood in the future.
• Learn about the flood risk assessment for unincorporated Lee County.
• Find the flood zone and base flood elevation for any parcel in unincorporated Lee County.
• Download copies of flood maps.
• Know your flood risk. Use NFIP’s flood risk calculator to determine approximate cost of flooding.     Note: just one inch of flood water can cause up to $25,000 damage.

<Bookmark>Insure Your Property for Your Flood Hazard

• Most property/casualty insurance does not cover flood damage.
  
• The NFIP reports that nearly 40 percent of flood insurance claims come from properties located in moderate to low-risk areas (also known as X zones).
  
• Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.
  
• Find a flood insurance provider.
  
• Learn about National Flood Insurance Program policies.
• Read about the mandatory purchase of flood insurance and the 30 day waiting period.
  
• Ask for a FIRM letter that will provide your insurance agent with the necessary flood map details about your property by contacting FIRMinfo@leegov.com or 239-533-8585.
• There are two types of flood insurance coverage: Structural and Contents (facts of coverage)
  
• Check your flood policy now to make sure contents coverage is part of your policy.
  
• If you don’t have a mortgage and are not required to have flood insurance, consider getting an NFIP policy anyway. In addition to the insurance coverage, it may also be an advantage if you sell the property to a buyer who finances with a mortgage. The policy will transfer to the new owner, possibly offering some grandfathering discounts for pricing.
• You don’t have to own your home or business to get an NFIP policy. The NFIP offers insurance for renters’ possessions/contents.
• Go to Floodsmart.gov for more specific information about Flood Insurance and Policy Rating Information.
  

• More detailed information about flood insurance.
  

<Bookmark>Protect People from Flood Hazard

• Stay out of flood waters. They can contain dangerous chemicals from gasoline, oil, industrial and household compounds, and sewage.
• If you see standing water in a road – turn around; don’t drown!  Don’t drive or walk through rising water.
• Affirm "Youth Preparedness" for children in your family or schools. A 2010 study from Oregon State University showed that 14 percent of children and teens experienced a disaster during their lifetime, and four percent had been in a disaster within the past year. Contact the FEMA Youth Technical Assistance Center.
• Get hard copies or electronic versions of the All Hazards Guide. The information provided offers guidance for storm preparation, home and property safety, shelter information, the evacuation process and emergency contact numbers.
• Prepare for Hurricanes. Have a plan for emergencies. The time to develop and practice your emergency plan is PRIOR to hurricane season. Click here for more information.

<Bookmark>Protect Your Property from Hazard

• FEMA’s library offers information about elevating and floodproofing structures at http://www.fema.gov/protecting-homes.

<Bookmark>Build Responsibly 

• If you are building in unincorporated Lee County, check to see if your project requires a building permit. (All development in the floodplain (aka Special Flood Hazard Area) needs a local permit.)
  
• Know your base flood elevation (search for elevation certificates).
• Consider the advantages of building higher than the base flood elevation, which include additional safety and lower-cost flood insurance.
• Click here to find out more regarding Building Code information.
• Click here to view the Floodplain Hazard Ordinance (Chapter 6, Article IV of LDC).
  
  

<Bookmark>Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

• Don’t build over, dam up or fill natural flow ways, ditches or other surface water conveyances.
• Don’t dump in storm drains.
• Report broken silt fences – the temporary barriers set up around construction areas.
• Report debris or vegetation blocking swales, ditches, canals or other surface water conveyances  by calling the Request for Action Hotline at 239-533-9400 or filling out the Request for Action Form online.

Flood Mapping Quick Links

• Request for Action Hotline at 239-533-9400 to report flooding or drainage problems in Lee County rights-of-way.
• Go to FEMA’s “Ready 2015” flood preparation site at http://www.ready.gov/floods.
• Learn about the National Strategy for Youth Preparedness Education
  
• Learn about future FEMA flood map changes.
  

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