Flood Preparedness Newsletter

Transcription

1 Flood Preparedness Newsletter this Newsletter in an effort to provide our citizens with valuable information to help protect your property and reduce potential losses due to flooding. Cooper City is dedicated to protecting our residents and businesses from the hazards of flooding, and assisting them to recover from such events. Please read the following information for your benefit, safety, and well-being. Did you know that flooding is the most common and most expensive type of natural disaster in the United States? Our community is no different and is susceptible to flooding from major rainstorms, tropical storms, hurricanes, or other rainfall events. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has determined that our community lies within a low, flat geographical area known as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). A SFHA is an area where floodwater equaling a 100-year flood can occur, which is also known as the flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Major rainstorms often leave rainwater with nowhere to go, causing lakes, canals, and local drainage to LOCAL FLOOD HAZARD overflow. Over the years, Cooper City has experienced flood events. For instance, in 2010 we had approximately eight inches of rain in a very short period of time. Streets were flooded, yards were flooded, and many people were genuinely concerned. This was a situation where the rainwater could not drain fast enough, causing water to pool. In 1999, Hurricane Irene caused widespread flooding, dropping 10 to 20 inches of rain in Broward County and approximately 15 inches of rain in Cooper City. As a result, the city was inundated with water and not only were our streets and yards flooded, but several lakes overflowed and it took days for all the water to finally drain. Inside This Issue: FLOOD ADVISORIES 2 FLOOD SAFETY 4 PREPARING AS A FAMILY 6 FLOOD INSURANCE 8 PROPERTY PROTECTION 8 ELEVATION CERTIFICATES 11 DRAINAGE SYSTEM 12 LOCAL FLOOD MAP 13 Also Included: PRINTABLE FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN 3 CROSSWORD PUZZLE 7

2 Flood Preparedness Newsletter - Summer 2013 P a g e 2 FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM Cooper City depends on the National Weather Service for flood warning and other weather related warnings/notifications. If flooding or a hurricane is anticipated, the Flood Warning or Hurricane Warning will be broadcast through television, radio, and internet services. Residents should tune in to television, radio (preferably battery-powered), or internet weather broadcasts and be aware of special local advisories. The most serious threat of general flooding is during the hurricane season (June 1 st through November 30 th ). TV Stations AM Radio FM Radio Website Address WFOR (Ch. 4) WINZ (AM 9410) WZTA (FM 94.9) WTVJ (Ch. 6) WFTL (AM 1400) WHYI (FM 100.7) WSVN (Ch. 7) WRBD (AM 1470) WHQT (FM 105.1) WPLG (Ch. 10) Cooper City also has the CodeRED Emergency Notification System which is a high-speed telephone communication service for emergency notifications. The system allows Cooper City Emergency Management Personnel to telephone all targeted areas of the City in case of an emergency (such as boil water, missing child or evacuation notices, etc.). If you would like to sign up for this free service visit our website, and click on CodeRED. Stay informed before, during and after a storm by tuning in to local TV Channels, Radio Stations and Websites. A LITTLE HISTORY: NFIP, CRS & THE $$ YOU SAVE The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created by Congress in 1968 to provide affordable flood insurance to people who live in the SFHA (Special Flood Hazard Area) with the greatest risk of flooding. The NFIP has made federally backed flood insurance available in our community on the basis that the City adopted and continues to enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage. In 1990, the Federal Insurance Administration (FIA) implemented the Community Rating System (CRS), which provides incentives to communities to go beyond the minimum floodplain management requirements and to develop extra measures to provide protection from flooding. Cooper City has participated in this program since The Growth Management Department is responsible for floodplain management activities of the Community Rating System working in conjunction with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Cooper City residents currently receive a 15% discount on new and/or renewed flood insurance policies. This discount reflects an overall community savings of approximately $579,805 or an average of $73 per policy. DID YOU KNOW FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR PROPERTY PROTECTION MEASURES? Mitigation of the flood risk to properties will reduce the overall costs of flood insurance claims to the NFIP as well as to individual homeowners. Accordingly, Congress has created a variety of funding sources to help property owners reduce their exposure to flood damage. FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs provide funding for eligible mitigation activities that reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disaster damages. Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) provides funds for the implementation of mitigation projects prior to a disaster. The goal of the PDM program is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures, while at the same time, also reducing reliance on Federal funding from actual disaster declarations. The Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC) provides funds to reduce the risk of flood damage to individual properties insured under the NFIP that have had one or more claim payments for flood damages. You can visit FEMA s website, for information about these grant programs. The Cooper City Growth Management Department can provide additional information on financial assistance.

3 City of Cooper City 9090 Southwest 50th Place, P.O. Box Cooper City, FL Flood Preparedness Newsletter - Summer 2013 P a g e 3 To download, save, fill and print this form go to: Family Emergency Plan (

4 Flood Preparedness Newsletter - Summer 2013 P a g e 4 FLOOD SAFETY Preparation before a flood or storm event can minimize potential loss to your home and ensure your safety. For more information on preparedness, visit our website at Before the Storm some things that you can do include: Know the flood warning procedures of your City and Broward County. Know the locations of local shelters and specifically shelters for pets and special-need populations. Have emergency cash on hand. Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Visit the Red Cross website at: to get a copy of the brochure, Your Family Disaster Plan. Upon the advice of the Sheriff s Department or the Fire Department, turn off all circuit breakers at the fuse panel and disconnect electrical appliances and all other electrical equipment. If instructed to do so, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves and shut off the gas valves. Move all outside furniture, plants, toys, etc. inside to a secure location to prevent them from becoming dangerous flying objects that will cause damage. Take photos and/or videos of important possessions. If you must evacuate, secure your home. Move essential items to a higher level or upper floor. Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be the family contact in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person. Make sure you have emergency supplies (water, battery operated radio, medicines, pet supplies, flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, food, blankets, etc.) for each family member to last at least 3-7 days. Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated. Pay your bills before the storm, as the internet may be down and/or the post office may not be able to pick up or deliver mail after the storm. Charge cell phones, and have a car cell phone charger handy; also, have a corded, non-electric phone handy for land-line use. Fill-up all vehicles with gasoline prior to a pending storm. During the Storm: Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet. If you do not have to evacuate STAY INSIDE and keep your children inside. Drowning is the number one cause of flood death. If the waters start to rise and enter your house before you can evacuate, retreat to the second floor, attic, and if necessary, the roof.. DO NOT attempt to drive through flooded areas; however, if you do and your vehicle stalls in high water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Remember, if you come across a flooded road, turn around and go the other way Fill up ahead of time. Gas Stations may be closed during and after the storm.

5 Flood Preparedness Newsletter - Summer 2013 P a g e 5 Just because the rain has stopped does not mean the danger has passed. Hazardous conditions can persist for hours and days afterward, making the recovery effort difficult. After the Storm: If our community experiences a flood event and your property has suffered flood damage, you must stay calm and stay safe in the days ahead. Call your flood insurance company and file a claim. If you are unable to stay in your home, make sure to tell them where and how you can be reached. Do not walk through flowing water. Use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there if you have to walk through a flooded area. Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current travels through water. Report downed power lines by calling 911. Flooding can cause familiar places to change. Flood debris may hide animals, red ants, snakes, broken glass, and toxic water as well as being very slippery. Always be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don t smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. Use flashlights for lighting when the power goes off. Do not use candles or any other type of open flame. The Fire Department may be unable to respond during a hurricane. Clean everything that got wet. Flood waters have picked up sewage, farm and landscaping chemicals, toxins from factories and roads, etc. Spoiled food, flooded cosmetics, and medicine can be health hazards. When in doubt, throw it out. Carbon monoxide exhaust kills. Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machine outdoors. The same goes for camping stoves. Charcoal fumes are especially deadly so cook with charcoal outdoors. Take good care of yourself. Recovering from a flood or hurricane is a big job. It is tough on both the body and the spirit and the effects a disaster has on you and your family may last a long time. Keep your eyes open for signs of anxiety, stress, and fatigue in you and your family. In the days after a storm, rescue crews may be busy or unavailable. It is important to stay off of the roads and travel only when absolutely necessary.

6 Flood Preparedness Newsletter - Summer 2013 P a g e 6 Preparing for a flood or other emergency situation can be an activity that includes the entire family. Allowing children and distant relatives to help with the planning process can help prepare them and make the topic less stressful. You may consider letting the children help choose and collect the emergency supplies, such as nonperishable food, blankets and flashlights. This can give them a sense of importance, as well as offer them an opportunity to express themselves. It gives them the chance to communicate what items are most important to them, discuss what types of food they like, learn about the importance of basic nutrition and begin to distinguish between needs and wants. They may even want to pack their own emergency supply kit to be stored alongside the family s supply stash. It is of the utmost importance that every member of the family is familiar with the family s emergency plan, meeting locations, emergency contacts, medical conditions and special needs. It is also helpful if they have a basic understanding of the NWS weather advisories. Offering an explanation of the weather advisories and hazardous weather conditions is a wonderful opportunity to apply and enrich a child s understanding of science. Young children can practice communicating over the phone by calling out of town contacts and role playing what they would say in an emergency situation. Older children can practice using social media, text messages, and, for those who have never seen one, a land PREPARE AS A FAMILY line to relay important information to trusted friends and family members. In order to make communicating easier, they may want to update their contact lists and form groups that contain important contacts. In the event that cell phones are unavailable, the most important contact numbers should be committed to memory and contact lists should be printed out and kept accessible. Elderly members of the household should also be given the opportunity to participate. Specific attention should be paid to addressing their concerns and accommodating any special needs. Remember, they may have experience dealing with prior emergencies and could offer valuable advice. Beyond the family, including neighbors and other members of your community in flood preparations may help to strengthen the bonds and relationships that are often instrumental in recovering after a disaster. For more children s activities visit: Together as a family, take time to fill out the form provided on Page 3. Go over your plan with all family members and make copies accessible. DON T FORGET YOUR PETS! Pets are very much a part of our families and should not be overlooked during the preparation process. If you must evacuate, plan to take your pets with you. If necessary, try to find a shelter nearby that can accommodate pets, or arrange alternate lodging for your pets outside the path of the storm. If you plan to evacuate with your pets be sure to pack some basic supplies such as food, water and medication. Gathering vital vet and vaccination records is also a good idea. You may even want to give a copy of these important records to a trusted friend or family member since shelters, boarding facilities and government agencies may require proof of vaccination. If you must leave pets behind, be sure they are fenced in with adequate food and water. They should have a shelter to retreat to during the storm and access to high ground in case of flooding. Having your pets registered, microchipped and equipped with an identification plate attached to their collar can increase the chances of being reunited with a lost pet after a storm. For tips on how to best protect your fury family members visit:

7 Flood Preparedness Newsletter - Summer 2013 P a g e 7 Flood Preparedness Cooper City Newsletter Constructed at PuzzleMaker.com ACROSS 6 NFIP is the National Flood Program 7 Cools home and should be elevated to avoid flood damage 9 Watch local channels for information 29 Federal Insurance Administration 33 SFHA is a Flood Hazard Area 36 Red helps victims 38 Most common and expensive type of natural disaster in US 39 Odorless gas emitted by burning gas and charcoal storm 2 Issued when a weather event is eminent 3 Updating existing buildings with new features 4 Loss Properties have had at least two damage claims in 10 years 26 2 words, Rules that govern construction projects 28 Turn around! Don't. 30 Natural areas of land designated for water rise, runoff and accumulation 31 Issued when a weather event is possible 10 Use when returning to your home after the storm 12 To leave for a safer location 17 Flood insurance protects you from financial 18 CRS is Community System 19 Dry includes sealing buildings with waterproofing 40 Improvement equal or greater than 50% of market value 43 Certificates are required as part of the building permit process 45 2 words, Someplace Special 46 Can protect windows during a storm 5 HMA is Hazard Assistance Hurricane that hit Broward County 11 Storm is the rise of coastal waters 13 Contractors should be 14 Remaining debris poses a after the storm 32 2 words, Carries water away from streets and buildings 34 Weather related statement issued by NWS 35 damage is not covered by homeowner's insurance 37 Type of map showing flood zone designations compounds 23 Number 2 flood killer after drowning 24 Know the location of the nearest, place of refuge 25 Weather Radio 27 An isolated can appear anytime during a hurricane 47 Buildings located in flood are more likely to flood 48 Can be stacked to hold back water DOWN 1 Fill your car with before the 15 Insurance contract 16 Code Cooper City Emergency Notification System 20 To make oneself ready 21 File a with your insurance company 22 Tropical cyclones that affect Florida 41 Provides weather related warnings 42 Federal Emergency Management Agency 44 Make arrangements for these animals

8 Flood Preparedness Newsletter - Summer 2013 P a g e 8 PROPERTY PROTECTION There are various actions you can take right now to floodproof your home, including retrofitting, in order to minimize damage caused by flooding or hurricanes. These methods include: Installation of shutters over windows or replacement of windows with impact resistant windows. Installation of reinforced garage doors. Securing all vent hoods, exhaust louvers, etc. from wind and rain. Securing doorways on the first floor from flood waters by applying sandbags, air conditioning duct tape, or heavy plastic sheeting. Gather these materials now and keep them handy. Locating electrical panel boxes, air conditioning units, water heaters, and washer/dryers in areas less likely to flood. Dry floodproofing your home, which includes sealing building walls with waterproofing compounds, impermeable sheeting, and using shields for covering and protecting openings from flood waters. An excellent source for more information is the FEMA Publication P-312, Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding. A copy can be found online at or our local public library. There are steps you can take now to protect your home against future flood damage. This could happen to your home. FLOOD INSURANCE Flood insurance protects you from financial devastation caused by floods. Even a few inches of water in your home can cause thousands of dollars in repair and restoration costs. Federally regulated and/or insured lenders will require you to have flood insurance for the amount remaining on your mortgage, or $250,000, whichever is lower. Present U.S. estimates are that during the life of a 30-year mortgage, residents have a 26% chance of experiencing a serious flood event. STANDARD HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER FLOOD DAMAGE. By having flood insurance, you will be covered for losses to your property caused by flooding. THERE IS A 30-DAY WAITING PERIOD FOR FLOOD INSURANCE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE AFTER PURCHASE. Cooper City is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes it possible for Cooper City property owners to obtain federally backed flood insurance. This insurance is available to any owner of insurable property (a building and/or its contents) in Cooper City. Residents in the Special Flood Hazard Area receive a 15% discount on flood insurance premiums due to the fact that Cooper City s ongoing efforts exceed the minimum floodplain management requirements of the NFIP. With residential flood insurance coverage, you can get up to $250,000 protection on your home and up to $100,000 protection on your contents. With commercial coverage, you can get up to $500,000 protection on your building and up to $500,000 on the contents of the business. Remember to have your flood insurance policy cover your contents and structure. Renters can get contents coverage too!

9 Flood Preparedness Newsletter - Summer 2013 P a g e 9 SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT Cooper City Code of Ordinances, Sec includes a rule known as the 50% rule. This rule states that if your structure is damaged or improved (such as an addition to a structure) in an amount equal to or greater than 50% of the structure s market value, the existing building and/or improvement must meet the same construction requirements as a new building. The market value of the structure should be (1) the appraised value of the structure prior to the start of the initial repair or improvement, or (2) in the case of damage, the value of the structure prior to the damage occurring. Substantial improvement is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commences whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. If this applies, then the building must be elevated above the base flood level and will require an elevation certificate. Contact the Building Department at (954) , ext. 230 should you have any questions regarding the process, the contractor you are considering hiring, or any other information pertinent to substantial improvements. Once a building undergoes Substantial Improvements, it must comply with current building codes.

10 Flood Preparedness Newsletter - Summer 2013 P a g e 10 FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT AND PERMITS Cooper City has adopted ordinances and regulations regarding floodplain management and development in the flood zones to reduce flood damage. These measures take on a variety of forms and generally include zoning, platting or site plan approval, building code requirements and special purpose floodplain ordinances. Every lot in our community was designed so water would flow away from the building and along property lines to the streets, swales, storm drains, or ditches. Cooper City has specific ordinances in place so that fences, impervious surfaces, certain landscaping or re-grading do not block the flow of water thereby backing it up to or into your home. The purpose of the regulations and of requiring a permit is to: control the alteration of the natural floodplains; prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which can unnaturally divert flood water, or which may increase flood hazards in other areas; restrict or prohibit uses which may result in damage to property, increased erosion, or increased flood height or velocities; control filling, grading, dredging, and any other types of development which may increase flood damage. Chapter 6-92 of the Code of Ordinances states that all new and substantial improvements of residential and non-residential structures in the SFHA have the lowest floor elevation of at least two (2) feet above the highest adjacent grade. These regulations require a mandatory development review process where building permits and/or engineering permits are a prerequisite prior to construction, filling, or any alteration of the natural elevations of the site. If you have a question or concern, please contact the Cooper City Building Department at (954) , ext. 230 before you build on, fill, alter, or re-grade your property. A permit is needed to ensure that such projects do not cause problems on your property as well as your neighbor s property. City of Cooper City 9090 Southwest 50th Place, P.O. Box Cooper City, FL

11 Flood Preparedness Newsletter - Summer 2013 P a g e 11 NATURAL & BENEFICIAL FUNCTIONS Cooper City has adopted ordinances that follow strict Federal, State and County guidelines to protect the natural and beneficial functions of the wetland environment during any and all land development. It is important that we preserve these natural areas and wetlands that are used by various wildlife and plant life as well as providing a habitat for species that cannot live anywhere else. These low lying areas are where rainfall goes to drain. When the rainfall drains into the ground, this helps reduce flooding, and recharges our drinking water supply. They serve as filters for stormwater runoff as it seeps through the ground. It is important that we appreciate our floodplains and try to maintain, preserve, and restore these areas whenever possible. Another concern is water quality. The storm drainage system carries untreated stormwater runoff directly to our lakes and canals. Disposing of hazardous waste in the drainage system directly impacts our environment by polluting the water, destroying plants, and endangering wildlife. Cooper City has ordinances that enforce NO DUMPING in the storm drains, lakes, or canals. Should you see illegal dumping, please contact the Code Compliance Department at (954) To properly dispose of hazardous materials you can call Broward County at (954) for drop off locations and times. ELEVATION CERTIFICATES Elevation Certificates are required as part of the building permit process for new and substantially improved buildings. The Elevation Certificate is an important administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is used to provide the base flood elevation of your home, which is necessary to ensure compliance with the community floodplain management ordinances, to determine the proper insurance premium rate, and to support any request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). Cooper City maintains Elevation Certificates through the Growth Management Department. Please feel free to make a request and contact this department at (954) , ext. 249, or you can also make a request online. To do so, please visit our website at Copies of existing Elevation Certificates are free to all residents. If no Elevation Certificate is on file, call your insurance agent and request the name of a survey company they recommend to provide this service. The surveyor will charge a fee. A natural floodplain can help buffer the community from the effects of storm surge and excess rainfall. By filtering runoff, it also helps buffer the ecosystem from the effects of the community.

12 Flood Preparedness Newsletter - Summer 2013 P a g e 12 DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE The Cooper City drainage system consists of lakes, canals, swales, catch basins and storm sewers for stormwater management purposes. The occurrence of stormwater runoff is highly variable depending on the amount of rainfall during each storm event and conditions within the drainage area. Since most storm events are relatively moderate, natural drainage features typically evolve to accommodate moderate quantities of stormwater runoff. The Cooper City Utilities Department conducts on-going inspections and evaluations of the drainage system and monitors all stormwater runoff to ensure proper drainage and maintenance. The Utilities Department, along with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Central Broward Water Control District (CBWCD) continue to work hard on your behalf to provide functional retention for stormwater runoff within the public rights-of-way and have invested significant capital improvements to reduce flood prone areas within our community. The CBWCD regulates, under State Law, drainage permits and construction standards for the prevention of flooding and the maintenance of secondary and tertiary drainage facilities. The SFWMD, CBWCD, and the Cooper City Utilities Department maintain the canals and catch basins regularly. The Utilities Department also responds to requests and complaints from property owners who have a flood, sewer, water, or drainage problem. You can contact the Utilities Department at (954) to set up an onsite visit. After each visit, a Utilities representative documents the cause of the problem, and will discuss recommended solutions with the homeowner. However, the City has no obligation to correct problems on private property. Every piece of trash can contribute to flooding. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and clog storm drains and plug channels to lakes and canals. If your property is next to a storm drain or catch basin, please do your part to help keep the area clear of storm debris. Contact the Utilities Department to clear brush and heavy debris from the storm drains and/or catch basins. If you see a storm drain that is clogged with debris, or if there is a drainage issue, please contact the Utilities Department at (954) Call Code Compliance at (954) to report dumping of any kind as it is a violation in Cooper City! City of Cooper City 9090 Southwest 50th Place, P.O. Box Cooper City, FL

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14 Flood Preparedness Newsletter - Summer 2013 P a g e 14 MAP OF THE LOCAL FLOOD HAZARD Cooper City provides Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) determination letters to residents, businesses, and insurance companies to show the location of individual property and business owners within the City limits. A map of the City is included in this Newsletter, and can also be accessed through the City s website at If you would like more information please call the Growth Management Department at (954) , ext. 226 The City provides FIRM determinations to let you know in which flood zone your property is located. To request FIRM information for your property, please contact our consultant, CRS Max Consultants by phone at or by at CRSMaxInc@bellsouth.net. Flood zones are geographic areas that FEMA has defined according to varying levels of flood risk. These zones are depicted on our Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The following are brief definitions of the FEMA flood zones for Cooper City: Zone AH Zone X Flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to areas of shallow flooding with average depths between 1 and 3 feet. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. Flood insurance rate zones that are outside the floodplain with a moderate flood hazard. Properties in the X Zone have less than a 1% chance that they will flood in any given year. Flood insurance purchase is not mandatory. CROSSWORD PUZZLE SOLUTION City of Cooper City 9090 Southwest 50th Place, P.O. Box Cooper City, FL