The City of Flagler Beach is located on a coastal barrier island. Unfortunately the benefits of living on a barrier island have a price in the increased risk of hurricanes and the flooding that accompanies them. Hurricanes and tropical storms are most prevalent from June 1st through November 30th, with the greatest risk in August and September. Most casualties and property damage caused by hurricanes are the result of flooding. Hurricanes are capable of producing storm surges, tornadoes, and inland flooding. As we well know, heavy rains can occur without being designated a hurricane or tropical storm. (And, don't forget nor'easters can also damage our coastal properties.)
A storm surge is a large volume of ocean water driven ashore by a land falling hurricane or tropical storm. Storm surge is a rapid rise in sea level, accompanied by large battering waves. The surge is caused by strong onshore winds forcing the ocean level to rise up and flow inland. Storm surge affects coastal areas as well as the Intracoastal Waterway, canals, rivers, and other low lying areas near tidal bodies of water. Storm surge can destroy buildings, cut new inlets through barrier islands, and completely change the coastline.
Flood Warning System: Flagler County has been designated as �Storm Ready.� The Flagler County Emergency Management Services manages the flood warning system. You can contact the Flagler County Emergency Management at 386-586-5111 for information, or go to www.FlaglerEmergency.com for information. Once an emergency situation has been declared, you can receive continuing information and updates specific to Flagler County by tuning to local radio stations WNZF 1150 AM and The Beach 92.7 FM which are the County�s primary sources of news information during emergencies. The following television stations will also have information:
Brighthouse Networks channel 198 � FCTV
Brighthouse Networks channel 199 � PCMA TV
Channel 2 � Orlando WESH � NBC
Channel 6 � Orlando WKMG � CBS
Channel 9 � Orlando WFTV � ABC
Channel 35 � Orlando � WOFH � Fox
Channel 13 � Orlando � Brighthouse
The following weather links can be extremely helpful for any time of the year:
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Flagler+Beach&state=FL&site=JAX&textField1=29.4703&textField2=-81.13&e=0 for a forecast just for Flagler Beach issued by the National Weather Service.
http://www/srh.noaa.gov/jax/?n=rip_currents for local beach conditions and rip current forecast.
Protect your property: Electrical panel boxes, heat pumps, washers, dryers, and water heaters should be elevated or relocated to areas less likely subject to flood waters. Elevate and anchor fuel tanks. Raising the furniture and other valuables on blocks also will offer some protection.
Consider your retrofitting options. This means altering the building to eliminate or reduce flood damage. The City Library has information on retrofitting and other documents pertaining to flood plain management topics. You can also go to www.fema.gov and click on one of the topics under "Quick Links" along the right side, or to www.floodsmart.gov where you can find a wealth of information on both protecting your property and flood insurance. Please be aware that retrofitting your property will most likely require a building permit.
Flood Insurance: The City of Flagler Beach participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This means that local insurance agents can sell a Flood Insurance Policy (which is separate from regular property insurance) at subsidized rates set by the Federal Government. The City of Flagler Beach participates in the Community Rating System (C.R.S.) as level 7. Because of this participation, flood insurance policy holders in the special flood hazard area receive a 15% discount on their policy. Flood insurance is also available for structures outside the 100 year flood plan (Zone X).
The Federal Government passed a law making it mandatory for owners to obtain a flood insurance policy if the structure is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and the loan is federally backed. Flood insurance can cover the structure alone or cover a combination of the structure and contents. Renters can buy coverage for contents, even if the owner does not have structural coverage. Please remember that there is normally a 30-day waiting period before the policy goes into effect.
What can you do? Know your flood hazard. Check with the City of Flagler Beach Building Department (386-517-2005) to find out what flood zone you are in and what the base flood elevation (BFE) is for your neighborhood. You can get a good idea of your flood zone from the map provided in the Building Department at City Hall or at the City of Flagler Beach Library.
Help protect your structure from flood damage by not sweeping or blowing yard leaves, pine needles, grass clippings or soil into the street or storm water system. This clogs up the pipes and prevents water from draining.
PLEASE DON'T WAIT TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY!
