FEMA Flood Information

FloodSmart
FloodSmart.gov is a great resource for many questions about flooding and flood insurance. You can visit the site at     FloodSmart.com

Know Your Flood Hazard
All properties are technically within a flood hazard area, but some areas pose more risk than others. It is important to understand if your property is in a flood hazard area which may require you to purchase flood insurance (some property  owners may want to consider flood insurance even if it is not required). You can identify which flood hazard area(s) your   property is within by visiting FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center FEMA.GOV or by visiting the GIS Department.

  For an explanation of the different flood hazard area designations, please visit http://www.fema.gov/floodplain-   management/flood-zones.

How to Insure Your Property for Flood Hazards
  Standards homeowners insurance typically does not cover flooding. The City of Covington participates on the National       Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which can help property owners find flood insurance. Flood insurance may also be         available for renters. For more information on obtaining flood insurance, please visit http://www.fema.gov/information-   property-owners.


How to Protect Yourself from Flood Hazards
  It is important to know what to do in the event a flood occurs. Please refer to the information below for information   which may help protect lives:
  Remember that a flood watch means that flooding is possible but not imminent. A flood warning means that flooding is     already occurring or will occur soon.

BEFORE THE STORM

 

  • Monitor your local news and NOAA Weather Radio, or visit the National Weather Service’s Web site at                              www.nws.noaa.gov for the latest weather information. Battery powered weather radios are available at most stores that sell electronic equipment.
  • Move to higher ground, away from creeks, streams, rivers and storm drains. Flash floods can sweep over an area without warning, and you may only have minutes to get to safety.
  • Listen for distant thunder because water from faraway storms may be headed your way. Be aware that flash flooding can occur up to 12 hours after heavy rains.
  • Learn the safest route from your home or place of business to a safe area away from high winds or flooding. Keep your vehicle fueled and have an updated local map in your car.
  • Move livestock and animals to higher ground; bring pets inside.
  • Store extra drinking water. Fill up clean plastic bottles with clean water if you live in a flood-prone area.
  • Move your valuables and furniture to higher floors of your home.
  • Check your gutters to make sure they are clear of leaves and debris.
  • Check your family emergency kit to be sure it is stocked with essential supplies to last a minimum of three days. Include items like flashlights and batteries, battery-operated radio, weather radio, water, canned food and manual can opener, first aid supplies and medications. Make an emergency kit with supplies for your pet, as well.
  • Review your family emergency and communications plan. Decide on a meeting place away from home where you and your family will gather if you need to leave your home and family members become separated.

DURING THE STORM

  • Know how to get emergency information for your area.
  • Keep your battery-operated radio tuned to a local station, and follow all instructions. If you are told to evacuate, move out of the house or building to safe, high ground before access is cut off by floodwater.
  • Never walk or swim through swiftly moving water. Avoid already-flooded areas. Floodwaters that are above your knees are dangerous. Turn around and go back to higher ground.
  • Never try to cross standing or moving water in a vehicle. Water that is two feet deep can carry away most cars, including SUVs. If you find floodwaters on the road, turn around and find an alternate route.
  • Abandon your vehicle immediately if it becomes surrounded with water or the engine stalls. Seek higher ground immediately.

AFTER THE STORM

  • When it is safe to return to your home, be sure that the structure is not visibly damaged and in danger of collapsing before entering.
  • Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet. Do not turn on damaged electrical appliances because of the hazards of electric shock or fire.
  • Watch for live electrical wires. Be sure the electrical current is turned off and do not attempt to turn on any electrically-operated light or appliance until an electrician has checked your system.

Protect Your Property from Flood Hazards

  • Elevate electrical panel boxes, furnaces, water heaters, and washer/dryers (or relocate to a location less likely to be flooded).
  • Install sewer backup valves.
  • Move furniture, TV, and other valuables to the upper floors of your home.
  • ·    One way to keep water away is to regrade your lot, build a small floodwall or earthen berm, or sandbag. Another practical step is to raise the house above the flood levels. You may find more suggested ways to safeguard your property against floods at local libraries, or visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

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How To Build Responsibly

 Almost all structures (homes, garages, barns, etc.) require one or more permits from the City of Covington’s Planning &     Zoning Department. Please call 770-385-2020 to speak with staff members who can help determine what permits,        documentation and fees your project might require.

 Staff will check to ensure all applicable zoning and development standards are being met. It is important to note that building in the floodplain is allowed only when the structure is floodproofed. A one-foot increase in flood elevation as a     result of construction/development is allowed in “A” and “AE” zones, but no rise in elevation is allowed in the floodway.


How To Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

 Illicit Discharge is a term used to describe any situation where anything other than stormwater, waters used for firefighting operations or discharges allowed by a obtaining the proper permit is allowed to enter the storm water sewer       system. This includes dumping any waste into storm drains. More information can be found at                                               http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/discharges.cfm.

When construction is taking place, erosion and sedimentation controls must be put into place to ensure dirt does not leave    the property and enter the street, the storm water system and/or nearby bodies of water. These controls can include silt fence, temporary vegetation and sedimentation traps. More information can be found at http://gaswcc.georgia.gov/.

   If you have questions about these topics, or if you want to report potential violations, please contact the City of                    Covington at 770-385-2187 .