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Natural
Disasters - Floods
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Flooding:
Marion County is fortunate to be approximately 110 feet above sea
level making large scale flooding unlikely. Flash flooding,
however, is a real
concern for much of the county. Many parts of county are in
low-lying regions or near bodies of water. In these regions even a
series of severe thunderstorms could send water in your front door.
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Are you in a Flood Zone ?
Before anything else, find out if you live in a
flood zone. The easiest way is to visit the Marion County GIS
website (http://www.marioncountyfl.org/IS251/GISWEB/gis_home.htm),
but for information that is more precise, you may call Marion
County Board of County Commissioners Zoning Department at
352-620-7408.
If you do not live in a flood zone, it is highly unlikely that
you will experience any flood damage. If you do live a flood
zone, you need to take steps to protect yourself and your
property from flooding. |
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Elevate essential elements
in your home. Raise your furnace,
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water heater, and
electrical panel if they are in areas of your home that may be
flooded. You may also wish to consult a professional for other
damage reduction measures you can take.
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Watch
the weather
situation. If you live in a low-lying area
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or near a creek,
pay close attention to water levels during heavy rains.
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Watch rising waters. Water levels rise rapidly
during flash |
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floods, often surprising victims. Heavy
rainfall can cause a river or stream to rise quickly, even
if it is not raining near you. Be prepared to move to higher ground
quickly, if water levels begin rising.
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Quickly responding to an evacuation order can save |
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your
life.
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Don’t camp near a flooded
stream. Never set up a tent or
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camper on the bank of
a river or stream. It is best to allow some distance between the
campsite and weather so if a flash flood does occurs you will have
more time to move to higher ground. |
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Preparedness:
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Plan ahead. Prepare a
family disaster plan. |
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Purchase insurance coverage. Before it rains, check to see if
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you have insurance that
covers flooding. Keep insurance policies, documents, and other
valuables in a fire proof/water proof box.
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Assemble an emergency/disaster
kit
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If a flood watch is issued,
move your furniture and valuables to |
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higher floors of your
home. Fill you car’s gas tank in case an evacuation notice is
issued.
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If a flood warning is
issued, listen to local radio or television |
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stations for information
and advice. If told to evacuate, do so immediately and follow recommended routes. Shortcuts may be blocked. |
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Flood Insurance Assistance:
If
you have questions about whether or not you need flood
insurance FEMA suggests considering the following:
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Maintaining a flood insurance policy is one of the
most
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important things you can do to protect yourself and
reduce the cost of flood disasters.
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Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damages
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caused by floodwater. Only a flood insurance policy
covers damage caused by floods.
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Most
of the people whose homes are damaged or destroyed
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in floods caused by Hurricane Floyd had no flood
insurance.
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Most
forms of federal disaster assistance, including FEMA’s |
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Temporary
Housing and Individual and Family Grant Programs, are only offered if the President declares
a State of Emergency.
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