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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 the 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. For general
information, visit the
Marion County GIS
website, but for precise information, call the 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.
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Precautions:
Elevate essential elements in your home. Raise your furnace,
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. Watch the weather situation. If you live in a low-lying area or
near a creek, pay close attention to water levels during heavy rains. Watch rising waters. Water levels rise rapidly during flash
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. Quickly responding to an evacuation order can save your life. Dont camp near a flooded stream. Never set up a tent or 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:
Plan ahead. Prepare a family disaster plan. Purchase insurance coverage. Before it rains, check to see if
you have insurance that covers flooding. Keep insurance policies, documents,
and other valuables in a fire proof/water proof box. Assemble an emergency/disaster
kit If a flood watch is issued, move your furniture and valuables to
higher floors of your home. Fill you cars gas tank in case an evacuation
notice is issued.
If a flood warning is issued, listen to local radio or
television 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:
Maintaining a flood insurance policy is one of the most important things
you can do to protect yourself and reduce the cost of flood disasters. Homeowners insurance policies do not cover damages caused by floodwater.
Only a flood insurance policy covers damage caused by floods.
Most of the people whose homes are damaged or destroyed in floods
caused by Hurricane Floyd had no flood insurance.
Most forms of federal disaster assistance, including FEMAs Temporary
Housing and Individual and Family Grant Programs, are only offered if the
President declares a State of Emergency. The most typical form of federal disaster relief is a Small Business
Administration loan that must be paid back with interest. The average
duration and loan payment is 18.5 years and $140/month. The average individual and family grant is less than $2,500. Buildings in flood hazard areas have a 26% chance of being flooded
during a 30-year mortgage, and 80% of all disasters declared by the
President are floods. Homeowners, business owners, and renters can purchase flood insurance
as long as their community participates in the Nation Flood Insurance
Program. Even if a disaster is not declared by the President, flood claims
are paid. When you carry a flood insurance policy and file a flood insurance
claim, you usually get a partial payment immediately. Disaster aid is limited to replacing essential items only. Homeowners can get up to $250,000 of coverage and businesses up to
$500,000. Contents coverage also is available. Renters can obtain up to $100,000 of coverage. |
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