For more information visit

www.meridiancity.org/floodplain

(208) 898-5500

33 E. Broadway Avenue, Suite 204Meridian, ID 83642

Public Works DepartmentEnvironmental Division

Public Works DepartmentEnvironmental Division

Floods Hurt!While it is generally accepted that floods damage property, it is not well perceived that floods can cause casualties as well. Super Storm Sandy caused over $68 billion in damage and killed at least 286 people.

Drowning is the Number 1 cause of death during a flood. You should be very careful walking through flooded areas — six inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet.

Additionally, the danger of electrocution by downed wires is present. Electrocution is the Number 2 flood killer, after drowning. Electrical currents can travel through water. Report any downed wires to the power authority and stay away from power lines and electrical wires.

Be sure to look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floor may be covered with debris, including broken glass, nails, etc. Use caution. Muddy floors and stairs can be slippery.

Floods Are A Natural FunctionA floodplain is defined as an area that stores water during a flood event. Why is that so important when it comes to reducing flood risks? Because of the way a floodplain functions. A floodplain can reduce the frequency, severity and duration of flooding. Floodplains also recharge our groundwater supply and provide habitat for plants and animals. For example, the Fivemile Creek restoration project near Locust Grove and Franklin restored riparian habitat that did not previously exist. Also, everything that gets into a storm drain goes to a river system. Please don’t dump into your storm drains. Help the City protect you from localized flooding:

• Do not dump debris in creeks, streams or canals. Remember, it is a violation of City Code to dump in the waterways of Meridian.

• During rainstorms, observe the natural flow of water on your property. Look for areas where water concentrates and where erosion and water damage are most likely to occur.

• Do not place obstructions (outbuildings, debris, landscape elements) to the natural flow on your property.Build Responsibly

Did you know that the City of Meridian has a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance? Did you know that any development or substantial improvement that occurs within a designated floodplain overlay district within the City will require a floodplain development permit? This is a good thing!

These are effective tools that allow the City to mitigate the flood risk by making sure that new development and substantial improvement to existing development include measures to protect that development from the impacts of flooding.

To learn more about these tools, contact the Public Works Department at 208-489-0383.

FLOODING

Get Informed

Know the rIsKs

Be PrePared

You May Be At RiskA flood hazard area is a floodplain that has been mapped and where historical flood information has been used to estimate probabilities of future floods. FEMA maps flood hazard areas as part of its National Flood Insurance Program.

In the City of Meridian, flood hazard areas have been mapped along Fivemile, Eightmile, Ninemile and Tenmile Creeks. You are receiving this notice because your property is in or near a FEMA-mapped flood hazard area.

Not all Meridian residents recognize the danger that floods can pose, but the City sees flooding as a legitimate threat and has established programs to manage the risk.

You don’t have to live in a floodplain to be subject to flooding. Urban drainage flooding is the Number 1 cause of flood damage in the U.S.

The City encourages all of its citizens to learn about local flood risks and to take steps to reduce the damage floods can cause, and be prepared to recover quickly from flooding when it happens.

You can start by signing up for the “Code Red” Emergency Notification System maintained by Ada County Emergency Management. To do so, visit the Idaho State Alert and Warning System website at http://isaws.org/

Also, please visit the City’s flood information website at: http://meridiancity.org/floodplain/

Are You Insured?Did you know that the standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover damage caused by floods? However, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy because the City of Meridian participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.

This insurance is backed by the federal government and is available to everyone. If you have a federally backed mortgage and live in a flood hazard area, you are required to have this insurance. If you don’t have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Don’t wait until you think a flood is coming. There is a 45-day waiting period on all new flood insurance policies. The City is participating in the Community Rating System (CRS) to reduce the cost of flood insurance.

Now that you know some of the risks of flooding, what can you do to protect your property? Be proactive —ask yourself the following questions about your property:

• How deep can the flood water get?• What could be damaged below that level?• How can I reduce that risk?• What are my options?• How would I pay for this?• Am I insured?•

The City of Meridian Department of Public Works can help you answer these questions. You can come in for this assistance or call 208-489-0383. If you determine that you have flood risk, consider the following options:

• Buy flood insurance• Elevate your home• Elevate the assets in your home that are at risk• Consider appropriate flood-proofing measures• Address local flooding issues on your property

You should also consider what you will do when you know a flood is coming? Consider measures like these:• Establish a personal emergency plan. Make sure all members of your household are familiar with it,

including your children. Plan for your special family members; many Red Cross shelters will not allow pets. Monitor flooding patterns in your neighborhood in order to plan the best evacuation route.

• Sign up for the Idaho State Alert and Warning System (ISAWS)• Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.• Prepare an emergency supply kit, with an adequate supply of water. Local water systems may be

damaged. Have a supply of non-perishable foods such as canned meat or fish, crackers, cheese, peanut butter, special diet foods, juice. Include a manual can opener, a battery-operated radio, flashlights and fresh batteries.

• Prepare a first aid kit that includes a 1- to 2-week supply of your prescription medication.• Prepare your property. If you have to evacuate, shut off all electrical circuits at the main. Shut off the

water service and gas valves at each appliance. If possible, move appliances and furniture to a higher level. Secure outdoor furniture and structures so that they can’t float away or become airborne in strong winds. Lock the doors to your home or business.

Protect Your Property — Perform a Self-Evaluation