Floodplain Management

Floods are the most common natural disaster, damaging public health and safety, as well as economic prosperity. Based on the 2015 Volusia County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Mitigation Strategy, out of the thirteen individual hazards identified, flooding is the most frequent and costly natural hazard in the Volusia County area.

Between 1980 and 2013, the United States suffered more than $260 billion in flood-related damages, according to FEMA. Tidal surges associated with hurricanes, nor'easters, and tropical storm activity and from overflow from streams and swamps associated with rainfall runoff, increase the risk of damage due to flooding.

Proactive preparation helps minimize risk for personal safety and property damage during a hurricane or during rising waters due to heavy downpours and sheet flow. Below are some strategies and tips to help with preparation to protect your property and personal safety.

Know Your Risk of Flooding - Finding Out is Easy!

Flooding can happen anywhere. To find out what flood zone your property is located in or to learn about historical flooding, localized drainage issues, repetitive loss areas, topographic issues, please contact the City of Ormond Beach at 386-676-3342 or visit: 
https://www.volusia.org/services/public-protection/emergency-management/types-of-disasters/floods/

You Should Buy Flood Insurance

 
Most standard Homeowners' policies do not cover flooding from rising water.  All property owners can purchase flood insurance for structures and contents within Ormond Beach.  Renters can purchase insurance for their belongings too.  Do not procrastinate as most flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before they become effective.   

Check With Your Agent To See If You Are Fully Insure

When buying and selling a home, some flood insurance policies are transferable saving you $ in a home purchase and sales transactions.  To find out more about flood insurance, speak to an insurance professional to understand your flood insurance needs and to see if you are full insured.  This is especially important if you are in a condominium association, a master policy does NOT usually cover the inside of the unit or contents.  More information is available on the www.floodsmart.gov website. 

Follow Proper Safety Precautions

You can protect yourself from flood hazards by taking measures to ensure the safety of life and property before, during, and after a flood.  You will be notified of a flood event:
  • By monitoring your NOAA weather radio.  Listen for instructions from Volusia County Emergency Management; consult their social media (Twitter/Facebook).
  • Door-to-door (Law Enforcement).
  • Reverse 911 area-wide telephone notification system (sign up at www.volusia.org/emergency).
  • Public media.
  • Sign up for alerts at: https://www.volusia.org/services/public-protection/emergency-management/Scroll down and Select Code Red Logo.  Also,
  • When walking, do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
  • Know your evacuation routes before flooding occurs.
  • Find a place where your family can safely meet up after an evacuation order is issued.
  • Do not drive through flooded areas.  More people drown in their cars than anywhere else.
  • Don't drive around road barriers. 

Build Responsibly-Use only Licensed Builders

If you are planning substantial improvements to your home - that is, repairs are equal to or greater than 50% of your home's market value - then you must meet current Florida Building Code standards and comply with your local floodplain ordinance. 

Make sure you get a permit before you build, and work with a licensed contractor who knows the codes.  An Elevation Certificate may be on file at your local government office. 

Keep Natural Areas Undisturbed

Wetlands, open space, and the Coastal Barrier Resources System Areas are important for many reasons, one of which is storage of storm water.  It is everyone's responsibility to protect these areas.  The house you flood could be your own. Here's what you can do to keep natural areas clean and healthy.
  • Don't dump lawn grass, trash or anything else in storm drains.
  • Keep creeks, streams, and ditches clean and free of debris;
  • Scoop the poop, keep pet waste from entering waterways;
  • Use a car wash;
  • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly; 
  • Adhere to Volusia County fertilizer ordinance.  Limit use of fertilizers and pesticides and do not apply fertilizers closer than 15' to a water body;
  • Report illegal dumping or clearing.

Protect Yourself and Your Property from the Next Flood

Flooding causes more property damage in the Unites States than any other type of natural disaster.  While recent construction regulations have reduced the risk of flooding, many older structures remain susceptible.  There is a growing interest by property owners to develop practical and cost-effective methods for reducing the likelihood of flooding.

Several effective techniques include: redirect downspouts away from your home; grade your yard so water drains to catchment area; use a rain barrel and use the water for your landscaping, and saving on the cost of potable water.

For flood protection advice including a potential site visit from staff, and possible financial assistance, contact your local government agency.

The cost of flood insurance is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost from flood damage.  Just a few inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage.  To see projections of costs associated with flooding, go to the Flood Calculator at: www.floodsmart.gov/cost-flooding.

FEMA's library offers information about elevating and floodproofing structures.

Other Local Jurisdictional Flood and Floodplain Links

Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach Shores
Deltona
Edgewater
Holly Hill
New Smyrna Beach
Ponce Inlet
Port Orange
South Daytona
Volusia County