Notice To Residents Regarding The Special Flood Hazard Area The Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) is the area subject to inundation by a l00-year flood, as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) compiled by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This notice is designed to make you more aware of local flood hazards, the need to keep flood insurance in force, and other topics related to flood preparedness. Please take a few minutes to review all of the items presented and determine what actions you may need to take in order to protect yourself. Flooding in our city is caused by three sources: the San Marcos River, the Blanco River, and Purgatory Creek. Floodwaters can cover many blocks up to three or four feet deep. Flooding in all three areas can come with little warning. A flood in October of 1998 covered streets within 30 minutes of forming. In November of 2001 the Blanco River flooded within an hour after a thunderstorm started. Floods are also dangerous. Even though they appear to move slowly (three feet per second), a flood two feet deep can knock a man off his feet and float a car. Your property may be high enough that it was not flooded recently. However, it can still be flooded in the future because the next flood could be worse. This notice gives you some ideas of what you can do to protect yourself. What You Can Do: Rake up and bag leaves as often as possible before storms. Leaves clogging storm drains are the primary source of most flood occurrences. Do not dump or throw anything into drainage ditches or streams—it is a violation of the City Code. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug channels and outfall structures. Blocked drainage ways simply cannot carry water, and when it rains the water has to go somewhere. Every piece of litter contributes to flooding. Clean drains around your home, including roof gutters, downspouts, drain inlets, pipes. drainage ditches and driveway culverts. Always check with the Engineering Department (512.393.8130) before you build on, alter, regrade, or fill on your property. Permit(s) may be required to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties. If you do not have flood Insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Get at least three quotes on flood insurance. During A Flood Watch: Listen to the radio for news; bring outdoor belongings indoors. If time permits, move valuable possessions to the upper floors or to safe ground. Be prepared to evacuate and. if advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Report local flooding or severe runoff to your Engineering Department (512.393.8130) or Police Department (512.753.2108). During A Flood—Flood Safety: Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there. Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don’t drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Power Company or City emergency management office. Have your electricity turned off by the Power Company. Some appliances, such as television sets, keep electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned, and dried. Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals. Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery. Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. For more information please call the Environment and Engineering Department at 393-8030.