FLOOD PLAIN NOTICE

This notice has been mailed to all addresses located in or adjacent to the 100 year flood plain along the Cedar River, Turtle Creek, and Dobbins Creek. These streams are the major sources of flooding within the City of Austin. If you have received this notice, you are located in or very near the flood hazard area. The purpose of this notification is to inform you of the flood hazard associated with these streams and suggest possible action you can take to protect yourself.

FLOOD HAZARD AREA
Maps showing the limits of the 100 year flood plain are on file in the City Engineer’s Office located at 500 4th Avenue Northeast in Austin.

The 100 year flood plain is the area that has a 1% chance of being flooded in any given year, or on the average of once every 100 years. Put another way, the area has a 25% chance of being flooded over the life of a 30 year mortgage. Smaller floods have a greater chance of occurring in any year and can still create a significant flood hazard to people and property close to the channel. Also, larger floods can and do occur.

Austin is subject to dangerous flash flooding during or following heavy storms. Significant damaging floods have occurred in 1978 (twice), 1993, 2000, and 2004. The peak elevation of the September 2004 flood caused severely damaged foundation walls and basement floors, ruined furnaces, and other basement appliances were commonplace, along with 1st floor damage with many structures.

FLOOD WATCH AND WARNING SYSTEM
Austin has developed a flood watch and warning system for the flood plain area. Watches and warnings will be disseminated by local radio (1480 AM & 99.9 FM), TV (Channel 6), and by police vehicles equipped with high/low siren settings and public address systems.

A flood watch declaration means that flooding is possible within the watch area. A flood warning means that flooding is imminent. If a flood watch is declared, citizens in or near the flood plain should continue to monitor radio and/or TV announcements for changes in the flood conditions. If a flood warning is declared, citizens in or near the flood plain should take appropriate action to protect their family and property.

FLOOD SAFETY
If you have received this notice, you should be concerned about the flood hazard. There are several actions you can take to mitigate the flood hazard, including:

1. Know the flood warning procedures
2. Plan escape routes to high ground
3. During times of heavy rainfall, monitor the level of water in the stream nearest you. Stay tuned to radio or TV for possible flood declarations.
4. Evacuate the flood hazards in times of impending flood or when advised to do so by the Police Department
5. Do not attempt to cross a flooding stream on foot or by car
6. If your car stalls in high water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground
7. Keep children away from flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains
8. Be especially cautious at night

FLOOD INSURANCE
Your homeowners insurance policy will not cover losses due to flooding. Austin participates in the National Flood Insurance Program which makes flood insurance available to everyone in the City.

For many people, their home and its contents represent their greatest investment. We strongly urge you to buy flood insurance to protect yourself from devastating losses due to flooding. A 30 day waiting period is required for the policy to become effective. Do not wait until the last minute to obtain coverage.

Information about flood insurance can be obtained from your insurance agent. You do not have to live in the flood plain to qualify for flood insurance. Property owners can insure their buildings and contents and renters can insure their possessions.

FLOOD PLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
Almost all development such as building or filling requires permits. If you are planning any modifications, please contact the City Building Official prior to doing any work. Illegal flood plain development should be reported to the City Engineer’s Office.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Maintenance of the steam channel is an important part of good flood plain management. Any obstructions in the stream channel should be reported to the City Engineer’s Office. Report any illegal dumping you may see to the Police Department and the City Engineer’s Office.

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS
The National Flood Insurance Program and Austin City Ordinance requires that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements to a building in the flood plain equals or exceeds 50% of the buildings market value, then the building must meet the construction requirements of a new building placed in the flood plain. In most cases, this would require that the building be elevated to the flood protection elevations as required by City Ordinance.

NATURAL AND BENEFICIAL FUNCTIONS
The wise management of our local flood plain preserves the water quality, natural characteristics, economic values and general health, safety, and welfare of our community. The J.C. Hormel Nature Center is a good example of an area with substantial flood plain acreage which through preservation in its natural condition, provides benefits both to man and nature.

INFORMATION
For more information on any of these topics, contact the City Engineer’s Office, Planning and Zoning Office, and/or the City Building Department at 507-437-9950.

National Flood Insurance Program

www.fema.gov/business/nfip