Flood Safety

Flooding is one of Florida's most frequent hazards. It is a coast to coast threat that can occur at any time of the year.

What is my community's flood risk?

There are different reasons a community may flood: storm surge, river flooding, or heavy rainfall. Low-lying or poorly drained areas can also increase a community's flood risk. To protect yourself, learn what flood threats affect your community:

  • Determine if there are rivers or creeks that flood frequently.
  • Determine your home's elevation and if it is in a low-lying area.
  • You can get your overall flood risk by going to www.floodsmart.gov and entering your address.
  • The FEMA flood zone map can be found online at FEMA's Map Service Center, or through the property appraiser's office.
  • Review the flood map for Brevard County. 

The National Flood Insurance Program, is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program. The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners.

Where Can I Go For Up-To-Date Information?

How Do I Keep Myself and My Family Safe During a Flood?

Before the flood reaches your area:

  • Know if floodwaters might affect your home and property. Know your elevation above flood stage.
  • Develop a flood emergency action plan.
  • Evacuate immediately, if advised to do so. Bring important documents with you.
  • Move to a safe area before access is cut off.
  • Keep abreast of road conditions through the news media.

During the flood:

  • Avoid areas subject to flooding. Do not attempt to cross flowing water.
  • Never drive through flooded roadways. Nearly half of all people killed in floods are those who try driving through flooded areas.
  • Do not drive around barricades, they are there for your protection.
  • If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately.
  • Never try to walk through or allow children to play around flood water.

After the flood:

  • Do not visit disaster areas — your presence may hamper emergency operations.
  • Throw out food that has come into contact with the floodwater and boil drinking water before using it.
  • Stay out of buildings that remain in flood waters.
  • Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas.
  • If the power is out, use flashlights to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.
  • Report broken utilities to the correct authorities.

 

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