By David Vaughn, Engineering Program Specialist
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Flooding has cost taxpayers more than $850 billion in the last two decades. It’s responsible for about two-thirds of the costs of all natural disasters combined.
With Monday marking the start of Texas Flood Awareness Week, we offer six prudent steps for you to protect yourself, your property, and our community:
1. Know your flood hazard
You may be living in a floodplain. Find out by contacting Planning and Development Services at 979-764-3570 or cspds@cstx.gov. Our flood map information service helps you make informed decisions to protect your home with personalized, one-on-one advice and assistance.
2. Purchase flood insurance
Buying flood insurance is essential to protect your home and possessions from a flood. However, policies don’t take effect for 30-days, so call your insurance agent today. You can also contact us for flood insurance advice and assistance.
3. Turn around, don’t drown
If you approach a flooded roadway or intersection, don’t attempt to drive through the water. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock down an adult and carry them away. It takes only a foot of water to whisk away a car.
4. Protect your property
Contact us for one-on-one advice on protecting your home from flood damage and for financial assistance advice to help you prepare for or recover from a flood. You can also schedule a site visit with an engineer or floodplain manager to review flooding or drainage-related problems on your property.
5. Get a permit before you build
Site grading and other construction work can impair drainage and cause flooding if it isn’t appropriately planned or permitted. Contact PDS at 979-764-3570 or cspds@cstx.gov to see if a permit is needed for your next project, especially if the site is in the Special Flood Hazard Area or floodplain.
6. Don’t pollute local waterways
Please keep debris and trash out of our streams and ditches. Obstructed drainageways won’t flow properly and can cause rising water levels. Similarly, storm drains blocked by yard waste or litter can create localized flooding.
Finally, we encourage you to wear blue on Wednesday to support Flood Awareness Week.
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