Flood Protection and Hurricane Awareness
FLOOD PROTECTION TIPS
• Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Current 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.
• Don’t drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Do not 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 Florida Power & Light (FPL) or The City Of Riviera Beach Police Department.
• Have your electricity turned off by FPL. Some appliances, such as television sets, keep electrical charges even after they are unplugged. Do not 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 floor 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. Do not smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated
STORM PREPARATION
Hurricane Season runs from June 1st to November 30th of each year. The City of Riviera Beach prepares each year for Tropical Storms and encourages all residents to plan early and stay prepared for a storm.
Make a Plan
• How To Prepare - After a major disaster, it is unlikely that emergency response services will be able to immediately respond to everyone’s needs, so it’s important to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family. Knowing what to do is your best protection AND your responsibility.
• Create a family disaster plan including a communication plan and an Evacuation Plan.
• Designate an Out-of-Area Contact Person
• Designate a Safe Room
• Plan an Escape Route
• Duplicate Important Documents (Also keep copies off-site, either in a safety deposit box or with someone you trust. Documents may include: passport, drivers license, social security card, wills, deeds, financial statements, insurance information, marriage license, prescriptions
• Inventory Valuables
• Create a Pet Plan
Build Responsibly
Get a permit before you build. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 561-845-4008 prior to any construction activities or to report illegal floodplain development.
For information on retrofitting or flood proofing your structure to reduce the impact of flooding, call the City Development office at 561-845-4008.
Protect the Drainage System
It is illegal for any direct or indirect entry of solid, liquid or gaseous matter to enter the drainage system. Proper drainage will help reduce the risk of flooding. We inspect the drainage system and remove blockages that are found or reported.
Map Determinations & Information
The City provides map determinations to let you know if you are in a flood hazard area and if you are required by Federal Law to carry flood insurance. For other pertinent information on flooding call 561-845-4008 or visit our website at www.rivierabch.com
You can call the county to find out if you're in a flood zone at 561-233-5374. You can also look at up online.
Here is how to use the map:
1) Enter your address
2) Click on the icon all the way on the left
3) Open "Commonly Used Layers"
4) Click on "Flood Zone Map" to see current flood zones
5) Click on "Proposed Flood Zone" to see the proposed changes
