Planning & Zoning - General Information Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan

Augusta
Planning & Zoning

Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan, City of Augusta (2004)

The Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan was developed because of a growing concern about the impact of floods on people and property in Augusta. The Plan also helps the City qualify to receive grant funds under federal mitigation grant programs. The Plan includes an overview of the type, location and extent of flood hazards in Augusta; summarizes how the City regulates floodplain development and responds to flood events; and identifies priority actions that will be completed to reduce the exposure of people and property to flood hazards. Click on the link below to view the Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF)

Flood Plain Information

Flooding in Augusta, Georgia is everyone's problem!

Flood Hazard Information
Flood Warning System
Flood Safety
Flood Insurance
Property Protection Measures
Flood Plain Dev Permit Requirements
Substantial Improvements Requirements
Drainage System Maintenance
The Natural and Beneficial Functions of the Local Flood Plain
Georgia Flood Insurance Companies
FEMA

The information and services listed below can help reduce the destructive impact of floods:

Flood Hazard Information:

Heavy rains cause most of the flooding in Augusta, GA.

When the ground is saturated by heavy or prolonged rainfall, drainage systems, drainage channels, creeks and streams may exceed their capacity and flooding can result.

On October 12, 1990, Augusta experienced some of the worst flooding ever when 15 inches of rain fell during a 100 year storm event causing millions of dollars in property damage.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publishes Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) showing flood hazard areas and the degree of risk in those areas. These maps are on file at the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission, 525 Telfair Street, Augusta, Georgia, 30901. Check with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission, (706) 821-1796, to see if your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).

Flood Warning System:

The Emergency Management Agency of Augusta monitors the National Weather Service’s advisory bulletins and storm tracking service and advises the Mayor and Administrator of evacuation plans. Residents can tune to local network television and radio stations for up-to-date weather information and emergency advise.

Flood Safety:

Learn the safest route from your home or business to higher, safer ground, if you have to leave in a hurry, but stay tuned to reports of changing flood conditions for your area.

Keep a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment and flashlights in working order, and keep extra batteries on hand.

If emergency officials tell you to evacuate or leave your home, go immediately to a safe place.

If, and only if, time permits, turn off all utilities at the main switch and close the main gas valve. Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area and you are standing on a piece of dry wood while wearing rubber gloves and rubber-soled boots or shoes. Every source of electricity can be dangerous during and after flooding. Move valuables (including insurance policies and a list of valuables) to a higher elevation. Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water in case regular supplies are contaminated. Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters. Bring outdoor possessions in the house or tie them down securely.

Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths - occurring mostly during flash floods. Water currents can be deceptive - six inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet.

Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than in any other location during flooding conditions. If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible. Floodwaters can rise rapidly and sweep a car (and its occupants) away.

If you are caught in your home by rising waters, move to the second floor and, if necessary, to the roof. Take warm clothing, a flashlight and a portable radio with you. Then, wait for help. Do not try to swim to safety. Rescue teams will be looking for you.

After the flood, check for structural damage before entering the building. Do no touch power lines and electrical wires. The number two cause of flood-related deaths is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the appropriate electric provider. Do not turn on any lights or appliances until an electrician has checked the system for short circuits. Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Do not use matches or an open flame unless you know that the gas has been turned off and you have ventilated the area. Report gas leaks to the appropriate utility provider.

Flood Insurance:

If you are in a flood hazard area or in an area subject to flooding, purchase federal flood insurance. It provides coverage that most homeowner’s insurance doesn't - coverage for damage to structures and contents from flooding, flood-related erosion, and flood-caused mudslides. Renters can also buy policies to protect their personal property.

You are eligible for federal flood insurance because Augusta, GA participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA. If the FIRM maps show that a property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, which includes all A zones, flood insurance is required by law in order to get federally secured financing to buy, build or improve structures on that property. Maximum flood insurance coverage is $250,000.00 for real property and $100,000.00 coverage for personal contents. There is generally a 30-day waiting period once you apply, so don’t wait until a flood is coming to apply. Flood insurance can be purchased from any licensed property or casualty insurance agent, broker or company.

In Augusta, Georgia, the purchase of flood insurance on a voluntary basis is wise even outside Special Flood Hazard Areas. In fact, some lenders and mortgage companies require insurance in shaded X Zones (areas between limits of the 100-year flood and 500-year flood) as well. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 1-800-638-6620, determines flood insurance requirements.

The Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission staff will check the official Flood Insurance Rate Map and tell you whether your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. The Planning Commission staff will also tell you the approximate minimum base elevation requirements for new residential construction or substantial renovations.

Property Protection Measures:

There are several different ways to protect a building from flood damage.

Temporary (emergency) measures include relocating your possessions to the highest floor and placing sandbags or similar barriers between floodwater and your structure. (Note: Sandbags should not be stacked directly against the outer walls of a building, since, when wet, the bags may create added pressure on the foundation.)

A more permanent means of protecting your structure (known as retrofitting) would be to elevate the building so that floodwater does not reach any damageable area. Another means by which to protect your structure is by flood proofing the structure to the base flood elevation (listed on the FIRM maps) with wall coatings to make the building walls and floor watertight.

A booklet called Flood Proofing Techniques, Programs and References (1991, 23pp) is free from the U.S. Corps of Engineers, National Flood Proofing Committee, Attn: CECW-PF, 20 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC 20314-1000.

Flood Plain Development Permit Requirements:

Always check with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission at (706) 821-1796 before you build on, alter, re-grade or place fill on your property. You may need a permit to ensure that your project does not cause problems to other properties.

If you see building construction or site filling and grading without a permit being posted, contact the License & Inspection (building construction) at (706) 796-5050 or Public Works (site filling and grading) at (706) 796-5040.

Substantial Improvements Requirement:

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires that if the cost of non-flood related reconstruction, renovation, rehabilitation, or other improvements equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, then the building must be constructed above the minimum base flood elevation (listed on the FIRMs). Substantially flood damaged structures must also be brought up to this same standard if the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s appraised value before it was damaged. The License and Inspections Department is responsible for enforcement.

Drainage Systems Maintenance:

Flood prevention efforts depend on your cooperation and assistance. Grass clippings, branches, leaves, debris and trash can accumulate and block natural and man-made drainage channels. A plugged drainage channel, catch basin, ditch, detention pond or drainage pipe cannot carry water away from your property during heavy rain. Every piece of trash and debris in the drainage system contributes to flooding. If your property is next to a drainage channel, please do your part to keep the banks clear of brush and debris.

If you see dumping or major blockages such as downed trees in drainage channels, contact Public Works, Roads & Bridges at (706) 790-7062.

The Natural and Beneficial Functions of the Local Flood Plain:

Flood plains serve as the natural boundary for flood waters during a flooding event. In other words, flood plains supplement natural drainage channels, rivers, creeks and streams, by allowing the water a place to go when the floodwaters can no longer flow in their normal channel boundary. Flood plains also serve to buffer downstream property from additional flooding from flood surges (heavy velocities) during a flooding event.

For More Information on Flooding:

Federal Emergency Management’s Agency’s Web Site

This site has many online technical and informational documents.

www.fema.gov

National Weather Service Web Site

This site includes a tour of the NWS’s 8-1/2 minute video "The Hidden Danger, Low –Water Crossing" and information on how to obtain a copy of the video, as well as an interactive low-water crossing driving quiz.

www.weather.gov/floodsafety/

NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) Information Directory

Nothing Could Dampen the Joy of Home Ownership...Or could it?...

What You Need to Know About Federal Disaster Assistance & National Flood Insurance.

Myths and Facts About the NFIP.

Participating Insurance Companies - Georgia

How to Purchase and How to Pay for Flood Insurance

Flood Insurance in Georgia

There are twenty-six insurance companies in Georgia that have been approved by FEMA to sell federal flood insurance. These Companies are:

Allstate Insurance Company
Omaha Property and Casualty Insurance Company
American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida
Prudential Property and Casualty Insurance Company
American Modern Home Insurance Company
Selective Insurance Company of America
American National Property and Casualty
South Carolina Insurance Company
American Reliable Insurance Company
Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company
Auto-Owners Insurance Company
State Capital Insurance Company
Bankers Insurance Company
State Farm Fire and Casualty Company
Fidelity and Deposit Companies
The Hartford
First Community Insurance Company
The Philadelphia Contributionship
Great Pacific Insurance Company
The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc.
Hartford Fire Insurance Company
Travelers Insurance
IGF Insurance Company
Unisun Insurance Company
Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company
Vesta Insurance Corporation

Source: High Ground published by the Georgia Floodplain Management Office, Department of Natural Resources; Volume 4, Number 1; Winter 1999.

DO YOU NEED INFORMATION ON FEMA FLOOD HAZARD MAPS

CONTACT 1-877-FEMA MAP (TOLL FREE 1-877-336-2627)

FEMA’s new toll free map information number was established to respond to questions regarding National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Flood Hazard maps, including:

I was told by my lender that my house is in a floodplain and I need flood insurance. What are my options?
Has the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Flood Hazard Map for my community been revised?
Was a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) ever issued for my property?
How do I go about getting a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)?
…..a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)?
…..a Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F)?
…..Study?
Did FEMA receive my request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)?
What is the status of my request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)?
…Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)?
…Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F)?
…Study?
How long does it take to get the map revised?