City Of West Palm Beach: Florida Flood Awareness Week To Be Observed In West Palm Beach Beginning March 7-13, 2022

Press release from the City of West Palm Beach:

02/17/2022 7:40 AM

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (February 17, 2022) – The City of West Palm Beach will observe Florida Flood Awareness Week March 7 - 13, 2022. Florida Flood Awareness Week aims to increase public awareness of flood risk, availability of flood insurance, flood protection methods, and how to prepare for emergencies. The reduction of loss of life and property damage can be achieved when appropriate flood preparedness, control and mitigation measures are taken before a flood. Consider these helpful tips to protect yourself and your structure from flooding.

• Know Your Risk: Did you know that areas in West Palm Beach are potentially prone to some amount of flooding from excessive rainfall? Property owners need to know their flood risk. Call the city at (561) 805-6705 to learn which flood zone a building is in.
• Purchase Flood Insurance: Flood insurance is available to everyone, regardless of whether you rent, own or have a business—even if you are not in a mapped floodplain. Flood insurance is not included in your property insurance policy. For more information, visit: https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance.
• Stay Safe: Intense rainfall can overtop canals and ditches and flood streets. Remember: turn around, don’t drown. Driving in flooded streets can stall your car. Prepare for bad weather and make a flood emergency plan today. For more information, visit: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown.
• Protect Your Property from Flood Hazards: Insurance is your first level of protection. Other methods include installing flood vents or raising electrical system components. For more information on how to protect your property, visit wpb.org.
• Build Responsibly. Avoid building in floodplains. Before you build, you need a permit! Find out what the regulations are and what permits are required. For more information, visit wpb.org.
• Protect our Natural Floodplain Functions. Keep swales and drainage ditches clear of debris to ensure water flow. Report the illegal dumping of materials to the West Palm Beach Police Department at 9-1-1. Learn more about natural floodplains at https://www.wpb.org/government/development-services/flood-information.
• Monitor Sea Level Rise: Some areas in our city are prone to potential damage from coastal flooding, including sea level rise. Learn about scientific predictions for rising sea levels and potential impacts on our coastal community at https://www.fema.gov/grants.
• Consider Federal Grant Programs: Mitigate your flood risk through insurance, retrofitting, relocation or elevating your structure. For information about grant programs for mitigating your structure, visit https://www.fema.gov/grants.

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed here are the author’s own.