Be Flood Aware: 7 Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Family and Property

By Office of Communication

Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2018

There are three primary types of flooding in Texas: Riverine flooding occurs when rivers, streams, creeks and lakes overflow their banks due to extended periods of continuous rainfall. Surface or localized flooding is usually caused by issues such as poor lot grading, inadequate drainage infrastructure or blocked drainage structures in more densely populated areas. Flash Flooding happens when heavy or excessive rain falls over low-lying areas in a relatively short period of time, generally under 6 hours.

If you live or work in an area that has had flooding in the past, here are seven simple steps you can take to protect your family and reduce fear, anxiety and confusion during a flood emergency.

1. Understanding flood hazards such as local drainage issues, historical flooding and Flood Hazard zones is important to keeping your family and friends safe. Contact the Stormwater Management Division for more information at 817-459-6550.
2. Contact your real estate agent to purchase flood insurance. Homeowners, Renters and Business owners of the City of Arlington are eligible to purchase flood insurance. Visit fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program for more information.
3. Protect your family by developing an evacuation plan and creating a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water along with a first-aid kit in case there is a flood emergency.
4. When evacuating, avoid walking or driving in high water. TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN®
5. Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris and think about raising electrical components in and around your house above projected flood elevations.
6. All development on property located within the floodplain requires a Floodplain Development Permit. Get a permit at arlingtontx.gov/pds/building-zoning-forms/engineering-forms.
7. Protect Arlington's natural floodplains by reporting sediment runoff from construction sites, illegal stream dumping, blocked storm drain pipes or inlets and any unauthorized development in the floodplain at 817-459-6777 or visit arlingtontx.gov/contact/.

For more information on how to protect your family and property from flooding visitwww.arlingtontx.gov or www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program.