Flood Protection Information 2011

Click Here for City of Winter Springs Flood Hazard Map (official effective September 28, 2007)

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FEMA Flood Map Modernization Information
The City of Winter Springs is situated on the south shore of Lake Jesup, in Seminole County. Topography ranges from 76 feet above sea level, in the undulating terrain of the southeast part of the City, to three (3) or four (4) feet above sea level at the shore of Lake Jesup. Stormwater runoff makes its way to the several creeks in the City, which all drain into Lake Jesup and then into the St. Johns River. Some stormwater percolates into the ground in retention ponds and swales. Most shallow flooding and standing water conditions occur at times when the groundwater table is near the surface, which is during the rainy season or after many rain events.

The 100-year flood plains in the City are located along the creeks, along the shores of lakes and in some landlocked low spots. Being outside of a 100-year flood zone does not guarantee that you will not experience flooding. FEMA records indicate 30 percent of their claims are outside of the 100-year flood zone. You can experience localized flooding, even in the higher elevations away from the 100-year flood zone.

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) determination information: Flood maps and flood protection references are available at City Hall, 1126 E. SR-434, Winter Springs, FL 32708, in the City Engineer's office. This office has the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and the responsibility to provide flood zone and associated information (e.g. elevation certificates on file, letter of map amendment - LOMA application forms) to those who make such requests. Verbal, over-the-telephone, information is provided at no cost. A written determina¬tion, signed by the City Engineer, is twenty-five ($25) dollars. Checks should be made payable to "The City of Winter Springs." The information may be obtained by calling 327-5977. YOU CAN ALSO REACH FEMA DIRECTLY AT THEIR WEB SITE ADDRESS: WWW.FEMA.GOV

Floodproofing

There are many ways to protect a building from flood damage. Information on methods for floodproofing, elevating and retrofitting of structures to achieve this protection is available in the City Engineer's office at City Hall.

Flood Insurance

If you do not have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Standard homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Because the City participates in the NFIP, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. It takes 30 days before flood insurance goes into effect. This insurance is backed by the Federal Government and is available to everyone. Make sure you ask your insurance agent about coverage for the contents of your home. A flood insurance policy just covers the house itself, but you can get additional coverage for the contents of your home.

Flood Services

If requested, the Public Works Department will conduct visit(s) to property to review flooding problem or issues and explain ways to stop flooding or prevent flood damage. The number to reach Public Works Department is 407 - 3272669, also receives calls for sewer back-up problems.

Flood Warning

The City of Winter Springs is fortunate to have generally good drainage of surface waters to creeks that flow to Lake Jesup. We don't usually have creeks or lakes rising and flooding a home. Nuisance flooding of some roadways and yards has occurred during tropical storms, hurricanes and severe weather. Flooding from any source is possible and should not be ignored. Localized flooding is also possible with heavy rain and saturated soil. Television channels 2, 6, 9 and 13 along with most local radio stations are the best source of local severe weather, tropical storm or hurricane warnings. Seminole County has an Emergency Operations Center, which disseminates information to the Cities for emergency response. The National Weather Service also has a continuous broadcast of weather conditions on radio frequency 162.475 Mhz.

Flood Safety

Turn off electrical power when you return home, if your house was flooded. Do not use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart and dried.

Be alert for gas leaks. 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.

Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Six inches of rapidly moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a pole or stick to make sure the ground is there before you walk through an area of standing water.

Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. It is impossible to tell how deep the water is or the exact location of a road when roads are flooded. If you encounter a road barrier, turn around and go another way; the road or bridge may be washed out.

Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is also a major killer in floods. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your utility company: Florida Power Corporation (FPC) 629-1010, Florida Power & Light (FPL) 800-226-6543.

Watch for animals - especially snakes. Small animals, flooded out of their homes, may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to turn items over and scare them away.

Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors may be covered with debris, including broken glass and nails.

Carbon monoxide exhaust kills. Use generators, gasoline-powered equipment, camping stoves and charcoal grills outdoors.

Other Important Information

Permits

Always check with the City's Building and/or Engineering departments before any construction, building, alteration, regrading, and or filling is to be done on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects meet Code and that it will not cause problems to other properties.

Drainage

Do not dump or throw anything in or on the bank of any canal, stream, lake or any watercourse in the City. Dumping in any watercourse is a violation of the City's Code of Ordinances Section 13-1. The channels of these watercourses, like swales, canals, streams and creeks are very vital to the City's drainage system. The City through its Public Works department maintains these watercourses routinely to assure and maximize functionality.

Click Here for City of Winter Springs Flood Hazard Map (official effective September 28, 2007)

FEMA Flood Map Modernization Information

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