Flooding Risks and Evacuation Zones: What You Need to Know to be Prepared

Floods, fires and tornadoes are just a few examples of how Mother Nature has unleashed her fury this spring, leaving behind a widespread trail of mayhem and misery. 

We’ve all seen the aftermath: the heart-wrenching, devastating images that have reduced thriving communities and neighborhoods to mounds of rubble, debris and ash.  And let’s not forget the record snowfalls and bitter temperatures that  many experienced this past winter.

Climatologist and NASA research scientist Bill Patzert used such phrases as “wild and weird” and “weather on steroids” to describe the recent events in a June 8 USA Today cover story.  He went on to describe these weather conditions as “one of the strongest we’ve seen in perhaps the last half-century," as a result of the La Nina (opposite of El Nino) climate pattern.

Sunshine State residents have been fortunate so far, but it’s much too early to pop those champagne corks.  After all, June 1 – the official start to hurricane season – was just two weeks ago. We can’t help but wonder, will it be our turn next?

The NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a division of the National Weather Service) Climate Prediction Center issued a report on May 19 confirming that the hurricane outlook “indicates an above-normal Atlantic season.”

Specifically:

• 12 to 18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which:
• 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including:
• 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)

In addition, “each of these ranges has a 70 percent likelihood, and indicate that activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.”  The announcement went on to say that we could see activity “comparable to some of the active seasons since 1995.”

As we all know, catastrophes do not discriminate.  They can happen anytime and anywhere, and this outlook can’t accurately gauge where and when any of these hurricanes may hit until these storms actually begin approaching landfall. 

A May 31 press release, from AAA Auto Club South revealed that one-third of Floridians don't know whether they live in a flood zone. 

And to depict the severity of flood insurance in dollars, know that just six inches of water can result in approximately $40,000 worth of damage and loss, according to the National Flood Insurance Program.

AAA also clarified that residents do not have to live near water to be affected by floods. 

Marge Engleman, senior insurance manager, said, “That’s why every residential area is in a flood zone, even if it’s considered low risk.”

Engleman recommended that everyone should research flood coverage immediately, as it takes 30 days to take effect.  A policy can run as low as $129 annually, worth every penny since the average claim runs almost $50,000.

Chauncia Willis, emergency coordinator at the Office of Emergency Management (OEM, a division of the City of Tampa) and Tampa Fire Rescue, has spent her career navigating dangerous or threatening situations.

“Floods kill more people than any other disaster each year.  The rain that is associated with a tropical storm is just as deadly (as a full-fledged hurricane),” said the St. Petersburg native.

Here are some critical links and helpful resources:

• Effective Ways to Help Prevent Flooding 
• Map of Hillsborough County Shelters and Evacuation Zones 
• Locating your Evacuation Zone by Address 
• Directory Listing of Hillsborough County shelters, including specific information (i.e. which are open for high intensity storms, which are pet friendly, which have ADA accessible restrooms)
• FloodSmart Brochure (See FloodSmart.gov, the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program for tips on coverage, preparation, recovery, and much more.)
• 2011 Severe Weather Awareness Guide

Last month, the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County and MOSI partnered for the third annual Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo.  The theme for this year’s expo was “Are you ready Tampa Bay?”

Willis’ advice for Tampa residents: “Be prepared and be accountable.  Take this seriously, because a hurricane could very well hit Tampa Bay.  Don’t just wait for the cavalry to rescue you; make sure your family is prepared and get everyone – especially the children – involved.  Like everyone on our team, each of your family members should know their role in advance.”

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