A winter filled with heavy snowfall combined with a hot summer can mean increased chances of flooding and excessive water on personal property. With more than 16,000 residential properties in Washoe County located within a flood hazard area, now is the time for all Washoe County residents to prepare for potential flooding.
Washoe County reminds residents, whether residing in a floodplain or not, to consider taking the following steps now to prepare for potential upcoming floods.
- Make an emergency plan: Your health and safety is the number one priority in a flood. Sign up for emergency evacuation alerts so you know when it’s time to pack up and go. Know where the closest sandbag location is and have a shovel ready to take with you. Assemble an emergency kit and emergency plan so everyone in your household knows what to do and where to go in case of a flood.
- Prepare your property: Visually inspect drainage structures and ditches located in front and along the sides and rear of your property. Clear debris in the spring and fall, and after a significant storm.
- Protect your property: You can minimize the effects of flooding with some home improvements such as replacing carpeting with tiles or other flood-resistant materials, installing flood vents, and using flood-resistant insulation and drywall that can easily be cleaned and sanitized. Be sure to hire a licensed professional who is familiar with flood-protection techniques. Make sure that you obtain a building permit prior to construction. You may need to permit and install exterior improvements such as properly designed pipes, ditches and swales to protect your property.
- Invest in insurance: Washoe County property owners and renters are entitled to a reasonable rate on flood insurance because Washoe County is a member of the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance is required for buildings located within a special flood hazard areas, but all property owners can purchase flood insurance. Flood insurance generally covers buildings and contents, but not driveways or landscaping, and renters can insure their belongings.
To learn more about the floodplain management program, including knowing your risk, visit the online flood monitoring tool Drainage and Flooding page on the Washoe County website. To also learn more about FEMA’s flood insurance program and their requirements, visit www.fema.gov/flood-insurance.
For additional information, please contact engineering@washoecounty.gov or dial 3-1-1.
