Know Your Flooding Risk and Plan Accordingly

Published on March 06, 2025

Clearwater residents know all too well the dangers of flooding, which are a common concern due to hurricanes, heavy rainfall and coastal storm surges. It is essential for residents to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their properties.

Below are practical tips for effective floodplain management and flood preparedness:

Understand Your Flood Risk

Action: Determine if your property is in a flood zone by looking up your flood mapping information and flood certificate on the city of Clearwater's website. Understanding your flood risk is the first step toward taking proper precautions.
Why it matters: Florida’s diverse geography, from coastal areas to inland floodplains, means that flood risks vary across the state. Knowing your flood zone can help guide mitigation efforts.

Look Up Clearwater Flood-Mapping Info

Elevate and Flood-Proof Your Property

Action: For homes in flood-prone areas, consider elevating the structure above the base flood elevation. Additionally, flood-proof your home by sealing entry points and installing sump pumps.
Why it matters: Elevating homes and flood-proofing them can greatly reduce damage during flood events, especially for homes in Florida’s coastal and low-lying areas.

Maintain Drainage Systems

Action: Regularly clean gutters, downspouts and storm drains to ensure they function properly during heavy rainfall.
Why it matters: Clogged drainage systems can lead to localized flooding. Proper maintenance ensures water flows freely, reducing the risk of flooding around your property.

Purchase Flood Insurance

Action: Standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Obtain a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Clearwater participates in the NFIP's Community Rating System.
Why it matters: Flood insurance provides financial protection against flood-related damages, which is especially important in flood-prone areas like Florida.

FloodSmart.gov

Develop an Emergency Plan

Action: Create a comprehensive flood emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, a communication plan and a designated meeting point for family members.
Why it matters: Having a clear emergency plan helps ensure that everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of a flood, reducing panic and confusion during an emergency.

CDC Flood Safety Guidelines

Assemble an Emergency Kit

Action: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials, such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries and important documents.
Why it matters: During a flood, access to essential items may be limited. Having an emergency kit on hand ensures you’re prepared for unexpected evacuations.

Build a Kit

Stay Informed

Action: Monitor weather forecasts and flood alerts from reliable sources, such as the National Weather Service, local news stations and meteorologists.
Why it matters: Staying informed allows you to take timely action when a flood is imminent, ensuring the safety of yourself and your family.

National Weather Service - Flood Safety

Heed Evacuation Orders

Action: If local authorities issue evacuation orders due to flooding, evacuate promptly and follow designated routes.
Why it matters: Evacuating early reduces the risk of injury and ensures that emergency responders can access affected areas.

Pinellas County Evacuation Zones

Protect Important Documents

Action: Store vital documents, such as identification and insurance policies, in waterproof containers or digital formats.
Why it matters: Protecting important documents ensures you have access to them during and after a flood, which is essential for insurance claims and recovery efforts.

How to Protect Documents During a Flood

Engage in Community Floodplain Management

Action: Participate in local floodplain management initiatives and support policies that reduce flood risk, such as proper land-use planning and infrastructure improvements.
Why it matters: Floodplain management isn’t just an individual effort—it requires community-wide collaboration to effectively reduce flood risks.

FEMA Floodplain Management Resources

By taking these practical steps and actively participating in Florida Flood Awareness Week, you can help reduce flood risks and ensure that your community becomes more resilient to flooding. Flood awareness isn't just about knowing the risks—it’s about taking action to protect lives, property and resources.

If you have questions, reach out to the city of Clearwater's floodplain administrator, Gene Henry, by email or by calling (727) 444-8872.