#FEMA FLOOD ZONE MAPS TEXAS HOW TO#

These markers indicate the potential storm surge levels in that area. Pay attention to the storm surge markers the City’s Office of Emergency Management installed on various stop signs in the southeast side of town. Do not drive in areas that you know have a tendency to flood. Protect yourself from the dangers of flood water by obeying barriers and barricades. Drowning is the number one cause of flood related deaths. Most people are not aware that it only takes six inches of water for a car to become buoyant or for water to knock you off your feet. For more information about flood insurance, finding an agent, how flood insurance rates are calculated, and to find a policy that fits your needs, visit FloodSmart. The City also participates in a voluntary FEMA program known as the Community Rating System (CRS) that provides discounts on flood insurance to eligible citizens located inside the floodplain and up to a 5% discount to those who live outside of the floodplain (not including citizens with a Preferred Risk Policy). La Porte’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) allows for citizens to purchase flood insurance at a subsidized rate, regardless of location or past damage. There is a 30-day waiting period before a policy becomes effective, so don’t delay. Call your insurance agent today to make sure your policy covers both structure and contents.

Usually these policies just cover the building’s structure and not the contents. Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank or loan company when they obtained a mortgage or home improvement loan. Basic homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damages. Regardless of where you live in La Porte, you need flood insurance. You can also visit the Harris County Flood Education Mapping Tool to become familiar with the location of the watersheds serving La Porte, as well as to find out more information on FIRMs and flooding risks. Visit the FEMA Flood Information Portal for Harris County where you can type in your address in the search bar to see how the effective flood hazard areas compare to the preliminary flood hazard areas and how each one affects your property. Real time river gauge information can be obtained by visiting the Harris County Flood Warning System website.įEMA is in the process of revising the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Harris County, and it would be good to know where the preliminary flood hazard areas will be relative to where you live. You’ll be able to zoom in on your parcel or building to get exact information for your home or business. You can also go to the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) where you can find out floodplain information specific to your property.

Contact the City of La Porte Engineer at 71 or visit City Hall to see the current FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map to find out which flood zone you live in and what kind of risk you are facing. It’s important to know where you live in relation to the floodplain so you know your level of risk. Past flooding events such as the Memorial Day flood in 2015, the Tax Day flood in 2015, Hurricane Ike in 2008, and Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 have shown that everyone in Harris County is at risk because ALL properties in the city are susceptible to flooding. The city also has numerous secondary watersheds and other drainage features that carry water across the its 20 square miles. The main water sources are the Little Cedar Bayou watershed, Clear Creek watershed, Armand Bayou watershed, and Galveston Bay. The city of La Porte is susceptible to riverine flooding and coastal flooding, as well as urban flooding such as low lying areas, street flooding, and flash flooding. Īlthough the waterfront areas of La Porte are a nice feature of the city, they can also pose a danger of flooding. To view the presentation please click here. They provided extremely helpful information on what the Floodplain is and why permits are required. Recently, the City Manager's Office offered a presentation on Floodplain Management.

#FEMA FLOOD ZONE MAPS TEXAS HOW TO#

Now is the perfect time to make sure you are knowledgeable on how to protect yourself and your property for the next major storm.

Education and prevention are valuable and proven tools that help communities become resistant to natural disasters.

The City of La Porte is dedicated to minimizing the loss of life and property that is associated with flooding events, and providing residents with a safe environment to live, work, and play.

Fema flood zone maps texas