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Know Your Flood Risk
Understanding Your Flood Map
To identify a community's flood risk, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducts a Flood Insurance Study. This study includes information on canals, stream flows, storm ties, hydrologic/hydraulic analyses, rainfall, and topographic surveys. FEMA uses this data to create the flood hazard maps - the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) that outline your community's flood risk areas.
Important Update
FEMA recently announced the release of updated, digital flood hazard maps that show the extent to which areas throughout the county are at risk for flooding. The new preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is based on updated coastal modeling and shows flood hazards more accurately than older maps. The preliminary map is available to residents and business on the online Flood Map Information Service found at PinellasCounty.org/Flooding.
Below are the definitions for all the
flood zone designations show in the City of Oldsmar's DFIRMs
ZONE AE (Moderate to High Flooding Risk)
This is the flood insurance rate zone that corresponds with flood depths greater than three feet. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.
ZONE AH (Moderate to High Flooding Risk)
This is the flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to areas of shallow flooding with average depths between one and three feet. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.
ZONE VE (High Flooding Risk)
This is the flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to coastal areas that have additional hazards associated with storm waves. There is at least a one-in-four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. Mandatory flood insurance requirements apply.
ZONE A (unnumbered) (High Flooding Risk)
Because detailed analyses are not performed for such areas, no depth or base flood elevations are shown within these zones. There is at least a one-in-four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. Mandatory flood insurance requirements also apply.
In moderate-to-low risk areas, the chance of being flooded is reduced but not completely removed. These areas submit more than 20 percent of the NFIP claims and receive one-third of all disaster assistance for flooding. Flood insurance isn't federally required in moderate-to-low areas, but it is recommended for all property owners and renters. They are show on flood maps as zones labeled with the letter X (or a shaded X).
Get an Elevation Certificate
Once you have determined that your house lies in a flood zone, an Elevation Certificate can then tell you how high your house was built in relation to that flood zone. These Certificates are required for all new construction, as well as for construction projects that involve making substantial improvements to a structure.
An Elevation Certificate is an important document that everyone homeowner should have, and in case of a disaster, would demonstrate to City authorities that your house is at or above the required elevation. If the Certificates shows that your house is lower than the required elevation, then the so-called "50% rule" would apply to your house. This rule means that if your house is in a flood zone and is damaged and/or improved to an amount greater than 50% of its market value, it will have to be raised to meet the current elevation requirement.
The City of Oldsmar provides copies of Elevation Certificates. For more information regarding Elevation Certificates or the City Substantial Improvement regulations, please contact the Planning & Redevelopment Department at (813) 749-1123.
Flood Maps
To obtain Flood Maps, call the FEMA Map Assistance Center at (877) FEMA-MAP (336-2627). To look up your Flood Zone or to view a Flood Map online, visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
To view Printed Copies of the Maps, visit the Planning & Redevelopment Department at Oldsmar City Hall, located at 100 State Street West, Oldsmar. For additional assistance call (813) 749-1100.
Floodplain Information
If you want to know if your property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area, check our website's Disaster Links or call the Planning Division with any questions you might have at (813) 749-1123.
Copies of FEMA Elevation Certificates on many buildings located within the floodplain can be provided.
Why Floods Occur
Oldsmar is adjacent to Tampa Bay and is susceptible to "coastal" and "inland" flooding. Inland flooding occurs when lakes rise above normal levels or when depressions in the land are filled by rain and create "ponds." Development is partially to blame as many natural surfaces become paved and do not allow for absorption into the ground at the normal rate, therefore major rain events can leave rainwater nowhere to drain.
Natural Function of the Floodplain
A floodplain is any land area susceptible to being inundated by water. In our City natural floodplain areas provide excellent habitat for diverse wildlife and enhance water quality as vegetation and soils found within the floodplain serve as water filters, intercepting surface water runoff before reaching the bays.
A wetland is a transitional area between water and land which supports unique wetland vegetation. The native vegetation and wildlife in the wetlands must be protected.
The undeveloped floodplain areas lessen the effects of storm and flood waters by providing natural store areas for flood waters and by buffering the coastal areas from storm surges, thus protecting human life and property from flood damage.
Protect Your Home
There are things you can do to minimize or eliminate property damage before a flood event occurs. Grading your property, elevating and securing electrical appliances, placing all low-lying electrical features on separate electrical circuits, and using flood-resistant materials on exterior surfaces are some ways you can help yourself.
Under emergency conditions, sandbags can be used to protect structures from flood waters, and elevating or covering furniture and valuables can help minimize damage. The City website MyOldsmar.com will provide notices when and where sandbags will be available.
Insure Your Home
Flood insurance is required for any federally backed mortgage in a Special Flood Hazard Area. PLEASE NOTE: when purchasing flood insurance, the policy does not go into effect until 30 days AFTER the purchase. Please visit FloodSmart.gov for the most current information on flood insurance premiums and to locate a flood insurance agent in your area. For information on coverage's and rates, call (800) 427-4661.
Because of the City of Oldsmar rating under the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System, Oldsmar policyholders who live in a flood zone have enjoyed a 20% discount on their flood insurance premiums since May 1, 2006. A 10% discount on flood insurance is also available for those who live outside of flood zones, except on preferred risk policies.
Retrofitting Your Home
All construction in the City of Oldsmar requires the issuance of building permits prior to construction. Building permits are obtained after submittal and approval of building plans. An important part of the review process is the requirement that structures be built high enough and us proper design to protect against flood damage.
If you plan to construct an addition to your house, build a new house, or for any other type of development, call the City of Oldsmar Building Department at (813) 749-1100 for information on how to obtain the necessary permits.
New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure in the Special Flood Zone Hazard Area is required to have the lowest flood elevated to one foot above the Base Flood Elevation.
Flood Emergencies
If you have a flooding emergency or drainage problem, call the Public Works Department for help. If maintenance of the City system is required, they can handle it or, if there is no system, they can refer it for further investigation. They can also explain ways to stop flooding and prevent damage on your property.
There is also extensive emergency information provided in The Hurricane Guide which is typically available June through November at Oldsmar City Hall, Oldsmar Public Library, and other service provider locations. Remember: turn off gas and electricity and avoid running washers.
Only Rainwater Allowed in City Storm Drains and Waters
Oldsmar is interfaced with a system of natural and man-made canals, ditches, and waterways that serve to direct and maintain a flow of water that will avoid flooding. It is important that these elements of the floodwater drainage system be kept open and clear of debris and trash that could impede the flow of water in a flooding situation.
Do not place any debris, lawn trash, or other materials in stormwater inlets, ditches, or other waterways. It is ILLEGAL to throw away or discharge anything into the ponds, canals, lakes, Tampa Bay or the City drainage system. By law, nothing but rainwater is allowed to be discharged into the storm drains.
If you witness dumping of any liquids or materials into storm drains or waters of the City, please call Public Works (813) 749-1262 or, if after hours, at (727) 249-8082.
ALERT Pinellas Emergency Notification Center
This FREE service sends messages such as Mandatory Evacuations, Severe Weather and more. You can choose how to receive alerts via cell phone, landline, text, and email - for up to five locations. Sign up online now at Alert Pinellas.
Assistance During an Evacuation
If you need assistance or transportation during an evacuation because of age, handicap, or other special needs, contact the Pinellas County Emergency Management office - Pinellas Hurricane Hotline and register at (727) 464-3800. Learn more online.
Listen. Warning. Watch.
The National Weather Service monitors local weather conditions. If flooding from rain is anticipated, the Service will broadcast Flood Warning Notices through television, radio and wire services. These notices are intended to make you aware and help you prepare for possible flooding. If an Emergency Flood Warning Notice is issued, the National Weather Service will broadcast this warning through the Emergency Alert System, and through TV and radio stations. The City website will also be updated with information during emergency situations.
Before the Storm
Know Oldsmar's flood warning procedures. Many of these procedures are outlined on this page. Plan your evacuation in advance. Know where, when, and how you are going to evacuate prior to a storm. Your plan should provide for you, your pets, and your hurricane supplies such as food, medicine, insurance information, proper identification, and important papers & documents.
If you live in an area that is particularly vulnerable to flooding, you may want to keep plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, and materials in stock to prepare your property and to aid in emergency repairs after an event.
Be Aware
When an Emergency Flood Warning Notice is issued for your area, take safety precautions immediately. Additional resources can be found through the American Red Cross website.
- Do not walk or drive through flowing or standing water. Unseen obstructions or hazards may hard you or your family.
- Turn off the power in your house. This should include electrical power as well as all propane gas tanks & lines.
- Watch your step in flooded areas. Slip-and-fall accidents are common in wet, slippery areas.
- Be alert for small animals flushed out by flooding conditions. Under stress, animals may react by biting when disturbed.
- Be aware of gas leaks in the house. Do not smoke, use candles or open flames until you are sure no leaks exist; ventilate enclosed areas if you think gas is present.
- Avoid downed power lines and electrical wires. These wires can cause shock & electrocution.
- Keep a battery-powered radio tuned to local stations & comply with any evacuation orders.