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 city are at risk for flooding.  The new Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) became effective August 24, 2021 and is based on updated coastal modeling and shows flood hazards more accurately than older maps.  Current FIRM and historical FIRM map panel information is available to residents and business on the online Flood Map Information Service.


FEMA Flood Map

Below are the definitions for all the 

flood zone designations show in the City of Oldsmar's DFIRMs

  1. ZONES AE, AH
  2. ZONE VE
  3. ZONE A (unnumbered)
  4. get elevation certificate
  5. fLOOD mAPS
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.
  1. Floodplain Information
  2. Why Floods Occur
  3. Natural Function of Floodplain
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. 
  1. Protect Your Home
  2. INSURE YOUR HOME
  3. RETROFITTING YOUR HOME
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.
  1. Flood Emergencies
  2. Only Rainwater Allowed
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.
  1. Emergency Notifications
  2. Evacuation Assistance
  3. Listen. Warning. Watch.
  4. Before the Storm
  5. Be Aware
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.