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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 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.
Below are the definitions for all the
flood zone designations show in the City of Oldsmar's DFIRMs
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 or search map by address.
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. View City of Oldsmar's Natural Floodplain Map
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.
- 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. @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
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Disaster Preparedness
Physical Address
100 State Street W
Oldsmar, FL 34677
Phone: 813-749-1100