FLOOD PRONE AREAS

FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Map Modernization

Flood Prone Areas

SEMINOLE COUNTY FLOOD FACTS

Flooding is an act of nature which respects no boundary lines, either community or personal. Flooding in Seminole County is caused by heavy rainfall that occurs in short periods of time, as is common during seasonal thunderstorms and storm surges that accompany tropical storms and hurricanes. Tropical storms and hurricanes can cause flooding, not just along a coastline but far inland as well. Because of Seminole County’s location on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, and because of its low lying areas, there is always a flood threat from heavy storms. Due to this threat, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identified portions of the county as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). These maps designate areas of 100-year flood and base flood elevations. In recent years, Seminole County has experienced storms and hurricanes. The potential for flood losses in Seminole County always exists. Residents should know and respect this flood loss potential and be prepared to deal with this hazard accordingly. (Learn More...)

Seminole County Flood Plain Ordinance (PDF) [156KB]

FLOOD SAFETY MEASURES

Before the Storm:

If your home is well constructed, and local authorities have not called for evacuation, stay home and make emergency preparation. If told to evacuate, follow all instructions from local authorities and follow safe evacuation routes to shelter. Your personal evacuation plan should provide for your pets, your personal hurricane supplies (food, medicine, first aid kit, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, etc.) and insurance considerations. When evacuating, take proper identification and important personal papers and documents with you.

During and After the Storm:

If you are in a public shelter, remain there until informed by those in charge that it is safe to leave and return home. Oftentimes, people are injured immediately after a storm due to unsafe buildings, downed power lines, contaminated water, and other dangerous conditions. Carefully check for structural damage prior to entering a building after a storm. Use caution when entering the structure. Turn electricity on one breaker at a time and watch for smoke or sparks. Report broken sewer and water mains to your utility company.