The entire Town of Redington Beach is a Special Hazard Flood Zone. This means that the Town – as a whole, with NO exceptions – is prone to flooding during periods of high tide and especially during inclement weather (heavy rains, tropical depressions, tropical storms, AND HURRICANES).
The purpose of this flyer is to give Town residents some idea of what they can do to PROTECT themselves.
Town Flood Services
Since the entire Town is a Special Hazard Flood Zone, ALL residents should be aware that both the Town Hall Flood Protection Library and the Gulf Beaches Public Library (on Municipal Drive in Madeira Beach) have a wealth of information concerning flood prevention, protection, and mitigation. FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Maps) information is also available at both locations.
Helpful Hints – What You Can Do
- Drainage: Do NOT dump or throw anything into drains, swales, or Boca Ciega Bay. Illegal dumping is a violation of the Town’s anti-dumping Ordinance. Even grass clippings, branches, and related materials can and will accumulate, plug runoff sources, and cause additional flooding hazards.
- Consider this: ALL DUMPING IS ILLEGAL. If your property is adjacent to a swale (NOTE: MOST properties in the Town are), or, if your property is next to a stormwater drain, PLEASE do your part and keep those areas free of debris, trash, and other accumulations that could block runoff. If you notice a major problem or an evident blockage, please contact Town Hall (727 – 391-3875) and notify us of the problem. If you see dumping or debris in the swales, drains, and related areas, please contact Town Hall.
- Permits: ALWAYS check with the Building Department (727 – 202-6825) before you build on, alter, re-grade, or fill your property. A permit MAY be required to ensure that your activities do not cause problems on other properties. If you see a building or filling without a posted Permit, please call the Building Department (above).
Floodproofing
There are several different ways to protect a building from flood damage. One way is to keep the water away by re-grading your lot or building a small floodwall or earthen berm. These methods might work if your lot is large enough or if flooding is not too deep. The Building Department can provide this and related information upon request. Additionally, another approach is to make your walls waterproof and place watertight closures over the doorways.
In some instances, it may be possible to raise certain structures above flood levels. One recent project of this type can be viewed at: 16111 Redington Drive – the old house at that location was totally razed and the elevated structure that now stands on the site was built with all living spaces ABOVE flooding levels. This project was done with assistance (financial) from the Flood Mitigation Assistance program.
Information about floodproofing or retrofitting can be obtained at the Town Hall Flood Information Library and at the Gulf Beaches Public Library in Madeira Beach. IMPORTANT Note: Any alteration to your building or land may require a permit from the Building Department – always check to see if your plans require a permit (727 – 202-6825).
Flood Check List
- If a flood is predicted – SHUT OFF your gas & electricity; move or take other steps to protect your valuables
- Take steps to prevent internal flooding for sewer backups – install overflow piping or backup valves
- HAVE a plan for imminent flooding – make a checklist, keep supplies on hand, and listen for Emergency information on the radio, television, or the this web site.
Flood Insurance
Flood Insurance coverage is MANDATORY for all federally-backed or funded mortgages. Even where such coverage is not mandatory, flood insurance coverage is a SMART thing to have.
BEWARE: Many flood insurance policies cover only damage to a structure and NOT the structure’s contents. Homeowners are advised to contact their insurance broker for complete details. The Town of Redington Beach participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) where you can purchase a flood insurance policy that is separate from a homeowner’s policy that may have some flood damage protection (to the structure and not the contents).
For further information on the NFIP program, contact your insurance broker or the Town Clerk at (727) 391-3875.
Flood Safety Tips
Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet. Drowning during serious flooding is a real hazard.
Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don’t drive around flood barriers. Use EXTREME caution on the 161ST Avenue Causeway during storms, high tides, and related conditions.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The #2 flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can and will travel through water. Report downed power lines immediately to Pinellas County Utilities (727) 464-4000.
Be alert for gas leaks. Gas leaks are common during severe weather. Use a flashlight to check for leaks. When in doubt, DON’T use candles, lighters or other flame sources. Report gas leaks immediately to Pinellas County Utilities (727) 464-4000.
Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles, window glass, and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
USE COMMON SENSE AND CAUTION
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION – contact:
Town Hall – (727) 391-3875