The most common natural disaster in the United States is flooding. Flooding can be caused by heavy rainfall, a tropical storm, a hurricane, or other natural disaster. A majority of City of Plantation residents live in or near a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), which is a land area where flooding may occur as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Flood damage is typically not covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy. Because the City of Plantation participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), residents and business owners can purchase a separate flood insurance policy to cover flood damages. As a participate in the NFIPs Community Rating System (CRS), a voluntary program, the City takes measures to reduce the entire City’s exposure to floods, to facilitate accurate insurance ratings, and to promote the awareness of flood insurance. The CRS has been developed to provide incentives for communities to go beyond the minimum floodplain management requirements to develop extra measures to provide protection from flooding. The incentives are in the form of premium discounts. City of Plantation property (residential & non-residential) owners currently receive a 15-percent savings on annual flood insurance premiums.

• Flood Zones and Flood Maps
• Flood Hazard
• Flood Warning System
• Flood Safety & Protecting Yourself
• Flood Insurance
• Property Protection Measures
• Improvement and Floodplain Development Permit Requirements
• Natural Floodplain Functions
• Shelter Locations
• Drainage System Maintenance and Water Quality
• Sources of Information

New Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) were issued by FEMA on August 18, 2014. The designated flood zone or special flood hazard area is determined from these maps. To determine the flood zone for a specific property, view Broward County’s Flood Map created from the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps, or contact the City of Plantation Engineering Department, at 954-797-2282 for a map determination letter. One can also visit the FEMA Map Service Center for additional information or to create a firmette, a free of charge full- scale section of a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map for a particular area.

There are a number of properties within the City of Plantation that have received a Letter of Map Change (LOMC) (i.e. Letter of Map Revision [LOMR] or Letter of Map Amendment [LOMA]). To obtain a copy of the official LOMC that are on file at the City, contact the Building Division at 954-797-2250.

Approximately 10% of the land area in the City of Plantation is located in a flood zone. Heavy rains from hurricanes and tropical storms bring the greatest potential for flooding in the city. In Plantation, flooding can occur from several inches of rainfall in a short time period, or from several days of continued scattered rainfall.  Main drainage features are the South Florida Water Management District’s North New River, C-12 and C-42 canals, and the Old Plantation Water Control District (OPWCD) canal system.  These systems and their associated control structures and pumps are operated such that the risk of flooding is reduced.  All properties within the City of Plantation regardless of flood zone designation are subject to flooding.  All property owners should be prepared and aware of what can be done to protect their property.  You may also request a review of potential flooding, drainage, and sewer problems.  For flooding and drainage questions call the Engineering Department at (954) 797-2282 and for sewer problems contact the Utilities Department at (954) 797-2209.  A site visit may be needed in some cases.

The most serious threat of general flooding is during the hurricane season (June through November).  City of Plantation residents and business owners should tune to the City of Plantation radio station (1620 AM) and to the following TV and radio broadcasts and be alert to special local advisories.  Local radio and TV stations will carry advisories for our area:

Television                         AM Radio                           FM Radio

WFOR Channel 4               WQAM 560                     WKIS 99.9

WTVJ Channel 6                WIOD 610                       WBGG 105.9

 WSVN Channel 7              WSRF 1580

 WPLG Channel 10

The Broward County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) maintains direct contact with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center and relays updates of threatening weather to government, media, hospitals and nursing homes. The City of Plantation is proud to launch Everbridge, a citizen notification system that will share information with residents such as road closures, emergency/severe weather info and more. Alerts can be sent via Facebook, Twitter, text, email, mobile phones, and/or landlines. To register to these alerts please call the Police Department (954) 797-2795 or visit the City’s website for directions to the Plantation on the  Alert web link.

Flood safety begins with being alert to the changing weather conditions that can bring floods.  Safety includes having a personal/family evacuation plan and survival kit ready for use in the event of flooding.  During the flood watch period, evacuation plans and survival kits should be reviewed in case a flood warning is issued.  Other flood safety and preparedness measures are outlined in the “Hazardous Weather Resource Guide” available at the city’s public library. In the event of a flood, turn off gas and electricity, avoid running water, do not wade through moving floodwaters and avoid driving through flooded areas. There are actions residents of flood hazard areas can take to decrease the potential of injury due to flooding:

• Know the flood warning procedures.
• Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees.
• Keep away from floodwaters, ditches, culverts and storm drains.
• Do not attempt to drive in flooded areas.
• Evacuate the flood hazard area in times of impending floods or when advised to do so by the Police Department.

Shelter Locations

Many residents are able to safely shelter at home in the event of a hurricane or other emergency. However, some residents are required to evacuate their homes. This can be especially difficult for residents who are disabled, have special medical needs, or are otherwise vulnerable during an emergency. To the extent possible, shelters provide residents with a safe place to stay and basic assistance to help them get through the emergency. Residents who must evacuate their home have several options to consider. Please visit Broward County’s Shelter Information web page to find all necessary information regarding emergency shelters, including special needs shelters and transportation assistance.

Flooding is not covered by normal homeowners’ insurance.  You can protect your home and its contents from flood loss through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  The federal government backs this insurance.  Contact any licensed property or casualty broker for more information.  The NFIP web site (www.floodsmart.gov) allows you to search for local brokers and agents known to be program participants. These local agents will provide information on available flood insurance coverage for your specific needs.  Check your policy to make sure it indicates the updated 2014 FIRM Zone.

Flood Insurance Coverage (Zones B, C and X only) *

* To obtain coverage information for dwellings located in high-risk areas (A and V Zones, Residential or Commercial) please contact a licensed insurance agent.

Property protection measures can minimize damage to a structure:  Inform yourself of recommended property protection measures.  Store materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber to protect your house from floodwaters and to make quick repairs after a severe storm; secure your home before leaving; bring outdoor belongings such as garbage cans, garden equipment and furniture inside the house or tie them down securely; move essential items and furniture to the upper floors and lock doors and windows; board up windows or protect them with storm shutters; stack sandbags away from house walls to prevent floodwaters from reaching your home.  Portable property can also be elevated above anticipated flood levels.  Visit the Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library at 501 N. Fig Tree Lane or see FEMA publications (https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance/outreach-resources/publications) for information on retrofitting or flood proofing your structure to reduce the impact of flooding. Retrofitting techniques include elevating the building, construction of water barriers, dry flood proofing (building watertight walls) and wet flood proofing (modifying the structure and/or relocating the contents to minimize damage).  If you have questions or need more information, call the Engineering Department at (954) 797-2282.

The City of Plantation regulates all types of construction (not just buildings) in the special flood hazard area. All construction requires either a building and/or engineering permit, which must be obtained from the City of Plantation Building or Engineering Department. Any substantial improvement(s) to a structure requires the structure to be brought into compliance with the current code, specifically the base flood elevation. Per FEMA, a substantial improvement is defined as any combination of repair, reconstruction, alteration, or improvements to a structure, in which the costs of said work, equals or exceeds 50-percent of the market value of the structure prior to said work or if the structure has been damaged, prior to the damage occurring. For more information about flood regulations and building codes please follow link to FEMA’s information document Floodplain Management Regulations and Building Codes and Standards

Floodplains play an important role in our communities.  They provide areas where floodwaters are stored giving us more time to react to floods, reduce flood peaks and reduce sedimentation.  When we construct buildings in the floodplain we reduce the floodplain’s storage capacity, causing the next flood of equal intensity to crest even higher than the last.  Floodplains also filter nutrients and impurities from runoff, process organic wastes and help to moderate water temperature fluctuations.  In addition, floodplains promote infiltration and recharge of the aquifers and provide breeding and feeding grounds and habitat for wildlife.  In our city, storage ponds and open spaces act as extensions of the floodplain.  Please help to keep these areas clean and free of any illegal dumping or littering. Violators should be reported to Code Enforcement (954) 797-2267.

The City of Plantation drainage system consists of a tertiary system of catch basins and roadside swales, a secondary system of canals and lakes and a primary canal system, which is regulated by the South Florida Water Management District. These canals serve as receiving waters for the City of Plantation. Swales shall not be paved, regraded or altered prior to checking with the Public Works Department, 954-452-2535. It is important that these elements of the drainage system be kept open and clear of debris and litter that could impede the flow of water in a flooding situation. It is also important to properly dispose of chemicals, litter, and debris so it does not enter the drainage system. The water entering storm drains does not get treated before entering the canals and lakes within our City. Polluted stormwater entering our drainage system is harmful to plants and animals. Common types of stormwater pollutants include chemicals (detergents, paint, automotive fluids, fertilizers), litter (cans, plastic bags and bottles, cigarette butts), and debris (leaves, lawn and garden clippings, animal excrement). Residents can also help prevent flooding and stormwater pollution by landscaping with native, drought-friendly plants that absorb water and require little or no fertilizer. Water quality is monitored to reduce and prevent extensive contamination. The quality of surface water, specifically the large canals, is monitored by Broward County.

Dumping of chemicals, litter, and debris in the drainage system is prohibited by State law. Violators should be reported to the Plantation Code Enforcement Unit at 954-797-2267 or the Broward County Environmental Response Line at 954-519-1499. To report a clogged storm drain, contact the Public Works Maintenance Division at 954- 452-2535. For more information regarding water quality, contact the Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department.

Below is a list of resources that provide information on flooding, flood risks, flood insurance, flood preparedness, floodplain management, and other related topics.

1. City of Plantation Engineering Department: Provides copies of elevation certificates, assistance with building permit requirements, tips on selecting contractors.
   • Engineering Department- 401 NW 70 Ter, Plantation, FL 33317
   • Phone Number 954-797-2282
2. City of Plantation Engineering Department: Can advise of flood hazard information pertaining to specific parcels, and conduct field inspections for drainage concerns.
   • Engineering Department – 401 NW 70 Ter, Plantation, FL 33317
   • Phone Number 954-797-2282
3. Broward County Emergency Management Division: Can address questions concerning community and individual flood preparedness activities.
   • 201 NW 84th Avenue Plantation, FL 33324
   • Phone Number 954-831-3900
4.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Provides federal grant funds available for property protection measures through their Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, flood insurance, mitigation, floodplain management, property protection measures, and numerous other related topics.
5. • FEMA Regional Office IV Atlanta, GA
   • Phone Number 770-220-5200
6. Flood smart: Provides information about NFIP, flooding, and flood risks.
   • National Weather Service
7. City of Plantation Flood Plain Administrator
   • Samira Shalan, P.E.
   • City Engineer 954-797-2282