DEFINITION: A flood is a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from :(1) The overflow of inland or tidal waters; or (2) The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
HISTORY AND SCOPE: There are six types of flooding with the potential to impact Del Norte County: coastal flooding, riverine flooding, nuisance flooding, tsunami flooding, sea level rise flooding, and dam failure.
Riverine flooding occurs often along the Smith River, Klamath River, and Elk Creek. In December of 1955, excess precipitation (24 inches over three days) caused a major flood in the Klamath area, inundating ~7,600 acres of agricultural land. Another major flood event triggered by snowpack runoff caused damage in Del Norte and neighboring counties in 1964, the same year that a large tsunami destroyed downtown Crescent City.
MAKE A PLAN
Preparing a kit for your home can help you withstand flood events that prevent travel. Be sure to include any medications and other essential items for all household members, including for pets.
KNOW YOUR ZONE
Click on the red button to get to know your zone. Look on the maps to find where you live, and work. If your home or business is in the flood zone make sure you have appropriate flood insurance.
Click on the red button to see insurance planning. Floods can happen anywhere — just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both, so it is important to protect your most important financial assets — your home, your business, your possessions.
PREPARE YOUR FINANCES
Click on the red button to get help. Americans at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergency. In these stressful times, having access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records is crucial for starting the recovery process quickly and efficiently.