FLOOD AND HURRICANE INFORMATION
Madeira Beach is located on a barrier Island from the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Boca Ciega Bay Intercostal to the east. Hurricane, tropical storms and other threatening weather can present flood hazards to residents due to high tides, storm surges caused by winds, and heavy rainfall. Flooding and other drainage problems can also result after several inches of rain in short period of time or after several days of continued rain. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Madeira Beach and all of the low lying beach communities are in a highly vulnerable food and wind zone area.
Find out what your flood risk is and how much flood damage could cost you. Purchase flood insurance and get a plan now. Clear storm drains and stay connected when there is an impending storm. Remember, turn around don’t drown during a storm. If your property is damaged from flooding file your insurance claim promptly and find out what building permits you need to build back safer and stronger.
Did You Know?
- Flooding can be caused by heavy rains as well as by tropical storms and hurricanes.
- Everyone in Madeira Beach is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) which has at least a one in four chance of flooding during a 30-year period.
- Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover losses due to flooding.
- Madeira Beach is located in Hurricane Evacuation Zone A.
- Pinellas County will notify the local news stations about emergencies and you can sign up to receive alerts on your phone or by e-mail.
- Six inches of moving water can make you fall and a foot of water will float many vehicles.
- Dunes protect beaches from erosion and help to lessen flooding during coastal storms.
- The State’s Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) program protects beaches and dunes from construction that could weaken, damage or destroy the integrity of beach and dune systems that help protect against flooding.
- Special needs residents who need evacuation assistance can register on line here (http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/specialneeds.htm )
Madeira Beach’s Part
The City of Madeira Beach has a Comprehensive Floodplain Management Program to protect you and your loved ones from severe weather and flooding, reduce property damage, and protect the environment. Additionally, the City of Madeira Beach participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Community Rating System (CRS) to ensure flood insurance is not only available to its residents, businesses, and property owners, but is offered at a discount. Madeira Beach is doing a number of things to sustain Floodplain Management and CRS programs, such as:
- Providing flood services, such as, flood map information.
- Adopting and enforcing floodplain ordinances, such as freeboard.
- Maintaining and protecting open spaces and natural systems throughout the City, including our parks, beach dunes, and mangroves.
- Participating in the multijurisdictional Pinellas County Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) (http://www.pinellaslms.org/ ) Working Group and maintaining the Madeira Beach Floodplain
Management Plan .
- Participating in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and maintain our drainage system.
- Implementing a Capital Improvement Program.
- Coordinating with County and State Emergency Management.
To a large extent, the success of the programs depends on the cooperation and assistance of residences, businesses, and property owners to make it work.
What You Can Do
Severe weather and associated flooding can occur at any time. When you are in danger, their first instinct is to dial 9-1-1 for help. But in extreme situations, normal rescue procedures can’t always be used. By being properly prepared, you can better protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.
Clear Storm Drains
Maintaining stormwater drainage requires your cooperation and assistance to prevent flooding and pollution. If you see a blocked storm grate or curb inlet, please clear it. Remember, Only Rain Down the Drain. If you see anyone dumping trash, lawn clippings, etc., contact the Public Works Department. 727-391-1611
Get a Building Permit
To minimize flood damage to buildings and avoid increased flood depths, the City of Madeira Beach has specific requirements for all new or substantially improved buildings. These requirements help protect the structure against movement by floodwaters and better resist flood forces and prevent additional runoff from the property.,
As a participant in the NFIP and NPDES the City has adopted ordinances on building construction, stormwater drainage, filling, grading, and excavation. If you see any construction or excavating done without a permit posted contact the Building Department.