Know Your Flood Risk

Understanding Your Flood Map

To identify a community's flood risk, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducts a Flood Insurance Study. This study includes information on canals, stream flows, storm ties, hydrologic/hydraulic analyses, rainfall, and topographic surveys. FEMA uses this data to create the flood hazard maps - the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) that outline your community's flood risk areas.

Important Update

FEMA recently announced the release of updated, digital flood hazard maps that show the extent to which areas throughout the city are at risk for flooding. The new Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) became effective August 24, 2021 and is based on updated coastal modeling and shows flood hazards more accurately than older maps. Current FIRM and historical FIRM map panel information is available to residents and business on the online Flood Map Information Service.

ZONES AE, AH

ZONE VE

ZONE A (unnumbered)

ZONE A (unnumbered) (High Flooding Risk)

Because detailed analyses are not performed for such areas, no depth or base flood elevations are shown within these zones. There is at least a one-in-four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. Mandatory flood insurance requirements also apply.

In moderate-to-low risk areas, the chance of being flooded is reduced but not completely removed. These areas submit more than 20 percent of the NFIP claims and receive one-third of all disaster assistance for flooding. Flood insurance isn't federally required in moderate-to-low areas, but it is recommended for all property owners and renters. They are show on flood maps as zones labeled with the letter X (or a shaded X).

get elevation certificate

Get an Elevation Certificate

Once you have determined that your house lies in a flood zone, an Elevation Certificate can then tell you how high your house was built in relation to that flood zone. These Certificates are required for all new construction, as well as for construction projects that involve making substantial improvements to a structure.

An Elevation Certificate is an important document that everyone homeowner should have, and in case of a disaster, would demonstrate to City authorities that your house is at or above the required elevation. If the Certificates shows that your house is lower than the required elevation, then the so-called "50% rule" would apply to your house. This rule means that if your house is in a flood zone and is damaged and/or improved to an amount greater than 50% of its market value, it will have to be raised to meet the current elevation requirement.

The City of Oldsmar provides copies of Elevation Certificates. For more information regarding Elevation Certificates or the City Substantial Improvement regulations, please contact the Planning & Redevelopment Department at (813) 749-1123 or search map by address.

fLOOD mAPS

Floodplain Information

Why Floods Occur

Natural Function of Floodplain

Natural Function of the Floodplain

A floodplain is any land area susceptible to being inundated by water. In our City natural floodplain areas provide excellent habitat for diverse wildlife and enhance water quality as vegetation and soils found within the floodplain serve as water filters, intercepting surface water runoff before reaching the bays.

A wetland is a transitional area between water and land which supports unique wetland vegetation. The native vegetation and wildlife in the wetlands must be protected. View City of Oldsmar's Natural Floodplain Map

The undeveloped floodplain areas lessen the effects of storm and flood waters by providing natural store areas for flood waters and by buffering the coastal areas from storm surges, thus protecting human life and property from flood damage.

Protect Your Home

Protect Your Home

There are things you can do to minimize or eliminate property damage before a flood event occurs. Grading your property, elevating and securing electrical appliances, placing all low-lying electrical features on separate electrical circuits, and using flood-resistant materials on exterior surfaces are some ways you can help yourself.

Under emergency conditions, sandbags can be used to protect structures from flood waters, and elevating or covering furniture and valuables can help minimize damage. The City website MyOldsmar.com will provide notices when and where sandbags will be available.

INSURE YOUR HOME

Insure Your Home

Flood insurance is required for any federally backed mortgage in a Special Flood Hazard Area. PLEASE NOTE: when purchasing flood insurance, the policy does not go into effect until 30 days AFTER the purchase. Please visit FloodSmart.gov for the most current information on flood insurance premiums and to locate a flood insurance agent in your area. For information on coverage's and rates, call (800) 427-4661.

Because of the City of Oldsmar rating under the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System, Oldsmar policyholders who live in a flood zone have enjoyed a 20% discount on their flood insurance premiums since May 1, 2006. A 10% discount on flood insurance is also available for those who live outside of flood zones, except on preferred risk policies.

RETROFITTING YOUR HOME

Retrofitting Your Home

All construction in the City of Oldsmar requires the issuance of building permits prior to construction. Building permits are obtained after submittal and approval of building plans. An important part of the review process is the requirement that structures be built high enough and us proper design to protect against flood damage.

If you plan to construct an addition to your house, build a new house, or for any other type of development, call the City of Oldsmar Building Department at (813) 749-1100 for information on how to obtain the necessary permits.

New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure in the Special Flood Zone Hazard Area is required to have the lowest flood elevated to one foot above the Base Flood Elevation.

Flood Emergencies

Flood Emergencies

If you have a flooding emergency or drainage problem, call the Public Works Department for help. If maintenance of the City system is required, they can handle it or, if there is no system, they can refer it for further investigation. They can also explain ways to stop flooding and prevent damage on your property.

There is also extensive emergency information provided in The Hurricane Guide which is typically available June through November at Oldsmar City Hall, Oldsmar Public Library, and other service provider locations. Remember: turn off gas and electricity and avoid running washers.

Only Rainwater Allowed

Emergency Notifications

Evacuation Assistance

Listen. Warning. Watch.

Listen. Warning. Watch.

The National Weather Service monitors local weather conditions. If flooding from rain is anticipated, the Service will broadcast Flood Warning Notices through television, radio and wire services. These notices are intended to make you aware and help you prepare for possible flooding. If an Emergency Flood Warning Notice is issued, the National Weather Service will broadcast this warning through the Emergency Alert System, and through TV and radio stations. The City website will also be updated with information during emergency situations.

Before the Storm

Before the Storm

Know Oldsmar's flood warning procedures. Many of these procedures are outlined on this page. Plan your evacuation in advance. Know where, when, and how you are going to evacuate prior to a storm. Your plan should provide for you, your pets, and your hurricane supplies such as food, medicine, insurance information, proper identification, and important papers & documents.

If you live in an area that is particularly vulnerable to flooding, you may want to keep plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, and materials in stock to prepare your property and to aid in emergency repairs after an event.

Be Aware

Be Aware

When an Emergency Flood Warning Notice is issued for your area, take safety precautions immediately. Additional resources can be found through the American Red Cross website.

Do not walk or drive through flowing or standing water. Unseen obstructions or hazards may hard you or your family.
Turn off the power in your house. This should include electrical power as well as all propane gas tanks & lines.
Watch your step in flooded areas. Slip-and-fall accidents are common in wet, slippery areas.
Be alert for small animals flushed out by flooding conditions. Under stress, animals may react by biting when disturbed.
Be aware of gas leaks in the house. Do not smoke, use candles or open flames until you are sure no leaks exist; ventilate enclosed areas if you think gas is present.
Avoid downed power lines and electrical wires. These wires can cause shock & electrocution.
Keep a battery-powered radio tuned to local stations & comply with any evacuation orders.

Know Your Flood Risk

Understanding Your Flood Map

Important Update

Below are the definitions for all the

flood zone designations show in the City of Oldsmar's DFIRMs

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