Community Rating System
The Community Rating System (CRS) is a national program developed by FEMA that recognizes, encourages, and rewards community activities and programs that go above the minimum requirements for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The goals of the CRS are to:
- Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property
- Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP
- Foster comprehensive floodplain management
The City of Fort Lauderdale is currently a Class 7, which equates to flood insurance premium reduction of 15% for properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zones AE, AO, AH, and VE); or 10% for those in Zone X.
Program for Public Information
The Program for Public Information (PPI) is a planning tool used to provide a coordinated approach to flood hazard outreach. The City of Fort Lauderdale has adopted a PPI to improve communication with citizens, and to provide information about flood hazards, flood safety, flood insurance, ways to protect property and natural floodplain functions. Visit the following link to view the plan: Program for Public Information(PDF, 7MB)
Be Prepared for Flooding
Fort Lauderdale’s coastal location makes the city susceptible to flooding from hurricanes, tropical storms, high tides and heavy rainfall. The city’s flat topography and network of rivers, canals and stormwater infrastructure also contribute to flood risk. Leaves and debris can clog the stormwater system and limit its capacity.
1. Know Your Flood Hazard
Regulated floodplains, including Special Flood Hazard Areas, are shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps. These areas are subject to flooding from the 1% annual chance flood.
Properties outside a Special Flood Hazard Area are not guaranteed to be safe from flooding.
Flood Insurance Rate Maps can be viewed for free on the City’s GIS Flood Zones Map at:
https://fortlauderdalefl.withforerunner.com/
The City’s Floodplain Group also provides free flood zone determinations for properties located within Fort Lauderdale.
For more information, email PCardenas@FortLauderdale.gov or call 954 828 6520.
2. Insure Your Property
Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.
Flood insurance is available to homeowners, business owners and renters. Homeowners can obtain up to $250,000 in coverage. Business owners can obtain up to $500,000. Renters can obtain up to $100,000 in coverage for the contents of their home.
There is a 30 day waiting period before coverage takes effect. Contact your insurance agent for more information.
Visit www.FloodSmart.gov or call 1 888 379 9531 for information or assistance purchasing flood insurance.
3. Protect Yourself and Your Family
Fort Lauderdale and Broward County Emergency Management receive weather notifications from the National Weather Service. The Emergency Alert System may be activated when necessary.
To receive emergency information:
• Tune in to WIOD 610 AM or WFTL 850 AM
• Watch emergency broadcasts on Channel 4, Channel 6, Channel 7 or Channel 10
• Monitor City information on Comcast Channel 78, U Verse Channel 99, 1610 AM radio and www.fortlauderdale.gov
During a flood:
• Turn off power at the main breaker if it is safe to do so
• If power is lost, turn off major appliances
• Turn off the gas and be alert for gas leaks
• Use a flashlight to inspect for damage
• Do not smoke or use candles or open flames
• Avoid low lying areas
• Seek shelter in the highest area possible
• Never drive through flooded streets
• Stay away from downed power lines
As little as two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles.
4. Protect Your Property
There are several ways to reduce potential flood damage.
• Consider elevating your structure if the first finished floor is below the Base Flood Elevation
• Elevate electrical and mechanical equipment above the Base Flood Elevation
• Move valuables, furniture, utilities and appliances to higher floors or elevate them
• Place sandbags in areas vulnerable to water entry when flooding is imminent
The City of Fort Lauderdale Floodplain Group can conduct a site visit to provide guidance on flooding, drainage issues and property protection techniques.
For more information, contact the Customer Support Center at 954 828 8000.
5. Build Responsibly
All development within the city requires a permit.
Before you build on, alter, fill or regrade any portion of your property, check permitting requirements with the Development Services Department.
Report suspected permit violations to the Building Services Division.
As part of the National Flood Insurance Program, local code requires that a structure damaged or improved by 50% or more of its market value meet the construction requirements for a new building.
All new and substantially improved buildings must have the lowest floor, including the basement, elevated no lower than the Base Flood Elevation.
For more information, contact the Development Services Department at 954 828 6520.
6. Protect Natural Floodplain Functions
Floodplains do more than enhance our natural surroundings. They absorb rain and floodwater, helping reduce the frequency and severity of flooding while managing stormwater runoff and minimizing water pollution.
Protect our floodplains and drainage system. It is illegal to dump anything in the City’s canals, ponds or lakes.
Dumping materials, including yard waste, into canals or drains pollutes waterways and clogs the stormwater system.
For questions or to report obstructions or violations, contact the Customer Support Center at 954 828 8000.
7. General Preparedness
• Inventory and photograph the contents of your home
• Store important papers and insurance policies in a safe place
• Keep an emergency supply of nonperishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, a manual can opener and a battery operated radio
• Discuss your family emergency plan
• Decide how family members will communicate and reunite during an emergency
• Know what you will do during an evacuation order
Visit www.Ready.gov/Plan for additional flood preparedness resources.
8. Hurricane Preparedness
Prepare before hurricane season.
• Know what to do during a hurricane watch or warning
• Prepare your home before a storm to reduce potential damage
• Know your evacuation route and the locations of evacuation centers
• Plan ahead for pets
Visit www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep for hurricane preparation guidance.
Broward County Emergency Management may order or advise evacuations when conditions warrant. Follow all evacuation instructions within the time provided.
Visit www.fortlauderdale.gov for information about flood evacuation, emergency alerts and hurricane preparation.
9. Do Not Drive Through Flooded Streets
It is never safe to drive through floodwaters. More than half of flood related deaths in the United States occur when vehicles are driven into floodwater.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Fort Lauderdale has many unprotected canals that may be difficult to distinguish from nearby roadways during flooding. Floodwaters can also conceal drainage ditches, potholes, road damage, debris and downed power lines.
If your vehicle stalls in floodwater, leave the vehicle and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
One foot of water can lift most cars. Two feet of water can carry away most vehicles, including large sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.
Driving through flooded streets can also push water toward nearby properties and cause additional damage.
10. Reduce Stormwater Runoff
Low Impact Development techniques help manage stormwater on site instead of allowing it to flow into the stormwater drainage system.
Examples include rain barrels and permeable pavers. These techniques can help reduce stormwater runoff and flooding.
For more information about stormwater management techniques that can be used on your property, contact the Development Services Department at 954 828 6520
Questions?
For further information on the CRS Program or the City of Fort Lauderdale's CRS efforts, please contact the CRS Coordinator, Mark Hagerty, at 954-828-6133 or by email at MHagerty@FortLauderdale.com.