Flood Awareness Facts

These flood awareness facts are mailed to all of our citizens to make them aware of services and programs that local, state and federal agencies provide to help them in reducing losses caused by flooding.  Through this public service mailing effort, local communities receive credit towards the Community Rating System, which lowers area flood insurance premiums.

The Flood Warning System of the Amite River Basin
Through the cooperation of the Amite River Basin Commission, Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, East Baton Rouge, Parish, U.S. Geological Survey, National Weather Service (NWS), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a Flood Warning System has been placed into operation along the Amite and Comite Rivers.  This system is a network of nine automated river stage stations, that transmit information through radio telemetry to the U.S. Geological Survey office in Baton Rouge.  This information, along with data from additional rain gauges, is used by the NWS to make flood peak forecasts.  During floods, emergency response agencies use this information to make decisions about road closures, evacuations, and other public safety issues.  Emergency phone numbers for your area are listed under "Where to Call During Flood Emergencies" below map.

Flood Hazard Areas
Approximately 42 percent of the land area in East Baton Rouge Parish has a potential of being flooded by a 100-year flood; 70 percent in Ascension Parish and 75% in Livingston Parish.  Flooding occurs primarily along the Amite and Comite Rivers and their tributaries.  Floods caused major damage in this area during 1977, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1994, and 1995.

How do I elevate of Flood proof my Home?
When elevating of flood proofing new or existing structures, consult with a design professional, architect, structural engineer, or licensed contractor for advice about how to elevate or flood proof your home.  These professional s should be knowledgeable and experienced in one or more methods of flood proofing.

In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has published manuals on this subject that are available at your local library or at the offices of the Amite River Basin Commission.

Flood Proofing Methods
There are several different ways to protect a building from damage.  One way is to build a small floodwall or earthen berm around the building.  This  method works if your property is large enough, if flooding is not too deep, and if your property is not in the floodway.

Another approach is to make your walls waterproof and place watertight closures over the doorways.  This method is not recommended if water is expected to get over two feet dep.

A third approach is to raise the house above flood levels.

Many houses, even those not in the floodplain, have sewers that backup during heavy rains.  A plug or stand-pipe can stop this if the water doesn't get more than one foot deep.  For deeper sewer backup flooding, talk to a plumber about a backup valve.

Home Improvements in Flood Hazard Areas

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires that if the cost of related reconstruction, renovation, rehabilitation, or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50 percent of the building's market value (40 percent in East Baton Rouge Parish), the building must meet the requirement that the finished floor elevation of any improvements or additions be constructed above the minimum base flood elevation.  Substantially flood-damaged structures also must be brought up to this same standard if the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50 percent of the building's value before it was damaged.

Flood Safety and Property Protection Measures

If your property is known to food or it is located un a flood hazard area, and flood warnings are issued, you should take all necessary and appropriate steps to protect your property by sand bagging, turning off all electrical circuits and gas line, and elevating furnishings, carpets, appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, cloths dryers, water heaters, and air conditioning compressor units.

Surviving a Flood - Do's and Don'ts

DO NOT WALK THROUGH FLOWING WATER.  Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths.  Currents can be deceptive; shallow but fast-moving water can knock you off your feet.  If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that you don't step into deep water. 

DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH A FLOODED AREA.  More people drown in their cars than anywhere else.  Don't drive around road barriers; they are put up for your protection.  The road or bridge may be washed out.

STAY AWAY FROM POWER LINES AND ELECTRICAL WIRES.  The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution.  Electrical current can travel through water.  Report downed power lines to the Power Company or City/Parish emergency management office.  Have your electricity turned off by the power company.

BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS USING RECENTLY FLOODED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.  Some appliances, such as television sets, keep electrical charges even after they have been unplugged.  Don't use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.

BE ALERT FOR GAS LEAKS.  Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.  Don't smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.

LOOK OUT FOR ANIMALS, ESPECIALLY SNAKES.  Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours.  Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals.

LOOK BEFORE YOU STEP.  After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris. including broken bottels and nails.  FLoors and stairs  that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.