Know how to prepare for possible spring runoff flooding

Are you prepared if spring runoff flooding affects our community? Runoff from the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers, as well as several creeks and washes, can pose a flood risk to Mesa County.

Here are some preparation tips we recommend to help you protect yourself and your property in the event of a flood.

1. Check with the  Public Works-Engineering Department on the extent of past flooding and the causes of repetitive flooding, what the County is doing about it, and appropriate flood protection levels. The County has visited your property and has seen the protection levels you have completed on your property to help reduce your flood risks. 

2. Do the following:

• Know how to shut off the electricity and gas to your house when a flood is anticipated.
• Make a list of emergency numbers and identify a safe place to go. 
• Make a household inventory, especially of basement contents. Take photos of your important possessions.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.
• Put insurance policies, valuable papers, medicine, etc., in a safe place.
• Develop a disaster response plan. See the Red Cross’ website at www.redcross.org for information about preparing your home and family for a disaster. 
• Get a copy of Repairing Your Flooded Home. Mesa County  Public Works-Engineering Department is happy to obtain a copy for you.

3. Consider some permanent flood protection measures.

• Mark your fuse or breaker box to show the circuits to the floodable areas. Turning off the power to the basement before a flood can reduce flood property damage and save lives.
• Consider elevating your house above flood levels. 
• Check your building for water entry points, such as basement windows, the basement stairwell, doors, and dryer vents. These can be protected with low walls or temporary shields. 
• Install a floor drain plug, standpipe, overhead sewer, or sewer backup valve to prevent sewer backups from occurring. 
• More information can be found on FEMA’s website, www.ready.gov/floods.
• Some flood protection measures may need a building department permit and a floodplain development permit. Please be sure to check in with Community Development prior to starting any work. 

4. Talk to the Public Works-Engineering Department for information on financial assistance.

• Get a flood insurance policy – It will help pay for repairs after a flood and in some cases help pay the cost of elevating a substantially damaged building.

5. Purchase Flood Insurance

• Homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage from floods. However, because our community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you can purchase a flood insurance policy.  This insurance is backed by the Federal government and is available to everyone, even the properties that have been flooded. Because our community participates in the Community Rating System, you will receive a reduction in your insurance premiums. 
• The average annual premium for flood insurance is $420. The actual cost will vary depending upon the amount of coverage and degree of the flood hazards.
• Residents can purchase policies up to $250,000 for their homes and $100,000 for contents. Nonresidential structures can be protected up to $500,000 for the structures and $500,000 for contents.  We urge people who live or own property in flood hazard areas to purchase flood insurance to protect themselves from losses due to flooding.
• Don’t wait for the next flood to purchase flood insurance, in most cases there is a 30-day waiting period before the National Flood Insurance Program coverage takes effect. Insurance is especially important since there is a 26% chance of experiencing a flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage.
• Contact your insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage.

• Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water.
• Listen to a battery-operated radio to keep you informed.
• If instructed, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and the main gas valve.
• If told to evacuate your home, do so immediately.
• If waters rise within your home, retreat to the highest floor, attic, and if necessary, the roof.
• If you come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.
• Avoid walking through floodwater, as little as 6” of moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Do not drive through a flooded area. If you come upon a flooded road, take another route.
• Stay away from downed power lines or electrical wires.
• Look out for animals.

• If your home has suffered damage, call your insurance agent.
• Take photos of any water in the house, and save damaged personal property for insurance purposes.
• Check for structural damage before reentering your home, and do not enter if a portion of the building has collapsed.
• Upon reentering your property, do not use matches or cigarette lighters since gas may be trapped inside. If you smell gas or hear hissing, open a window, quickly, exit your home, and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home. 
• Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
• Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect damage, avoid using the tap, and contact a plumber. 
• Throw away any food- including canned goods- that has come in contact with floodwater.
• Until local authorities declare your water supply safe, boil water for drinking and food preparation.

Please contact the Mesa County Regulatory Programs Manager, Carrie Gudorf by email at carrie.gudorf@mesacounty.us or call (970) 244‐1811 to get any flood-related questions answered.