Minimize your flooding risk by doing these five things

Being proactive ahead of a storm can help protect Floridians from flooding effects from tropical storms.

PALATKA, Fla., Aug. 21, 2020 — As Florida keeps a close eye on the path of Tropical Storm Laura, here are five tips from the St. Johns River Water Management District to prepare for heavy rains from severe storms, including torrential rain from recent summer thunderstorms. By being proactive, homeowners can help protect themselves and their property from flooding.

• Report clogged culverts or slow-moving water in ditches to your local government to allow adequate time for maintenance or repairs before a storm.
• Keep grass clippings and other debris out of stormwater drainage systems to prevent clogging and loss of stormwater storage and treatment capacity. Stormwater systems help control flooding by slowing down surges and absorbing rainwater before it reaches water bodies.
• Clean out roof gutters and extend downspouts at least four feet from structures to keep water from ponding at the foundation.
• Build up the ground around the home to promote drainage away from the foundation.
• Bookmark useful webpages, including sjrwmd.com/storm, for links to flood statements and warnings, river stage and flooding data, and local government emergency contacts. Links to the National Weather Service, Florida Division of Emergency Management and the U.S. Geological Survey’s interactive map of current conditions in the state are also available via the website at www.sjrwmd.com/data.

For general water level information and rainfall data, bookmark the district’s hydrologic data webpage. To know who to call when impacted by a storm, visit www.sjrwmd.com/localgovernments/flooding/#state-national.

Join the conversation at #flooding #WaterLess #HurricaneSeason #sjrwmd.