Flash floods occur somewhere in the region almost every year.
After every flood, the tendency has been for residents to rebuild their lives and pray that “this is the last destructive one.” Structural projects have been built in hopes of controlling future floodwaters. As time passes, people tend to forget about flooding and become complacent. Additional development occurs in flood-prone areas. Deforestation and upland development increase the amount of runoff. Stream channels are allowed to become clogged with debris. In short, residents of the Southern Tier Central region continue to grossly underestimate the destructive powers of their rivers, streams, and lakes.
It is not possible to predict the behavior of the next flood and it is unwise to rely on any single source of information about where flooding may occur. However, water does run downhill, so it is possible to anticipate the highest risk areas.
Flood warning and effective flood response are the greatest defense against loss of life during a flood. Plan for floods and monitor warnings. There may only be a moment’s notice.
Floodplains flood! Safe and resilient communities can only be achieved if development is located in low-risk areas or designed to withstand flooding.
Build in flood-safe locations. The best strategy for avoiding flood damage is to locate development outside of flood-prone areas. Local governments can use public education and land use authorities to promote safe development patterns.
Use flood-safe building practices. Floodplain development permits are required for all floodplain development – not just buildings. Local laws enacted by each municipality and the NYS Uniform Codes establish standards for development within the high-risk floodplain delineated on Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
"Floods are 'acts of God,' but flood losses are largely acts of man."
A flood resilient community is one that has the capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from flooding with minimal outside assistance.
Flood insurance doesn’t prevent flood damage, but insurance can be a valuable tool for protecting the financial investment in buildings and building contents. Flood losses are not covered by most insurance policies.
The most cost-effective way to moderate flooding is to protect and restore natural systems.
"No single raindrop believes it is to blame for the flood."
Damage to the protective vegetation on a levee places the entire community at risk of catastrophic results. Do not drive on levees or damage the sod.
Knowledgeable citizens make informed decisions that balance flood risks with other concerns and are more likely to take voluntary actions to reduce their risks.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
NAI is a “good neighbor” approach to flood risk management. It is based on the premise that it’s not right to transfer or worsen a flooding problem. No one has the right to use their property to harm other people. Any adverse impacts should either be avoided or mitigated. (Developed by the Association of State Floodplain Managers)
Building in a floodplain is like pitching a tent on a highway when there are no cars coming.
The most effective way to protect your property from flood damage is to choose a location outside of the floodplain that is not susceptible to flooding or drainage problems. But what about buildings and other development that are already located in high risk areas?
Techniques for floodproofing (retrofitting) existing flood-prone development include:
Consult with your municipal building official for information and assistance with floodproofing techniques.
Insurance doesn’t prevent flood damage, but it can be a valuable tool for protecting the financial investment in buildings and contents. Flood losses are not covered by most insurance policies.
Flood resilience and hazard mitigation planning are critical steps toward coordinated implementation of activities that will reduce future damages from events that we hope will never occur. The planning process enables a community to develop a program of activities that can be implemented now, before a disaster strikes. After evaluating the problems and considering potential solutions, the community identifies the most appropriate and efficient actions for reducing future damages.