Texas Governor Greg Abbot has declared the week of May 21-25 as Flood Awareness Week.
Most homes in League City are in or near a flood hazard area and, as such, can be at an increased risk of flooding. In addition, League City is susceptible to riverine and coastal flooding, as well as flooding from low lying areas. These conditions have caused widespread flooding in the past and, because of this, homeowners maybe in a repetitively flooded area.
The City of League City wants residents to be aware of ways to protect themselves and their homes in advance of future flooding events. Here are 10 important tips:
- Get a flood insurance policy. Basic homeowner’s insurance does not cover damage from floods. Ask your agent for details. Don’t delay – there is a 30-day waiting period before a policy takes effects.
- Sign up for emergency alerts with SwiftReach, the City’s new notification system. Even if you have received text and/or phone calls in the past regarding City emergencies, ALL League City residents are asked to sign-up for SwiftReach at www.leaguecity.com/swiftreach or by downloading the Swift Public 911 app on their mobile phones.
- Keep debris and trash out of the streams and ditches. It is illegal in League City to dump any type of debris into a stream or drainage ditch. Debris can become entangled in culverts and streambeds and impede drainage that can cause the flow of water to back up. Call the Street and Storm Water Department at 281-554-1086 to report any dumping.
- Don’t dump in the storm drains, as they drain to Galveston Bay. The City’s storm drains help maintain the natural functions of the floodplains by providing storage for flood waters and keeping water out of urbanized areas. Floodplains also improve water quality by filtering out impurities from runoff. These areas need to be kept clean to do their job.
- Take the necessary precautions when it comes to protecting yourself from harm’s way. Know the evacuation procedures for a flood and prepare a family evacuation plan. Shut off the electricity and all gas appliances before you evacuate. Designate a place where your family can meet after an evacuation order has been issued.
- Check with the City’s Neighborhood Service Department at 281-554-1480 for rules on when it is okay to reenter your home and make repairs after a flood event. Play it safe and don’t move dirt or sand without a permit.
- Consider some permanent flood protection measures such as marking your fuse or breaker box to show the circuits to floodable areas or by putting low walls or temporary shields over water entry points such as dryer vents.
- City staff can provide advice on how to correct drainage issues and can provide you with information on grant opportunities to elevate your home. Call 281-554-1428 for more information or to request a one-on-one site visits with the Floodplain Administrator.
- Visit the City’s Engineering Department located at 500 W. Walker to get flood-related information such as a Flood Insurance Rate Map, flood zone and floodway locations, past flooding data, and information on local drainage problems. Permit information and copies of elevation certificates can be requested from the Planning and Development Department.
- Stay connected to the City before, during, and after a flood by visiting www.readylc.com form more information. Don't wait for a storm to head your way, make sure you are prepared today.