Is My Property In The Flood Zone?
The map to the right (click to enlarge) shows the section of Freeport that has been designated a special flood hazard area by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If you live in this area, you are probably aware of the threat of flooding during various weather conditions, as well as the phases of the moon and the tides.
If you live in the flood zone and have never experienced a major flood, please take note of these important suggestions. Weather experts are predicting a major storm for Long Island that could bring unusual flooding to areas in south Freeport. In addition, computer predictions indicate that a storm surge during a major event could force flood waters into areas in north Freeport as well.
Building Department personnel are available to assist you during business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will help you with permit requirements, map determinations, lowest level requirements, site visits and plan reviews to help you reduce the risk of flood damage to your property.
What You Can Do To Help Prevent Flooding
The Village’s street drainage system is maintained by the Department of Public Works. Please report any kind of dumping or other conditions that are interfering with the proper functioning of this system. Violators may face fines up to $1,000. If your property is located near a storm drain, make sure that it is not clogged with leaves and other debris. The roads and streets will not drain properly if these drains are clogged.
Protecting Your Property
Many homes in the frequently flooded areas can be elevated so that the lowest floor is raised above the flood protection level. Freeport’s Building Department will help you determine if this is feasible with your property. The staff will show you photos of homes that have been elevated (both large and small) and will provide a list of contractors experienced in the elevation of existing houses.
Installation of floodwalls that are properly designed to resist water pressure and are of sufficient height can also decrease flood damage. This method works best where the floodwaters do not exceed 3 feet.
Dry flood proofing means sealing a building to keep floodwaters out. Walls are coated, openings such as windows, doors, etc are closed permanently and can be temporarily sealed with removable shields or sandbags.
Wet flood proofing means modifying a building so that floodwaters will cause only minimal damage to the building and its contents.
Be sure the professional you hire to do your retrofitting project has experience in this type of work. Building permits must be obtained prior to beginning any work on the property. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, then the building must meet the same construction requirements as a new structure.
Substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to the same standards, in other words, a residence damaged so that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the building's value before it was damaged must be elevated above the base flood elevation.
FLOOD INSURANCE PROTECTION
This outreach project is part of the program that has granted Freeport residents a discount on flood insurance. The current discount for property owners has been increased to 15%. If you are not carrying flood insurance, speak to your insurance agent. Your regular homeowners insurance policy will not cover damage from floods. However, because Freeport participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you may
purchase a separate flood insurance policy. This insurance is backed by the federal government and is available to everyone. If you have a mortgage AND ARE IN A FLOOD ZONE, you must have this insurance. For flood map information, contact the Building Department at (516) 377-2241.
National Flood Insurance Program
1-888-CALL-FLOOD ext. 445
TDD# 1-800-427-5593.
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