CAI-NJ Jan.2020 (w) (2)

Emergency Preparedness for Flooding By: John M. Chayko, PE, CFM Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc.

O N E DO THING BETTER

Interested in writing for the Do One Thing Better Section of Community Trends® ? Contact Jaclyn Oskierko at jaclyn@cainj.org for more information . • Siltation deposits, vegetation overgrowth, debris blockages, and insufficiently sized basin outlet structures are just a few of the common basin problems which can directly attribute to flooding impacts. A regular inspection by a qualified Professional Engineer will help to identify issues or changes that vary from original design and make the appropriate resiliency recommendations! • Does your Community Association have an established Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that has been reviewed with proper contacts updated on a regular basis? Your EAP should include contact information of local responders including police, fire and municipal personnel along with the Owner’s representative. • Be aware that Community Associations located outside of FEMA designated Flood Zones, can still be subject to localized flooding attributed to poor functioning Stormwater Management Infrastructure. These deficiencies/maintenance issues most likely fall within the owner’s responsibility, therefore the local Municipality/DPW is not typically required to address any ongoing issues. • Know where to evacuate! The EAP should include a map identifying evacuation routes to shelters in addition to identifying any low-lying units/ areas within your Association that are more susceptible to flooding emergencies than others. • Note that underground utility electric and communications services which feed most developments are housed in conduits a few feet below the ground surface. These conduits can be susceptible to water infiltration. Are backup generators accounted for if power is lost? • Safety First! Never use a gas generator without proper ventilation! • Does your Association have an Operations and Maintenance Plan (O&M) in place for the key Stormwater Management Facilities? The plan should identify the appropriate point of contact responsible for maintenance of stormwater infrastructure. If an O&M does not exist, retain the services of a Professional Engineer to create an appropriate plan in accordance with NJDEP Stormwater Management Rules. • Always have regular and detailed inspections periodically performed in compliance with the Maintenance Plan • Understand the need for the proper tools, supplies, and any proprietary/non-standard components (i.e. storm filters) which may be needed during emergency conditions. • Since many developments and detention basins were constructed prior to the NJDEP 2004 Stormwater Management Rules, understand that it is common for facilities to require retrofitting measures that satisfy smaller more frequent stormwater events. Maintaining Your Stormwater Facilities for Resilient Success! • Understand how to obtain and read your corresponding FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map Panel, which can be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.FEMA.gov), or by visiting your local Municipalities’ map repository center. • What do the Flood Zone designations mean? - Zone A (approximate study area), Zone AE (Detailed study areas designated within 1% annual chance flood event, showing the Base Flood Elevation), Zone X (Areas outside of Zone AE and up to 0.2% annual chance flood event), Zone V (Coastal flood zone subject to wave runup) • How did your community fare during major storm events., i.e. Hurricanes’ Floyd, Irene, Sandy, etc.? Do the maps seem representative? Understand the historic flooding events and impacts that were caused near where you live. • My neighbor is in a flood zone but I’m not - No worries, correct?? WRONG! Always use common sense as maps may not always have the latest/greatest data to accurately delineate the extents of a flood zone! • When in doubt if you are at flood risk, obtain an elevation certificate from a qualified licensed Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor to determine the elevation of your property/structure in relation to the BFE. This certificate can then be used to as an official determination with FEMA and insurance requirements to properly identify if in or out of a flood zone. • Consider flood insurance if near a flood zone but mapped outside, as it can always be purchased at cheaper rates than mandated flood zone rates. Note that effective October 2021, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is redesigning its risk rating system (Risk Rating 2.0). • Always know your nearest emergency shelters and evacuation routes! • Recognize that sea level rise and climate change is having a direct effect on precipitation frequency and storm intensity. As a rule, new community association development should always be conservative and build as high as practical above the minimum BFE construction require ments when possible. High is dry! is your association identified in a flood prone area? Dust off your emergency action plan