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Flood Plain Information The City is working on ways to improve and increase its circulation of and accessibility to information that pertains to the floodplain, in an effort to better educate and assist its citizens about developing and living in the floodplain. Please take the time to read the information below, and if you have further questions, or would like additional information, a variety of contact information has been supplied at the end of this document. Overview The City of Duncanville features several large creeks and smaller tributaries, or streams, that are susceptible to annual flooding events that pose threats to life and safety and cause significant property damage. Large creeks include Ten Mile Creek, Horne Branch, and Mauk Branch. There are also several small tributaries that drain into these creeks. Duncanville has approximately 470 acres of floodplain. Recent Flooding Events While some sort of seasonal flood-related damage occurs nearly every year, the flooding event of July 2004 represents the most recent significant flooding. The City also experienced significant rainfall events in August 2001, twice in the early 1990’s and twice in the mid 1980’s. Causes of Flooding in Duncanville Flooding occurs when climate (or weather patterns), geology, and hydrology combine to create conditions where river and stream waters flow outside of their usual course and “overspill” beyond their banks. In Duncanville, the combination of these factors, augmented by ongoing development, create occasional seasonal flooding conditions. Although flooding may occur at any time, the flooding events in Duncanville have most commonly occurred between the months of April through October. Larger floods result from heavy rains that continue over the course of several days. Flood Insurance The City of Duncanville participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that makes available federally backed flood insurance for all structures, whether or not they are located within the floodplain. Occasionally claims are filed by properties located outside the 100-year floodplain, also known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Following the purchase of flood insurance, NFIP imposes a 30-day waiting period, so residents should purchase insurance before the onset of the rainy season to ensure coverage during the flooding season. Membership within NFIP — and the availability to City residents of flood insurance — requires the City to manage its floodplain in ways that meet or exceed standards set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). NFIP insures building with two types of coverage: structural and contents. Structural coverage includes walls, floors, insulation, furnace and other items permanently attached to the structure. Contents coverage may be purchased separately to cover the contents of an insurable building. Flood insurance also pays a portion of the costs of actions taken to prevent flood damage. Since July 1, 1997, all NFIP policies include Increased Cost of Compliance coverage that assists with bringing structures into compliance with current building standards, such as elevating structures 1 foot or more above the height of the 100-year flood. The limit of this coverage is $30,000. Federal financial assistance requires the purchase of flood insurance for buildings located within the SFHA — a requirement that affects nearly all mortgages financed through commercial lending institutions. This mandatory requirement stipulates that structural coverage be purchased equal to the amount of the loan, or other financial assistance, or for the maximum amount available, which is currently $250,000 for a single family residence. While the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement has been in effect for many years, not all lending institutions required flood insurance in the past. Today, however, most institutions are now requiring the flood insurance purchase, and some are reviewing all mortgage loans to determine whether flood insurance is required and should have been required in the past. Upon refinancing a loan, nearly all lending institutions will enforce the flood insurance requirement. It is the lender’s responsibility to check the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) to determine whether a structure is within the SFHA. The mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement does not apply to loans or financial assistance for items that are not eligible for flood insurance coverage, such as vehicles, business expenses, landscaping and vacant lots. The requirement also does not apply to loans for structures not located in a SFHA, even though a portion of the lot may be within a SFHA. Persons located within SFHAs who received disaster assistance after September 23, 1994 for flood losses to real or personal property must purchase and maintain flood insurance coverage, otherwise future disaster assistance will be denied. Floodplain Understanding and Regulation Maintaining the flow capacity in streams that cross City properties requires cooperation and assistance to prevent flooding and bank erosion. Following are some suggestions and information for understanding the ways that floodplains function and how the County regulates the floodplain in order to protect property and lives, while affording County citizens the ability to obtain floodplain insurance. Do not dump or throw anything into ditches or streams: A plugged channel cannot carry water, and when it rains, the excess water must go somewhere. Trash and vegetation dumped into a stream degrades water quality of both the stream itself and its receiving waters, and every piece of trash contributes to flooding. The City has adopted and enforces regulations that prohibit the dumping of material into any natural or manmade component of the drainage system. Additionally, the City as a whole has adopted and enforces regulations that prohibit the illegal dumping of material, including material dumped into ditches, streams or other drainageways. Please report any observations of the dumping of debris or other objects into streams, drainageways, or rivers to the City Code Services Department at (972) 780-5040. Remove debris, trash, loose branches and vegetation: Keep banks clear of brush and debris to help maintain an unobstructed flow of water in stream channels. Do not, however, remove vegetation that is actively growing on a stream bank. Streamside vegetation is tightly regulated by local, state and federal regulations. Before undertaking any removal of streamside vegetation, contact the City Code Services Department at (972) 780-5040. Please report any observations of the clearing of vegetation or trees on stream banks to the City Code Services Department at (972) 780-5040. Obtain a floodplain development permit and/or building permit, if required: To minimize damage to structures during flood events, the City requires all new construction elevated so that the first floor of living space, as well as all mechanical and services, is at least 2 feet above the elevation of the 100-year flood. These standards apply to new structures and to substantial improvements of existing structures. The City defines a substantial improvement as any reconstruction, rehabilitation, or addition to an existing structure, the cost of which exceeds 50 percent of the structure’s appraised or market value (whichever the builder chooses to use). Additionally, most other types of development within the floodplain also require a floodplain development permit, such as grading, cut and fill, installation of riprap and other bank stabilization techniques. City staff is available to undertake site visits, if requested, to review flood, drainage and sewer issues. Contact the City Public Works Department at (972) 780-5015 for further information and prior to undertaking any activity within the floodplain. Recognize the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains to help reduce flooding: Floodplains are a natural component of Duncanville’s environment. Understanding and protecting the natural functions of floodplains helps reduce flood damage and protect resources. When flooding spreads out across the floodplain, its energy is dissipated, which results in lower flood flows downstream, reduced erosion of the stream bank and channel, deposition of sediments higher in the watershed and improved groundwater recharge. Floodplains are scenic, and a valued wildlife habitat. Poorly planned development in floodplains can lead to stream bank erosion, loss of valuable property, increased risk of flooding to downstream properties and degradation of water quality. Reduce risk of damage to homes: Methods for reducing the risk of flooding may be available to property owners whose homes have experienced damage from flooding in the past, or may experience damage in the future. For further information, contact the City Public Works Department at (972) 780-5015. City Public Works officials are available for site specific visits to answer any questions you might have concerning your property. City Floodplain Information Services: The City can determine the relationship of a particular property to the floodplain, including: 1) whether the property is located within the Special Flood Hazard Area; 2) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Zone for property; 3) Base Flood Elevation for property, if available; and 4) whether the property is located within the Floodway. Contact the City Public Works Department at (972) 780-5015 or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region VI, at (940) 898-5127 for further information. Flood Safety Tips The City opens the EmergencyOperationsCenter (EOC) in advance of severe weather events. In case of an emergency, you may call 911 for assistance. Following is a list of important considerations that should be followed during times of flooding: Prepare an evacuation plan before the floodwaters hit, develop an evacuation plan among all members of a household that includes a meeting place outside of the house, as well as an escape route out of the floodplain and away from floodwaters. Do not walk through flowing water: Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there. Do not drive through a flooded area: More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don’t drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires: The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to TXU Electric Delivery Company 1-888-313-6862. Shut off gas and electricity and move valuable contents upstairs: Be prepared in advance with a detailed checklist because warning of an impending flood may provide little time for preparation prior to evacuation. Look out for animals, especially snakes: Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals. Look before you step: After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery. Be alert for gas leaks: Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you know that the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. Important Contact Information 1) City of Duncanville Internet Home Page: http://www.duncanville.com 2) City of Duncanville Floodplain Information: http://www.duncanville.com/floodplain.shtm 3) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA Region VI) Phone: (940) 898-5127 Fax: (940) 898-5195; Web: http://www.fema.gov/nfip/ 4) City Code Services Department Phone: (972) 780-5040 5) City Public Works Department Phone: (972) 780-5015; Fax (972) 780-5077 6) City Water/Sewer/Environmental Department Phone: (972) 780-4900 7) Duncanville Library System (Houses floodplain publications and other floodplain information) Phone: (972) 780-5050
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