Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Your Property

Flooding cannot always be stopped, and in many cases should not be prevented, but flood hazards can be reduced. Flood mitigation includes steps that can be taken to minimize or reduce the impacts of flooding on people and human development. Different mitigation measures are appropriate in different situations. Review the categories below to see how you can prepare for flooding and determine mitigation strategies appropriate for your property and family.

Story County is part of the Story County Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan available at http://www.storycountyiowa.gov/966/Story-County-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan (the document is large so please be patient as it downloads). The best way to save lives and protect property is to reduce our risk to the hazards we face.  Through the efforts of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee that included representatives from most of the communities and school districts in Story County, we developed the Story County Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.  It's a tool to help jurisdictions identify the risk they face and develop strategies to reduce these risk.  It also meets the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA200) which qualifies participating jurisdictions to be eligible to receive pre-disaster mitigation funds that may be made available in the wake of federally-declared disasters. 

  1. What to do BEFORE a flood
  2. What to do DURING a flood
  3. What to do AFTER a flood
  4. Post-Flood Operating Procedures

KNOW YOUR FLOOD HAZARD 
Are you in a Special Flood Hazard Area? Visit Know Your Flood Hazard to learn more.

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH EVACUATION ROUTES & PICKUP POINTS

KNOW HOW TO STAY INFORMED
Local radio and television stations are adept at keeping the public informed, but consider purchasing a NOAA Weather radio since these devices receive information directly from the National Weather Service. Weather radios are easy to find in hardware, electronics, or big-box stores. Stock up on batteries or purchase a hand-crank radio in case you must evacuate or power is lost. Additionally, consider subscribing to e-notification services which inform you anytime an emergency happens in your area.

KNOW HOW YOU WILL COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR FAMILY
Do all your family members have mobile phones? For elderly families, consider purchasing an easy-to-use cell phone and help them practice using it before they need it in an emergency. Keep important phone numbers in your wallet in case your cell phone is lost or can't be recharged. Develop a plan on where to meet and what to do if cell phones can't be recharged and other communication is lost.

PREPARE ITEMS
In an easy-to-carry bag or box, store clothing, personal items, non-perishable food, bottled water, copies of prescriptions, medications, glasses, batteries, legal documents, insurance policies, important phone numbers, irreplaceable items, etc. in case you must leave your home. Be prepared with a full tank of gas in your vehicle to ensure you will be able to evacuate at a moment's notice.

Don't forget about your pets! Pack for them too and develop a plan on how to retrieve them if you're not at home when a flood is imminent or strikes.  

LEARN HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY
FEMA has many publications to help you protect your home or business in their Floodplain Management Publications site. Additionally, local libraries throughout Story County keep up-to-date copies of the following publications:

  • Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347
  • Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program, F-084
  • Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54
  • Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA-P-348
  • Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268
  • Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, FEMA-511