FLOOD PROTECTION

Floodplains are low land areas that are located next to rivers, streams, and lakes. During increased rain and snow activity, these lands store flood waters and reduce its impact on surrounding areas. It is important to allow the floodplain to carry and store floodwaters in order to protect human life and property from flood damage.

Dumping into our streams and rivers is a violation of Howard County Code. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug channels. Also, when you expect a heavy rain or snow event, check that your local stormdrains are clear of debris. This will prevent water from backing up and flooding local areas.

Some of the natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain are that they provide natural filtration of pollutants and provide breeding and feeding areas for wildlife.

The Storm Water Management Division conducts a series of activities in their effort to warn residents about flooding during storms.

• Local Flood Warning System: The County maintains a local flood warning system. This system consists of several rain and stream level gauges (pictured above) located throughout the County, which are monitored during storms to determine when significant flooding can be expected. If necessary, County residents who live in low lying flood prone areas will be alerted to possible flooding hazards. For information on Howard County river gauges, visit http://www.afws.net/data/md/Howard.HTM
  
  
• Local Flooding: In Howard County there are scattered areas that occasionally flood. They include, but are not limited to, Main Street, Elkridge, and Allview Estates.
  
  
• Local Flood Hazard Map: The County and local library can provide residents with flood risk information using the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). These maps show the locations of properties relative to the floodplain. You can also visit the County website at http://maps.howardcountymd.gov/PublicGIS/InteractiveMap.asp to access the County mapping Geographic Information Systems and map your location to determine if you are in a flood area. Also, you can get more information about whether your property is located in a floodplain by calling 410.313.6444.
  
  
• Flood Safety: Howard County distributes flood safety information in the form of booklets and brochures about property protection. These brochures can be obtained by calling 410.313.6444.
  
  
• Flood Insurance: Flood damage is not covered by homeowner's policies. However, you can protect your home, business, and belongings with flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). You can buy flood insurance no matter what your flood risk. For information about the NFIP, call 1(800)427-4661.
  
  
• Elevations Certificates: The County maintains a record of the elevation certificates for some properties within the floodplain. To determine if your property has an elevation certificate on file with the County, call (410) 313-6444, or click on the property link below.
  
  
• 6818 Allview Drive
• 6232 Bright Plume Road
• 6267 Bright Plume Road
• 3253 Elmmede Road
• 10801 Graeloch Road
• 3221 Hearthstone Road
• 4030 Pebble Branch Road
• 6435 Summer Cloud Way
• 5058 Whetstone Road
  
  
• Permit Requirements and Substantial Improvements/Damage: Before you make any improvements (build on, alter, regrade, or fill in) on your property, please check with the Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits (DILP) at (410) 313-2436 to determine if you are subject to building restrictions or if the changes you make will alter water drainage and adversely affect other properties.
  
  
• Residents who are interested in finding out more about how they can protect their homes against flooding can visit http://floodsmart.gov.
  
  
• There is additional information at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA)website, http://www.fema.gov.

For more information on Howard County's flood protection program, call:

Howard Saltzman at (410) 313-6416.