Flood Protection Information

          Flooding in our County occurs along the Neosho and Cottonwood Rivers and along numerous streams. Ice jams, severe storms, snowmelt, and log jams can contribute to flooding. Flash floods along some of the smaller streams can happen with little or no warning. On August 30, 2003 there were 6 people killed in the Jacob Creek flood on the Kansas Turnpike 11 miles south of Emporia.
          Your property may be high enough it has not flooded recently. This does not mean it can’t be flooded in the future. The next flood could be worse. If you own property in the floodplain odds are it will be flood damaged at some point. This flyer is to advise you about how to protect your self and your property.

           The first step is to determine your flood risk. Several ways to learn if your property or property you are considering buying is in a flood area. The Emporia Public Library has copies of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps from FEMA. If you live in unincorporated Lyon County you can inquire at the Floodplain Management Office in the Lyon County Courthouse Room #205, phone 620-341-3471. You can also look up your property on the internet at the FEMA map service center. http://www.msc.fema.gov/ Lyon County also has a map on the County web site for the Floodplain department. www.lyoncounty.org
         
          If you own property in or near one of the flood areas here in Lyon County there are some things you can do for your self. Don’t dump trash in to stream or ditch. Keep the ditch or stream clear of brush. This will improve the drainage so that water will drain away from your property.
          Before building, regrading, or altering your property check with the Floodplain Management Office. A permit may be needed. Floodplain Development Permits and all services from the Floodplain Management Office are free.

          There are a number of services available from the Floodplain Management Office. You can get a free map showing the flood areas on your property. Get advice on how to floodproof through wet floodproofing, dry floodproofing, or elevating a structure. More details about this can also be found in they “Lyon County Floodplain Collection” of books at the Emporia Public Library.
          The Lyon County Floodplain Manager also has copies on file of elevation certificates and Letters of Map Amendment. A previous owner of your property may have had one of these documents prepared. These documents are available free of charge as well to insurance companies.

          Flood Insurance is offered through the Federal Government’s National Flood Insurance Program. At the Lyon County Courthouse we have a list of insurance agents from this area who offer flood insurance. The only way to get flood insurance is through the NFIP program from an insurance agent. Homeowner’s insurance does not cover damage from floods. Some residents of Lyon County have had to purchase flood insurance because it was required by a bank in order to get a loan. Most of those kinds of loans only cover the structure. A separate policy may be needed to cover furniture and contents.

          Here are a few safety tips that come from the Lyon County Web Site.
http://www.lyoncounty.org/Floodplain_Management.htm
1. Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of moving water is enough to knock you off your feet.
2. Do not drive through a flooded area. Two feet of water will carry away most cars. One foot of water can displace 1,500 pounds of weight. If a car weighs less than 1,500 pounds it could be floated by a foot of water.
3. Stay away from downed power lines and also electrical lines in your own home. Electrical current can travel through water.
4. Watch for animals and snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in your home.
5. Prepare an emergency kit in a portable container. Make it small enough to grab quickly and go. Suggested items for such a kit include portable radio, flashlight, spare batteries, spare car keys, spare pair of glasses, prescription medication, nonperishable food items, bottled water, first aid kit, blanket, list of important numbers, and copies of important papers. You can grab this and go in case of evacuation or take it to the basement in case of a tornado. If the power goes out the flashlight and radio will be great to have. If your water is shut off for repairs the bottled water will come in handy.
For more safety tips or any questions of any kind call (620) 341-3471.

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