Have a safety kit with drinking water, a first aid kit, canned food, a radio, flashlight, and blankets.
Know safe routes from home, work and school that are on higher ground.
Protect your property. Most homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Make sure that your flood insurance policy is up to date.
During a Flood:
If flooding occurs, go to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
Roadbeds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
After a Flood:
Do not turn electricity back on in your home if you detect gas or if the electrical system has been flooded.
Clean and disinfect everything that was touched by floodwaters or mud flows, and throw out any affected foodstuffs.
Follow directions from local officials regarding the safety of drinking water.
In times of storm or other emergencies dial (609)
361-1000 for the very latest recorded information.
Long
BeachIsland
will be facing northeasters, hurricanes, and winter storms. Tidal flooding is a
real concern and all homeowners should have flood insurance. For more
information on the National Flood Insurance Program call 800-427-4661. For an
agent in your area call 800-720-1093 or visit http://www.floodsmart.gov. Flood insurance is
available to all Township residents and renters even if the property has been
flooded in the past.
Flood insurance rate maps are on file in the Townships
Building Department. New flood maps were adopted on March 23, 1999. For a
determination of your flood zone, or for a personal consultation on flood
mitigation and retrofitting of your flood prone home please call 609-361-6679.
For flood safety and warning tips, brochures are
available at the Long Beach Township Police Department and the Construction
Office. Storm event updates and evacuation information is continually updated
on the Townships main telephone number 609-361-1000, the local community cable
channel, and the Weather Channel.
Publications and information are also available at
the SurfCity branch of the Ocean County Library
located at 217 South Central
Avenue. Telephone number 609-494-2480 and their
web site at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org
For more information on flood mitigation in Long BeachTownship contact Joanne Tallon,
609-361-6679.
For local storm updates & evacuation info call 609-361-1000, watch the local community cable channel or the Weather Channel.
This notice serves as a reminder that hurricane season is here. The notice is one of the many requirements set forth by the National Flood Insurance Program that will entitle all property owners in Long Beach Township a 15% discount on their flood insurance premiums.
Long Beach Township is participating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the "Community Rating System" which requires us to annually notify all property owners of this program, the flooding potential in this community, and the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA is now part of the new Department of Homeland Security.
The Flood Hazard The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has classified Long Beach Township and all Long Beach Island as a special flood hazard area, otherwise known as the 100 Year Flood Plain. As required by FEMA, flood plain maps have been developed for the Township. These maps show flood zones with the predicted flood elevations which could be reached or exceeded during a 100-year period. Every year the hurricane season, June 1st through November 30th and the winter storm season pose a potential threat to our New Jersey coastline with rising sea levels, wind driven waves and tidal flooding. Because our community is situated between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Barnegat Bay to the west, we arc especially vulnerable to the destructive effects of rising flood waters. Historically, homes located in the low lying bayside sections have experienced severe flood damage, particularly in the bayside sections of North Beach Haven, Beach Haven Terrace, and Beach Haven Crest where older homes were constructed at or near ground level. Every citizen should be prepared for the eventuality of a hurricane/storm and educate themselves on the local emergency preparedness, evacuation routes, and proper property protection measures.
Permit Requirements Local permits are required for all developments and improvements. In some cases, State and possibly Federal permits are required. Before you make any improvements to your property, contact the Construction Office at 609-361-6674 to determine what permits are required. Please report any illegal construction, filling or development to the Construction Office.
Substantial Improvement/Damage The Townships flood regulations require that if the cost of any repair of damage, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure equals or exceeds 49% of the replacement cost as determined by the Tax Assessor, then the entire structure must comply with FEMA's flood regulations. This could require raising the structure so that the first floor is one foot above the base flood elevation. If you plan any major repairs or improvements to your property, contact the Construction Official or Zoning Officer for details on flood regulations, Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) determinations, or for an on-site consultation.
Drainage Maintenance It is most important to keep our storm water drainage systems free from obstructions so as to permit the rapid drainage of flood waters during coastal flooding conditions. Clogged drains can increase flooding conditions resulting in property damage and disruption of vehicular traffic flow. The Township continually monitors these drainage systems to ensure they are clear of any obstruction. Any major blockages should be reported immediately to the Road Department at 609-361-6667. Ordinance #115-2 prohibits dumping of any type of litter or rubbish. Do not sweep any trash or garden clippings into storm drains and report any violators to the Department of Public Works. If you would like to adopt your local storm drain, please call the Alliance for a Living Ocean at 609-492-0222.
Property Protection The best way to minimize flood damage is to raise your house so the lowest habitable floor is above your base flood elevation. Current cost estimates range from $25,000 to $30,000 and your flood insurance premiums could be significantly reduced. The inexpensive and easy task of installing flood vents in your house can also reduce flood damage and lower your premium. For an on-site consultation about retrofitting your flood prone house, please call the Construction Office for an appointment, (609) 361-6679.
During the December 1992 storm considerable damage was inflicted by floating objects such as landscape timbers, wooden walkways, trash bins, and ornamental piling cut offs. When installing these objects they must be firmly anchored to prevent floatation in accordance with Ordinance #95-33C citing specific anchoring requirements. Wooden curbs are prohibited.
The Surf City Branch of the Ocean County Library has many publications dealing with flood related topics, such as flood proofing, elevating structures, flood maps, flood emergency, flood insurance, and the Townships Flood Plain Management Plan, www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
Flood Insurance The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created by Congress in 1968 to provide homeowners flood insurance at a reasonable cost. Keep in mind that standard homeowners policies do not cover flood losses. Depending on your coverage, location (flood hazard zone), and elevation of the structure, rates will vary. In the regular Federal Flood Insurance Program, coverage of up to $250,000 is available for residential dwellings, and up to $100,000 is available for contents. There is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect. Flood Insurance is required by law for federally financed loans when buying or improving structures. For more information on flood insurance call 1- 800-427-4661. National Flood Insurance Program website is www.fema.gov/business/nfip/
Flood Warning System When severe storms are forecasted for Long Beach Township, radio stations WOBM 92.7FM, 1I60AM, and the local cable channel Channel 22 will broadcast emergency information. If Long Beach Island evacuation is required, the police will use the PA systems on all police cars to alert and instruct residents. The flood warning system is intended to provide up to 24 hours advance warning of a flood hazard. When directed by Emergency Management, information on local conditions can be obtained by calling 609-361-1000. The information will be short and concise and up to 12 people can hear it at one time. In case of emergency, Township residents can call the police at 609-494-3322 24 hours a day. The pick-up points and staging areas for persons without means of transportation are:
• Long Beach Township Municipal Building (Primary)
• St. Francis Center (Alternate)
• Beach Haven Firehouse
• Ship Bottom Firehouse
• Surf City Firehouse
• Harvey Cedars Firehouse
• Barnegat Light Firehouse
If someone in your home would need to be evacuated by ambulance, please notify the Health Department in advance at 609-492-1212. In an emergency, contact the police if the Health Department does not have you on file.
Flood Safety The Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration suggests the following action when coastal storms or hurricanes are imminent:
1. Turn off all electrical power at panel box.
2. Close main gas valve.
3. Move household items to the highest level you can.
4. Move cardboard boxes and newspapers, as these materials disintegrate and will clog drains and vents.
5. Keep a full tank of gas in your car.
6. Board up windows or use masking tape to keep windows from shattering.
7. Do not wade through floodwaters - you could be knocked down, injured or drowned.
If you evacuate your home, here are some essential items you should take: First aid supplies, supply of non-perishable food, batteries (hearing aid, flashlight), battery operated portable radio, blankets, dry clothing (especially shoes and socks), important papers, a tax or water/sewer bill to prove residency upon return if your island address is not on your drivers license, bank and checkbooks, valuable and cherished items, games for children, and prescription drugs.
Natural & Beneficial Functions Long Beach Township is a barrier island approximately one mile off the southern coast of New Jersey. Like most barrier islands along the eastern seaboard, the land slopes from a high elevation in the oceanside dune area of 16-20 feet above mean sea level to an elevation of 3-4 feet bayside. The Township is prone to flooding from hurricanes, tropical storms and northeasters. The dunes are our first line of defense against the onslaught of the high incoming seas resulting from these storms. Preserving these dunes is of the utmost importance. The Township maintains strict standards for dune restoration and preservation. Homeowners are encouraged to erect dune fencing, which helps build up the dunes, and to plant dune grass which stabilizes them. Every fall the Township provides oceanfront property owners free dune grass plantings. Additionally, area scout troops and volunteers plant dune grass up and down the island every year. Oceanfront property owners are encouraged to post "KEEP OFF THE DUNES" signs which are available at the Township Construction Office at no charge. Traversing the dunes to gain access to the beach is prohibited except over walkways. Call the Construction Office for information on dune walkovers.
On the bayside, the water quality is improved through the wetlands ability to filter nutrients and impurities from runoff and process organic wastes. These areas provide breeding and feeding grounds for fish and wildlife, create and enhance waterfowl habitat, support a high rate of plant growth and maintain biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystem.
JoAnne Tallon is the Township's Community Rating System Coordinator. For further information on this subject call her at 609-361-6651.
