Property Protection

You can take an active role in protecting your property from flood damage. The method you choose depends on your particular situation and may include some of the following:

Elevation: This method consists of raising a house on an elevated support structure to place it above future flood waters. The exact methods can include a number of possibilities that depend on local conditions such as the base flood elevation and wind forces, building type and size and existing soil conditions. Types of elevated foundations consist of the following:

Elevation on Extended Foundation Walls
Elevation on Piers
Elevation on Posts or Columns
Elevation on Pilings
Elevation on Fill

These methods do require a permit from Pasco County.

Relocation This method is perhaps the only technique for completely preventing future flood damage. It involves relocation of the structure to a new location where there is no threat of flooding. Permits for the relocation and new installation are required from Pasco County.

Flood Walls This method is practical for areas with low to moderate flooding depths and velocities. Floodwalls are designed to keep the water away from a structure and are constructed of waterproof materials such as masonry block and reinforced concrete. However, where openings for access to a structure are provided, closures are required that must be put in place prior to any flooding event. Permits are required from Pasco County when this method is being considered.

Closures This method involves techniques for protecting gaps that are left open for day-to-day convenience, such as doorways, walkways and driveways.

Sealants This method is sometimes referred to as dry flood proofing and can be used in areas where very shallow flooding is experienced to seal a structure against flood waters. Because of pressures that water can exert against a structure protected by this method, the technique can only be used on masonry construction in good structural condition, and only when flood levels are low.

Protecting Service Equipment This method involves protecting of various building support service equipment, such as electrical systems, cable, water and sewer lines, heating, ventilation and cooling systems and appliances such as washing machines, dryers, freezers, and refrigerators. Various methods to protect these systems are elevation, wet flood proofing, and dry flood proofing.

Additional Information:

Additional information on methods to protect structures is available through the Pasco County library system and through the web at www.fema.gov.

Publication available from FEMA are:

Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting (FEMA 312) : Contains an overview of six methods to protect a structure during a flood event.

Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage : Contains information on protecting building utilities from flooding.

Building a Safe Room Inside Your House : Provides detailed guidance and plans on shelter design for high wind storms.