Be Flood Ready! Flood Safety & Awareness

Determine if your property is located in an area subject to flooding.

There are Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) identified on the Federal Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) with known potential for flooding.

For properties located within unincorporated Orange County, County staff can make flood zone determinations. If located in an “A” Zone, your property is within the SFHA, which is an area that has been determined to have the potential for flooding caused by a 100-year storm. If located in a “V” Zone, your property is within the SFHA and could also be subject to velocity wave action. County staff can also provide property owners in unincorporated Orange County with information regarding if a property is located in a floodway, near a choke point, flood depths in AE or AO FIRM zones, special flood-related hazards, historical flooding, or natural floodplain functions. 

Elevation certificates for unincorporated Orange County properties and FEMA maps are available for review at the County Service Center and at the following websites:

• Elevation Certificates (ocds.ocpublicworks.com/elevation-certificates) 
• FEMA Maps (FEMA - msc.fema.gov) (OCPW - ocip.ocpublicworks.com/firm) 

Purchase flood insurance for your property and contents.

Many communities within Orange County participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which provides federally backed flood insurance for all structures located
inside or outside of the SFHA. Visit floodsmart.gov to learn more and contact your insurance agency to get your policy. Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner’s
insurance policy. A separate flood insurance policy is required to cover damages incurred by flooding. Also, there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage goes into effect.

More than 25% of the NFIP claims are filed for properties located outside the SFHA.

Protect your property from the hazards of flooding.

1. If the floor level of your property is lower than the “Base Flood Elevation” (elevation of the 100-year flood, based on FEMA maps), consider elevating your structure.
2. Make sure gutters are clear of leaves and debris and roof repairs are complete before the rainy season.
3. Have weakened trees inspected by an arborist. Downed trees and branches can cause significant damage.

Brochures discussing flood proofing and other mitigation measures are available in Orange County Public Libraries and from OC Public Works at the County Service Center. If a flood is imminent, property can be protected by sandbagging areas. Valuables and furniture may also be moved to higher areas to minimize damages.

From October - April of each year, free, empty sandbags for the protection of homes from rain and mud are available at 2310 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92867. This service is for unincorporated Orange County residents and proof of residency will be required.

Keep channels free of obstructions and debris.

Residents are encouraged to assist in maintaining the drainage in their areas by removing or reporting obstructions (such as shopping carts, leaves, debris, trash, etc.). Keeping drainage channels free of obstructions reduces flooding in the event of heavy rains.

According to County Ordinance Article 3, Sec. 4-13-52, it is illegal to dump trash, leaves, landscape debris, paint, grease, or any other material into any portion of the County’s drainage system.

To report obstructions or illegal dumping, for questions regarding drainage system maintenance, or for property protection advice or site visits regarding flooding and drainage issues, visit myOCeServices.ocgov.com or contact OC Operations & Maintenance.

Meet improvement and permitting requirements.

The NFIP requires that if the cost of reconstruction, additions, or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, then the building must meet the same construction requirements as a new building. Substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to the same standards as a new building. For example, a residence damaged so that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s value before it was damaged must be elevated above the base flood elevation.

All development within unincorporated Orange County requires a permit. Always check and fulfill permitting requirements with OC Development Services before you build, alter, fill, or re-grade any portion of your property, and if you suspect permitting violations.

Keep an emergency supply and have an evacuation plan.

Non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, a manual can opener, and a battery-operated radio should be kept available.

If your property is in imminent danger of flooding, please contact your electric and gas provider to request that your power and natural gas be shut off, or for guidance on how to do it yourself.

Tune-in to local commercial radio, television stations, or NOAA Weather Radio (frequencies 162.450 or 162.550) for Watch and Warning bulletins and any corresponding emergency instructions. The Orange County Sheriff will order evacuations if conditions warrant this action.

• If dangerous flooding conditions are imminent, avoid driving a vehicle.
• Do not attempt to drive or wade through deep pockets of water or running washes. Avoid unstable banks.
• Avoid low-lying areas. Seek shelter in the highest areas possible.

OC Public Works’ Department Operations Center (DOC) may be activated when heavy to extreme rainfall is predicted or occurs, when storm runoff conditions are such that there is a possibility of flood damage, and/or other hazardous weather conditions or emergency
events. When activated, the DOC will monitor the emergency situation on a 24-hour basis. Flood control channels will be patrolled, and if needed, emergency equipment and personnel will be deployed to reinforce the levees. If you see alarming conditions on any County-maintained road or flood control facility during an active event, please call the DOC. If you are in an emergency or disaster-related situation and need immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1.

1. If your home, apartment, or business has suffered flood damage, immediately call the agent or company who handles your flood insurance policy.
2. Prior to entering a building, check for structural damage. Turn off outside gas lines at the meter or tank.
3. Follow established procedures for property damage repairs. Require your contractors to obtain the proper permits for work being performed. Permits are required for any permanent improvement (including painting, roofing, siding, additions, alterations, etc.) to a structure and for site work such as grading, filling, etc. Permits are required even if a homeowner is doing the work themselves.

Select a contractor who is licensed in their trade. The County of Orange requires contractors to be licensed and/or registered with Orange County and to have a County of Orange Business License.

You need to verify that contractors are licensed before signing or agreeing to any repair contracts. It is also recommended that you verify certification of liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Complaints against licensed contractors may be referred to the appropriate licensing agency.

Questions about permits or contractor licensing may be addressed to OC Development Services.