#1 The Flood
Hazard Area
Beaufort County and the Town of
Belhaven lie in the Tar\Pamlico Water Shed. For the Belhaven Planning
Jurisdiction these flooding sources are the Pungo River, Pantego Creek, and
their tributaries. Hurricanes are considered the primary flooding hazard,
however a strong Nor’easter or a wind tide event can bring copious amounts of
water creating localized flooding as well. For these reasons we must consider
the entire Belhaven Jurisdiction as a FLOOD HAZARD AREA.
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#2 Flood Safety
Inventory your property. Make a detailed list of personal property with pictures
to assist in insurance claim issues. Place these in a waterproof container or
safety deposit box.
Learn community evacuation routes in case you are forced to flee. Know the location of emergency shelter locations nearest to your home.
Learn your child’s school emergency plans. Post all emergency plans and phone
numbers in a prominent location at home and work.
Learn first aide. Professional medical attention may not be available.
When it Floods...
- Don’t walk through flowing water.
- Don’t drive through a flooded area.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
- Be alert for gas leaks.
- Be alert for animals, especially snakes.
- Be cautious in all circumstances.
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#3 Flood Insurance
If you don’t have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowner’s
insurance does not cover damage from floods. However, since Belhaven
participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you can purchase a
separate flood policy. This insurance is backed by the Federal Government and is
available to everyone, even for properties that have been flooded. Belhaven is
also a member of the Community Rating System, which lowers your rates even more.
NOTE: There is a 30-day waiting period, so don’t wait until the next flood to
buy
protection.
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#4 Protecting Your Property
Since 1996 Belhaven has been hit by many hurricanes and has experienced numerous
flood events. Protecting your home begins before the flood. With the help of
FEMA and the State of NC over 380 homes have been elevated out of the
floodplain. Similar projects have been effective in Beaufort County. This is the
primary mitigation recommended by FEMA and the NFIP for our area. There are many
programs available to achieve this goal. Contact the Town of Belhaven Inspection
Department for further information.
Flood Proofing:
This is an option if you are unable to
elevate. Depending on the construction type of your home there are ways to
lessen floodwater impact. These include:
- Sealing exterior block walls and foundations in masonry construction.
- Sand bagging
openings to lessen water intrusion.
- Retrofitting duct systems overhead so they don’t get wet.
- Planning ahead to raise appliances and personal possessions when a flood
threatens.
Note: Many methods require the assistance of design professionals and engineers
for approval.
Homeowners are encouraged to contact the Town of Belhaven Inspections Department
for more information. Information and publications are also available at the
Belhaven Public Library, or online at
www.FEMA.gov
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#5 Substantial Damage and Substantial Improvement
The NFIP and the Town of Belhaven Flood Prevention Ordinance have strict
requirements regarding Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage.
Substantial Improvement:
- Reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements to a building
that cost more than 50% of the market value require the building to be brought
up to floodplain standard.
Substantial Damages:
- A building damaged so that the costs of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the
buildings value before it was damaged must be brought up to floodplain
standards.
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#6 Is Yours a Repetitive Loss Property?
A repetitive loss property is one where there have been 2 or more NFIP losses of
at least $1,000 within a rolling 10-year period. If you are here are ways to
protect your property:
- Elevation and Retrofitting.
- Flood Proofing.
- Combinations of approved methods.
The Town of Belhaven is Repetitive Loss Community. Due to the nature of the
floodplain and the orientation of the town this is a fact of life in our
community. However with diligence and community support perhaps one day all of
our citizens will be Above the Floodplain Hazard.
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#7 Drainage and Ditches
Do not dump or throw anything in ditches or streams. It is a violation of Town
Ordinance and should be reported to the Municipal Building. Even Grass
clippings and branches can plug ditches. Every piece of trash contributes to
flooding.
If your property is next to a ditch or stream, please do your part and keep the
banks clear of brush and debris. The Town has a ditch maintenance program, but
private ditches need your care.
Always check with the Building Inspections Dept. before you build on, alter,
re-grade, or fill your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects
comply with building and floodplain rules.
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#8 Elevation Certificates
The Town of Belhaven maintains Elevation Certificates on all New and
Substantially Improved Structures. Call the Municipal Building for details.
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#9 Required Permits
Permits are required for
development in the Floodplain. Please contact the Building Inspector for further
information. Also, if you notice detrimental activity in the floodplain please
contact the Building Inspector at 943-3055 Ext.212
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#10 What Flood
Zone Am I In?
The entire Belhaven Planning and Zoning Jurisdiction lies within the 100-year
flood hazard area. The two zones in the jurisdiction are the AE-7 and the AE-8
Zone. These correspond to a 7-foot and 8-foot Base Flood Elevation respectively.
You may view your property and the relationship to the floodplain online at
www.ncfloodmaps.com. It is a wonderful website to explore the floodplain.
You may also call the Town of Belhaven Inspections Department for further
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