flood awareness and protection

Every year, flooding causes hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage to homes and businesses around the country. Standard homeowner and commercial property policies do not cover flood losses. So, to meet the need for this vital coverage, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS) recognizes community efforts beyond minimum standards by reducing flood insurance premiums for the community’s property owners.

The City of Greenville’s CRS rating provides property owners a 10% discount on flood insurance premiums. This information is intended to inform you of flood hazards in the City of Greenville and to present ways your property can be protected against flood damage.

flood hazard area

Greenville’s main tributary is the Reedy River, which converges with Richland Creek in the center of the city. Together, the two waterways encompass a total drainage area of approximately 352 square miles. Due to the continued increase in urban development along the Reedy River, risks have increased to property and life during recent floods.

The map shows the 100-year floodplain, which is the area expected to flood on the average of once every 100 years. In other words, it has about a 25% chance of being flooded over the life of a 30-year mortgage.

The 100-year floodplain area is subject to dangerous flash flooding following heavy storms. Flash flooding can occur within minutes. Therefore, being prepared to evacuate the flood hazard area quickly is very important. Flood hazards include quickly rising and fast moving water, which is sometimes accompanied by logs.

map determination

The City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) has the following Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information:

• Whether the property is in a special flood hazard area
• The community number, panel number and suffix
• The date of the FIRM and the FIRM zone
• The base flood elevation shown on the FIRM and the elevation datum used on the FIRM

If you have questions about your location in relation to the Flood Plain, you can find your property on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map by clicking here.

flood warning system

The National Weather Service has developed a flood warning system for areas in the Reedy River and Richland Creek floodplain. Warning will be disseminated by radio stations including WFBC, WESC, WSSL, SWPA and others. The National Weather Service issues official weather bulletins to local and regional television stations including WYFF, SWPA, SHNS-FOX Carolina and SLOS.

The flood warning system along the Reedy River and Richland Creek is intended to provide up to a two hour advanced warning of a flood hazard. When an evacuation is ordered, local television and radio stations broadcast the order. A flash flood watch means flash flooding is possible within the watch area. A flash flood warning means flash flooding is imminent or has been reported in the warning area.

You can obtain additional information about evacuation, shelters and emergency procedures by calling 911, the Fire Department at 467-4445 or the Police Department at 467-5212.

flood safety

During a flood, gas, water and power lines can be ruptured. Before leaving your property, turn off electric circuits and shut off gas and water valves. These simple steps can prevent additional losses due to fire, and the following actions can help to mitigate the flood hazard:

• During times of heavy rainfall, monitor the level of water in the drain and stay tuned to the radio or television for possible flood waters or warnings.
• Evacuate the flood hazard area in times of impending flood or when advised to do so by the police or fire department.
• Do not attempt to cross a flooding stream on foot or by car. If your car stalls in high water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Keep children away from floodwaters, ditches, culverts and storm drains, and be especially cautious at night.

flood insurance

Your homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover losses due to flooding. The City of Greenville participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which makes flood insurance available to all city residents. Check with your insurance agent to determine whether or not your property is covered by flood insurance. Real estate agents can contact the City for copies of elevation certificates.

The standard flood insurance policy (SFIP) contains a complete definition of the coverage it provides. Direct physical losses by flood are covered. Also covered are losses resulting from flood-related erosion caused by currents of water exceeding the anticipated cyclical level and accompanied by a sever storm or flash flood and damages caused by mudslides as specifically defined in the policy.

For general program information or inquiries about the laws, regulation or administrative policies related to NFIP, visit FEMA’s web site or call them at (800) 427-4661.

property protection

There are steps that can be taken to flood-proof structures. Some of these include:

• Elevate the building so floodwaters do not reach any damageable portion of it.
• Construct barriers between the building and floodwaters.
• Make building walls and floors watertight so water does not enter (dry flood-proofing).
• Modify the structure and relocate the contents so there is little or no damage when floodwaters enter the building.
• Prevent sewer backups and basement flooding by installing a one-way check valve in the sewer line.
• Elevate electrical panel boxes, furnaces, air conditioning equipment, water heaters and laundry equipment.

There are also special flood-proofing techniques used in unusual flooding situations, including retrofitting in alluvial fans, elevation on fill and elevation on reinforced mat slabs.

floodplain development regulations

The City of Greenville has adopted regulations and permit procedures to control development in the flood hazard areas. The regulations require new buildings to be elevated above the base flood elevation. If additions, remodeling or repairs to an existing structure equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the building, the building must meet the same requirements as a new building.

Other additions, remodeling, repair, filling or excavating on the property require a permit which must be applied for at the City’s Building Permit Office prior to beginning any construction.

If you know of construction, filling or excavation that is taking place without a City permit, please report the activity to the Building Permit Office at 467-4550. If you know of any action that is affecting the City’s drainage systems and is being done without a permit, please contact the Public Works Department at 467-4335 or the Stormwater Management Division at 467-4400.

maintenance of drainage systems

The City’s Public Works Department maintains a storm drainage system throughout the city. For the drainage system to operate efficiently, ditches, streams and channels must be kept clean. Debris, leaves, grass clippings, tires or furniture in ditches and streams obstruct the flow of water and cause flooding of streets and yards.

The City’s Drainage Ordinance prohibits dumping of any material in a stream or channel and also makes it illegal to take any action which will impede the flow of water in natural streams and waterways. Before making any changes to existing drainage of your property, please discuss your plans with a representative of the City’s Stormwater Management Division.