Lee County recently reported that Flood Awareness Week took place on March 9-15.<\/p>\n
The Florida Floodplain Managers Association organizes the week every year in March to increase awareness and reduce the flood risk throughout the state.<\/p>\n
The county urged residents to:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Know Your Hazard: Lee County has experienced severe weather in the past in the form of extreme rainfall and tropical system events, resulting in flooding in low-lying, coastal and riverine areas. The flooding has caused damage and flood losses to homes and buildings in all areas, whether they are high-risk special flood hazard areas or low to moderate risk flood zone. It is important for residents to know their flood hazard.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Buy Flood Insurance: The county is a voluntary participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP membership provides residents with the opportunity to protect themselves against flood loss through the purchase of flood insurance at reduced insurance premium rates, as well as setting higher regulatory standards to reduce the flood risk and potential flood damage to their property.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Protect Yourself And Your Property: Loss of life and property damage can be reduced when appropriate flood preparedness, control and mitigation measures are taken before a flood.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Plan For Responsible Building: Residents and businesses, including those in special flood hazard areas, reduce the risk of flood damage by obtaining proper permits prior to building, renovating and repairing and by building in compliance with regulatory requirements.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Working With Natural Floodplain Functions: Protecting the natural floodplain in Lee County is vital to maintaining wildlife and endangered species habitat, providing water quality benefits, and allowing for flood water storage.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Choose Your Flood Warning System: Public education and awareness of potential weather hazards and methods of protection are critical to the health, safety and welfare of residents.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit FloodSmart.gov<\/a> and www.leegov.com\/dcd\/flood<\/a>.<\/p>\n