CITY OF COVINGTON FLOOD RESPONSE NEWSLETTER FALL 2018

FLOODING IS A KNOWN RANKING HISTORIC CRESTS RECENT CRESTS

HAZARD IN COVINGTON 1 19.20 ft on 03/12/2016 9.31 ft on 08/13/2016

Flash flooding, riverine flooding, and rainfall-induced 2 17.10 ft on 01/21/1993 19.20 ft on 03/12/2016 flooding are the most common flood types affecting the City of Covington. Recorded incidents include flash 3 16.63 ft on 07/01/2003 13.20 ft on 02/24/2016 floods and urban small-stream floods. Floods tend to be concentrated in low-lying areas near rivers and 4 16.50 ft on 02/22/1961 6.52 ft on 5/22/2015 streams with damage ranging from negligible cost to millions of dollars. Significant flooding due to high 5 16.50 ft on 06/11/2001 10.16 ft on 06/01/2014 intensity precipitation occurred in November 1979, May and June 1983, May 1995, during in 6 15.39 ft on 08/30/2012 11.55 ft on 01/12/2013 August 2005, and most recently in March 2016.

7 14.20 ft on 01/07/1998 15.39 ft on 08/30/2012 Nested at the confluence of the Tchefuncte River and the (which captures the ), the City of Covington is prone to riverine flooding, meaning 8 14.00 ft on 10/04/2002 9.8 ft on 03/27/2009 your house is in a flood-prone area. If you think you may be susceptible to flooding, call (985) 898-4725 to 9 13.80 ft on 09/27/2002 13.26 ft on 09/02/2008 learn more about the flood hazard for your property! 10 13.26 ft on 09/02/2008 9.10 ft on 12/31/2006

11 13.20 ft on 02/24/2016 5.55 ft on 04/30/2006

12 12.40 ft on 04/03/1998 16.63 ft on 07/01/2003

13 11.70 ft on 05/10/1995 3.65 ft on 01/01/2003

14 11.55 ft on 01/12/2013 9.09 ft on 12/25/2002

15 10.34 ft on 08/07/2002 14.00 ft on 10/04/2002

ENSURE YOU ARE NOT A VICTIM

Because you are located within a floodplain, ask your insurance agent whether you are covered for flood damage. Most homeowner insurance does not cover flood damage, a common misconception which is often realized too late. Flood insurance in can cost $600-$700 per year, so take the time to think about what policy may be right for you. There is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect, so call your insurance agent now. The City of Covington participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, so flood insurance is available for everyone, regardless if you have flooded in the past. River Stage - 7’ - Flood Stage KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

From the 6’ river stage (the lowest flood stage in Covington) to 9’ river stage, the Bogue Fayala moves from cresting its banks to flooding commercial property, school grounds, and parks. These high traffic areas will start to cause major issues once the river reaches flood stage. If the street is underwater, turn around! It only takes 12” of surface water to sweep a vehicle off the road. What might seem like an easy pass over a hardly flooded road or bridge might quickly turn into a disaster.

HELPFUL HINTS:

• Know if your area has roadways or bridges that are subject to flooding, either during a heavy rain or during a major flood event. Plan your routes accordingly.

• Designate a place where you and your family can rendezvous in the event of an evacuation notice. 0 0.5 1 2 Miles

• Stay away from downed power lines and/or electrical wires. 0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

PROTECTING YOUR HOME PROTECTING YOUR COMMUNITY Floodwaters can rise quickly in Louisiana, especially in cities While there are many naturally occurring hazards associated like Covington that have a confluence of rivers. These rapidly with flooding, we can do our part in Covington to ensure that rising water-levels often do not leave enough time to grab those hazards are mitigated. We must protect our natural necessities, especially valuables and belongings. Store your floodplain functions, so we do not cause flooding to be worse. valuables and insurance papers upstairs in a waterproof The following can cause flooding to shift from what would be container, or in a location high off the floor. naturally occurring: If you are modifying your home, or building in the area, ensure Throwing trash in the rivers or canals… you are building responsibly. Try to avoid potential flood damage at all costs and become educated on the DO’s and Can cause damming or stoppage, diverting water to places it DON’T’s of building in a flood-prone area. Call the Covington was never intended to go. Doing this violates Section 42-64 of Permit Office at (985) 898-4725 to discuss how to protect the cities Code of Ordinances. Call (985) 898-4738 if you see your home. any violations being committed.

Messing with natural habitats… TIPS FOR BUILDING IN THE CITY OF COVINGTON

Causes wildlife to move or exit the area, who may have acted as • DO use only a licensed contractor who knows the rules. mitigation for issues stemming from recent or historic flooding. • DO always check with the Covington Permit Office before Pushing unnatural debris into storm drains… you build, alter, grade/degrade, or fill on your property.

Can cause blockage, causing streets to quickly flood due to • DO survey newer homes in your area and observe what runoff having nowhere to drain. mitigation techniques they have taken.

Destroying banks, levees, or other natural • DON’T build or grade within 10 feet of the property line so ground barriers… you don’t alter the drainage between homes.

Causes flood waters to crest in areas much quicker than • If you witness what you believe to be illegal building or predictable or in places that cannot be predicted. filling, contact the Covington Permit Office at (985) 898-4725.

HELP THE CITY OF COVINGTON REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF FLOODING!

2317 N. Jefferson Avenue (Phone) 985-892-1811 (Fax) 985-898-4723 covla.com