Neighborhood Flooding Frequently Asked Questions
For hurricanes, tropical storms or any rain events, communication and preparedness are key to managing flooding risk. This Q&A includes resources to help residents prepare for potential flooding issues.
What is my flood risk?
Flooding can occur when rivers and creeks overflow their banks, rain water from runoff cannot drain, and/or storm surge inundates the coast. Visit the online Flood Map Information Service Center to find out your risk.
Where do I check live rain gage data in my neighborhood?
Gage height can be used to predict if and when flooding may occur. The Pinellas County Water Atlas\Mapper includes current water levels, gages and data sources. These are stream gages throughout Pinellas County that are monitored by Pinellas County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. To check live gage data in your neighborhood, visit https://www.pinellas.wateratlas.usf.edu/datamapper.
Where can I find my evacuation zone?
Download the Ready Pinellas mobile app to find out your evacuation zone, create your readiness checklist and get an emergency plan. Download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play. You can look up your evacuation zone online. Call (727) 453-3150 and key in your home phone number without the area code to hear your home’s evacuation zone. Your evacuation zone is printed on your Pinellas County Utility bills and the Truth in Millage (TRIM) Notices sent by the Property Appraiser.
What flood zone am I in?
You can check your flood zone by choosing “My Flood Risk” and entering your address at the Pinellas County Flood Map Service Center.
What is the difference between a flood zone and an evacuation zone?
Flood zones and evacuation zones measure different conditions that may not occur at the same time. Flood zones and evacuation zones are determined by different methods and have different purposes. A home may be located in a non-evacuation zone, yet still be located in a flood zone because of a nearby stream or pond. Residents should check both zones at the Pinellas County Flood Map Service Center.
Do I need flood insurance?
Yes. Nearly 20% of flood insurance claims come from areas that are not in a special flood hazard area. Flood insurance covers you for damage to your home, business and contents due to surface accumulation of water from inland or tidal flooding and erosion due to flooding. Flood insurance has a 30-day wait period before coverage starts, so you will not be insured if you wait until a flood forecast to take out your policy.
Is it safe to drive during a flood?
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
- One foot of water will float many vehicles
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.
How can I protect my property?
Elevating utilities and flood-proofing are ways to minimize property loss due to floods. Pinellas County Flood Information Services can provide residents with information on techniques to reduce property loss and can review and critique flood-proofing plans. Learn more.
Does the County offer sandbags?
Sandbags are made available by the County and local municipalities at certain times prior to flooding emergencies. For the status of County sandbag distribution, municipal resources and general information about sandbag use and disposal, visit Emergency Management’s sandbags page.
How can I protect the natural floodplain?
Keep lawn waste and trash out of storm drains, ditches, wetlands, ponds or streams. “Only rain down the drain.” Remember, there are regulations against dumping into storm drains and waterways/ waterbodies. For more information, visit our Floodplain Protection page.
What can be done about flooding problems?
Drainage system maintenance is important since debris obstructs the flow of water causing street and yard flooding. It is illegal to dump unauthorized chemical, sediment or waste materials into storm sewer systems, streams or bays in Pinellas County. For maintenance issues for residents in unincorporated Pinellas County, call (727) 464-8900. Other residents should contact the city in which they live.
Where do I get emergency preparedness information?
To assist our residents in emergency preparedness, the County has published an “All Hazards Preparedness Guide,” which includes important safety tips. The guide is available in government buildings, libraries and community centers and can be viewed online.
Where can I report issues in my neighborhood?
You can report issues in your neighborhood using our app.
How do I stay informed?
Sign up for Alert Pinellas to get important emergency notifications directly from Pinellas County Emergency Management. You can also follow Pinellas County on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date.
How do I prepare if I have pets?
Learn how to protect your pet during an emergency on our Make a Plan page.