April showers bring May flowers but can also present flooding risks to our community. Is your home in a flood prone area? Check out the City's website to learn more about flood hazards throughout Salem and where you can get more information.
More than 3,000 structures in Salem are located in flood-prone areas. With so many structures at risk for flooding, many residents are not aware that the average home insurance policy does not include flood insurance. Property owners and renters alike are encouraged to investigate flood insurance options for both structure and contents coverage. All Salem residents receive a 30 percent discount because of the City's involvement in FEMA's Community Rating System.
There are a number of opportunities to prepare for the next major flood event. Families and businesses can make an evacuation plan to protect themselves. Parents can teach their children about the danger of flood waters to prevent drowning or electrocution. Homeowners of flood prone properties can investigate elevating or retrofitting their homes to prevent flood damage. Contractors can become more aware about flood regulations, such as limiting obstructions in the floodway and using flood resistant materials.
Some may think that flooding is limited only to major regional storm events or mapped floodplains, but nearly any property can be flooded because of local drainage problems, clogged gutters, or blocked drains. The City has staff available by phone, email, or in person on-site to discuss flood protection techniques, retrofitting measures, and other flooding-related details. Working together, we can help protect your home from potential damage that can occur because of drainage and flooding problems. Visit the City’s website for more information on flood hazards in Salem and ways to protect yourself and your property.
If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you. Make sure you’re signed up for Marion Polk Alerts to receive time-sensitive flood warning and other emergency notifications. Sign up for alerts by visiting www.cityofsalem.net/community alerts.
