Flood Hazard Overview

The following information was originally contained in a mailing to all City of Waveland residents. We think it important enough to share again. Please take a moment and learn how to prepare yourself and your property for a flood.

Flood Hazard Flood Warning Flood Safety Property Protection Measures Drainage System Maintenance Flood Hazard Areas Floodplain Development Regulations Property Protection Measures Useful Links

Flood Hazard

The City Of Waveland is naturally subject to slow rise and storm surge flooding from the Mississippi Sound during hurricanes. Long slow rains or heavy quick rains have the potential to cause natural and man-made drainways to exceed capacity, subjecting areas of the city to possible flooding during and after heavy rains. Damage to property and loss of life are possible results of flooding in our area. The following major flood producing storms have affected the City Of Waveland in this century:

1909		Tides of 8 to 12 feet above sea level
1915		High water elevations of 11.8 feet above sea level
1947		High water to 15 feet above sea level
1965		Hurricane Betsy, tides to about 12 feet above sea level
1969		Hurricane Camille, tides 18+ feet above sea level
1979		Hurricane Bob, tides 6.25. Feet above sea level
1985		Hurricane Juan, flash flooding from seven-inch rainfall and coastal flooding

The chances of hurricanes and tropical storms are most prevalent from June 1 through November 30. The months of greatest risk are August and September. Winter and spring storms can also bring high winds and heavy rains that may cause high tides and flooding from overworked drainage canals and waterways. City maps are available, upon request, from the code enforcement department showing all lands in the flood hazard areas subject to flooding. For an overview map of the flood ratings of the City of Waveland, go to our Flood Map page.

For more information please contact Michael Horne at 228-466-2549.

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Flood Warning

The National Weather Service along with the Hancock Civil Defense and the City of Waveland provide flood warning and evacuation data to local (WLOX), regional (WDSU, WWL, WVUE) and National (The Weather Channel) television stations as well as radio stations (WBSL, WQID, WVMI, WGCM, WWL) and the citizens of Waveland.

Waveland Police and Fire Departments will also provide door-to-door warnings to those areas threatened by flooding. Residents located in the SFHA should be prepared to move to a place of safety. When a hurricane threatens, evacuation is ordered in areas expected to flood. Evacuation routes have been mapped and include routes north of the coast. Among the evacuation routes is Highways 43, I-59, 607,603, and 53. Waveland Elementary School located on St. Joseph Street is an emergency shelter designated to house residents displaced in the event of a hurricane or flood. The numbers are listed below are sources for more detailed information.

Waveland Police	467-3669
Waveland Fire	467-2042
County Civil Defense	467-9226

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Flood Safety

The force of floodwaters is easily underestimated. Considering the destructive forces involved, if you live in a Special Flood Hazard area follow the recommendations listed below to decrease the potential of injury due to flooding.

	Do not walk through flooding water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths.
	Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
	Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else
	Don’t drive around barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out
	Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electric current can travel through water
	Turn off electric circuits and disconnect switches. Have your electricity turned off by the power company
	Shut off gas valves on your property. Be alert for gas leaks. Don’t smoke or use candles
	Lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been ventilated
	Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails.
	Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery
	If your property is located on the waterfront or in areas prone to flooding, plan to leave!!!
	Delaying departure can result in being cut off from evacuation routes by rising water.

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Property Protection Measures

Every year, flooding in the United States causes more property damage than any other type of natural disaster. While recent improvements in construction practices and regulations have made new homes less prone to flood damage, there are a significant number of existing homes susceptible to flood loses. The flooding to these properties can be minimized through temporary and permanent retrofitting techniques.

Three approaches to protecting your property from flood damages are:

	Construct a floodwall or earthen berm. This method is accepted if you have a large lot, if the flooding isn’t too deep, and if your property is not in the floodway. Check with the City of Waveland Code Enforcement Department for permitting and appropriateness information.
	Waterproof your walls and place watertight closures over the doorways. This method should not be used on homes with basements or if water will rise to over two feet deep.
	Raise your house above the flood level.

There are books available on flood proofing or retrofitting in the Waveland Library and the Waveland Code Enforcement Office. For additional information or assistance contact Christine Gallagher or Michael Horne at 466-2549.

For more information on protecting your property from flood damage, please look at the links at the bottom of this page for resources.

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Floodplain Development Regulation

The City Of Waveland has adopted regulations and permit procedures to control development in flood hazard areas. The regulations require that new buildings be elevated above the base flood elevation. If additions, remodeling or repair to an existing structure equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, the entire structure must be elevated above the base flood elevation.

Persons planning to build in a flood hazard area must consult with the building official prior to beginning any construction.

If you suspect that construction, filling, or excavating is taking place in the special flood hazard area without city permits, please contact Michael Horne at the Waveland Code Enforcement office office. 301 Coleman Ave, Waveland, Mississippi 39576 or phone 466-2549.

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Drainage System Maintenance

Waveland maintains a storm drainage system throughout the city and keeps all ditches, streams and channels as clean as possible to ensure that they operate efficiently.

Debris, even apparently minor build-ups leaves and grass clippings, in ditches and streams may obstruct the flow of water and cause overflow onto streets and yards. The City’s ordinance makes it illegal to take any action that will impede the flow of water in ditches and waterways.

Before making any changes to the existing drainage of your property, you should have your plans approved by the city engineer. If you know of any action affecting the drainage system that is being done without a permit, or the illegal dumping of debris into any ditch, or of a nuisance situation, please contact Waveland Code Enforcement at 466-2549 or Waveland Police Department at 467-3669.

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Flood Protection Assistance

The City of Waveland provides public information to assist residents with flood protection. The Code Enforcement Department of the City offers the following services within the incorporated areas of the city.

	Information determining if a property is flood prone, including flood elevations or depths; and data on the history of flooding where available.
	Literature advising residents on the selection of qualified contractors and resources available and if the contractor’s performance is unsatisfactory
	Site visits to advise property owners on appropriate flood protection measures

In addition, the Code Enforcement department of the City Of Waveland reviews and critiques retrofitting plans for flood prone buildings.

For any help with the above mentioned services or for information, contact the Waveland Code Enforcement Department Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. at 466-2549.

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Flood Hazard Areas

To review Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRM) or for advice about construction in flood prone areas contact the Building Official at 466-2549.

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Useful Links

Use the following links to get more information about floods and how to prepare for them:

NFIP Flood Protection

Red Cross

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

National Hurricane Center (NHC)

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) Weather Alerts/Warnings/Predictions

Biloxi Weather

FEMA Kids Page

NFIP/Community Rating System