Flood Protection & Storm Safety

Flood Protection and Storm Safety

 

For Additional Information on the National Flood Insurance Program and other FEMA programs see www.fema.gov/business/nfip

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The Community Rating System

The Borough of Oceanport is currently participating in the Community Rating System (CRS) under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The CRS, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides that a community, who performs specific activities related to flood protection, flood awareness, and flood prevention, can secure reduced flood insurance premiums for all property owners within the community.

2008 was the Borough’s first year of active participation within the program. The program benefits all residents by increasing flood protection, awareness, and prevention, as well as, premium reductions for flood insurance policy holders. In 2009, the Borough was evaluated by the Insurance Services Office, who administer the CRS program. Oceanport earned a Classification of 8. Based on that classification, starting May 2010, residents with homes in the Special Flood Hazard Area, designated Zone AE, will be getting a 10% discount off their insurance premiums, while residents within Zone X, will be getting a 5% discount..

 

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Flood Insurance

Standard Homeowner’s Insurance Policies do not cover losses due to floods. However, Oceanport is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program which makes it possible for Oceanport Property Owners to obtain federally backed flood insurance. This insurance is available to any owner of insurable property (a building or its contents) in Oceanport. Tenants may also insure their personal property against flood loss. The Borough encourages all property owners or renters to carry flood insurance.

The cost of flood insurance will vary depending upon the amount of coverage and the degree of flood hazard. We urge persons who live or own property in Oceanport to purchase flood insurance to protect themselves from losses due to flooding. This insurance is required in certain circumstances, such as the purchase of a home with a federally backed mortgage.

CRITICAL NEW!

If there is a Flood Insurance Policy lapse for any reason (sale, cancellation, etc.), any new policy will be based on the current rating system and will not be “Grandfathered”. In the event of a sale, policyholders must transfer coverage to the purchaser to provide flood insurance coverage at the “Grandfathered” (lower) rate.

Note: There is a 30-day waiting period before most flood insurance policies go into effect.
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New Jersey Coastal Coalition

 The New Jersey Coastal Coalition (NJCC) is a group of New Jersey floodplain communities that meet monthly in a workshop setting, to discuss common municipal flooding issues. Formed in response to the 2012 Super Storm Sandy, we have met regularly since January 2013. Meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of each month at various participant facilities.

For more information visit the website:   https://njcoastalcoalition.com 

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Permit Requirements

Each homeowner is reminded that local construction permits are required for most modifications you may plan for their home. The municipal ordinances and/or codes contain mandatory requirements related to new or modified building construction, certain of which are included to provide protection against flooding. Each homeowner should contact the Municipal Building Department (732) 222-0641 before they build, fill, or otherwise develop any land within the Borough. It is also important, for the protection of the entire community, to notify the Municipal Building Department of any illegal filling of lands or building within the Borough that you might notice. The Oceanport Building Department requires an elevation certificate prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for new or substantially improved structures. Copies/information of all approved elevation certificates are available at Borough Hall and online.

 

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Substantial Improvements / Damage Repair

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, then the building must meet the same construction requirements of a new building. Substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to the same standards (e.g. a residence damaged so that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s value before it was damaged shall have the finished first floor elevation at or above the base flood elevation which shall be not less than 11.5 ft. above mean sea level). This is required by Chapter 36 of the Code of the Borough of Oceanport, Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, and enforced through the Building Permit process.

 

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Drainage Maintenance

The municipal drainage system consists primarily of underground pipelines and catch basins located at street level. The Borough conducts annual inspections of all catch basins under municipal jurisdiction and removes all sand and debris that has accumulated in the structure. The drainage system provides an important function in that it minimizes, where possible, localized flooding caused by rainwater.

The Borough of Oceanport has an anti-liter ordinance, which prohibits the disposal of debris within the Municipality. This ordinance in part is for the purpose of keeping litter out of the municipal storm drainage system. Any violations should be reported to the Borough Hall, Code Enforcement Office at (732) 222-8221 or the Police Department.

The storm drainage system carries untreated storm runoff directly to the Shrewsbury River. Illegal sanitary tie-in, pet wastes, and discharge of such wastes as oil, paint and fertilizer pollute the water, destroy aquatic plants, endanger wildlife and decrease the beauty of the River and Ocean. It is a violation of New Jersey State Law to discharge hazardous substance into the environment (including waste motor oil, petroleum products, pesticides, and herbicides). Any such discharges should be reported to the New Jersey Environmental Hotline at 1-(877) 927-6337.

 

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Property Protection Measurers

Every year, flooding in the United States causes more property damage than any other type of natural disaster. While 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 losses. The flooding to these properties can be minimized through temporary and permanent retrofitting techniques.

There are various other actions each homeowner can take to flood proof their homes. Electrical panel boxes, furnaces, water heaters, and washers and/or dryers should be located at a point in the house that is less likely to be flooded. Interior or exterior backflow water values can be installed or interior floodwalls can be placed around utilities in order to protect these essential services.

If an impending flood is apparent for the area, and time permits, the homeowner should move essential items and furniture to the upper floors of the home for protection. Materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber should be kept on hand for emergency waterproofing of your home. The use of these materials for a flood protection may minimize the amount of damage caused by floodwaters. It is unlikely that you get much warning of an imminent flooding situation so a detailed checklist prepared in advance would help ensure your greatest protection.

During a hurricane, homes may be damaged or destroyed by high winds and high waves. Debris can break windows and doors, allowing high winds inside the home. Roofs, windows, doors, and garage doors should be properly checked.

The Federal Insurance Administration suggest the following action when coastal storms or hurricanes are imminent:

If you leave your home, here are some essentials you should take:

For further information on this topic, please fell free to contact the Borough’s Emergency Management Coordinator, Buzz Baldanza at (732) 222-6300. Information is available at the Oceanport Branch of the Monmouth County Library and at FEMA. Gov

 

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Flood Safety

There are several actions residents of Oceanport can take to decrease the potential for injury due to flooding.

Important Note: In the event of a major disaster or hurricane the only means to identify your home may be through the number affixed to the building. Please make sure your home does have the house number properly placed on the building. The number should be large enough to view from the street and the color of the number should contrast with the color of the home.

The following reading materials are available at the Oceanport Public Library: Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program; Preparing for Disasters; Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting; Answers to Questions about Substantial Building Damage; Top Ten Facts for Consumers; Are you Ready? Guide to Citizen Preparedness.

 

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Flood Warning System

The following Evacuation Plan is designed for evacuation of the Borough of Oceanport in the event of hurricanes or severe flooding:

During the likelihood of an emergency or disaster event the Emergency Management Officials will provide important information. The Borough has several ways to communicate with you:

 

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Flood Hazard

The Borough of Oceanport is vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms, storm surge and flooding. Typically, severe winter storms, or Nor’easters, occur each year between Mid-October and Mid-May. Parts of the Borough of Oceanport are located in a special flood hazard area and is vulnerable to flooding from the Shrewsbury River and heavy rains. The most recent significant storm occurred in December of 1992 and caused damage to homes and localized flooding of streets and yards. Most of the damage occurred in the Port-au-Peck section of Oceanport.

 

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Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) Information

The Borough of Oceanport will make available at Boro Hall the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, which include the flood zone, and a property’s base flood elevation.

 

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Local Directory

The following is a list of contact personnel who have the knowledge, experience, and have agreed to discuss flood hazard protection methods with you.

Borough CRS Coordinator	Bill White	732-383-1950
Borough Construction Official	Michael Thulen	732-222-0641
Emergency Management Coordinator	Mauro "Buzz" Baldanza	732-222-8221
Borough Engineer	Bill White	732-383-1950

 

FEMA Region II

Your source for the latest information about flood risk in coastal New York and New Jersey

 

FEMA Region II

For all matters covering Region II - https://www.fema.gov/region-ii-nj-ny-pr-vi-0

 

Additional information concerning flood protection assistance is available on the following websites as well as the Upper Shores Branch of the Monmouth County Library:

www.fema.gov/business/nfip