Flood Information
This information is being provided by the Borough of Harvey Cedars as part of the requirements to give public information in the event of a flood emergency. The Borough of Harvey Cedars participates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the "Community Rating System" (CRS). Borough residents currently receive a 10% discount for flood insurance based on the Borough's participation in the CRS. One of the requirements under this sytem is to notify all property owners of the flooding potential in this community and of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Our municipality is located entirely in the 100-year floodplain and, additionally, entirely located in what FEMA labeled a special flood hazard area. A map depicting this information is available for perusal at the Borough of Harvey Cedars Construction Department, 7606 Long Beach Boulevard, as well as at the Ocean County Public Library located in Surf City. A home within a special flood hazard area has a 26% chance of experiencing flood damage during the term of a 30 year mortgage. Every year the hurricane season, June 1st through November 30th, and the winter storm season pose a potential threat to our New Jersey coastline with rising sea levels, wind driven waves and tidal flooding. Every citizen should be prepared for the eventuality of a hurricane/storm and educate themselves on the local emergency preparedness, evacuation routes, and proper property protection measures.
Flood Warnings
When severe storms are forecasted for Long Beach Island, local cable station channel 22 and local radio stations 1650AM, WOBM (1160 AM and 92.7 FM), WJRZ (100.1 FM) and WJLK (98.5 FM) will broadcast emergency information. Warnings will also be disseminated by the Emergency Notification System (an automated telephone message), by sirens, and by police and fire vehicles equipped with the public address systems. The flood warning system is equipped to provide up to 24 hours advance warning of a flood hazard.
Flood Safety
FEMA suggests the following action when coastal storms or hurricanes are imminent:
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Turn off all electrical power at panel box.
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Close main gas valve.
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Move furniture and personal objects to the highest level or lift them off the floor to protect them from rising water.
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Board up windows or use masking tape to keep windows from shattering.
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Move all loose objects and furniture to an enclosure to secure them. These objects can become deadly projectiles in a high wind.
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Move cardboard boxes and newspapers, as these materials disintegrate and will clog drains and vents.
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Keep a full tank of gas in your car.
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Do not drive or wade through flooded areas. It may be deeper than it appears.
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If your car stalls in high water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
If you evacuate your home, here are some essential items you should take: first aid supplies, supply of nonperishable food, batteries (hearing aid, flashlight), battery operated protable radio, blankets, dry clothing (especially shoes and socks), important papers, a tax or water/sewer bill to prove residency upon return if your island address is not on your driver's license, bank and check books, valuable and cherished items, games for children, and prescription drugs. Stafford Animal Control has facilities for pets in an emergency situation.
Property Protection Measures
If your property has had flood damage in the past and even if you have been fortunate enough to never experienced a flood, there are steps to take to give your house more protection in the future. Studies have shown that Retrolifting (the practice of flood-proofing, elevating, or otherwise modifying to protect from flood damage) can effectively reduce flood damage, especially from shallow, slow moving flooding. The best way to minimize flood damage is to raise your home so the lowest habitable floor is at or above your base flood elevation. Current cost estimates for this range from $25,000.00 to $35,000.00 and your flood insurance premiums could be significantly reduced. The inexpensive task of installing flood vents in your home can also reduce flood damage. Additional information can be obtained from several sources, including the local Construction Office, the Ocean County Library located in Surf City, and The Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Flood Insurance
Keep in mind that standard homeowner's insurance policies will not cover flood losses. Harvey Cedars participates in the National Flood Insurance program, which makes flood insurance available to everyone in Harvey Cedars. Federal law requires that a flood insurance policy be obtained as a condition of a federally backed mortgage or loan that is secured by the building. It is up to the lender to determine whether flood insurance is required for a property.
For many people, their home and its' contents represent their greatest investment. We strongly urge you to buy flood insurance to protect yourself from devastating losses due to flooding. Property owners can insure their buildings and contents, and renters can insure their possessions. Information about flood insurance can be obtained from your insurance agent or by calling 1-800-427-4661. The National Flood Insurance website is www.floodsmart.gov .
There is a thirty (30) day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect, so you should call your insurance agent now. Just because your house hasn't flooded in the recent past, does not mean that you are safe.
Permit Requirements
Local permits are required for all developments and improvements. In some cases, State and possibly Federal permits may be required in addition to local permits. Before making improvements to your home or property, contact the Construction Code Office at 609-361-6016 to determine what permits are required. Please report any illegal construction, filling or development to the Construction Office.
Substantial Improvement/Damage Requirements
The National Flood Insurance Program and the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code which your community complies with, require that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements to a building equals 50% of the building’s replacement value, then the building must meet the same construction requirements as 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 replacement value before it was damaged, it must be elevated above the base flood elevation). The local Construction Code official enforces this requirement.
Drainage System Maintenance
It is most important to keep our storm water drainage systems free from obstructions so as to permit the rapid drainage of flood waters during coastal flooding conditions. Clogged drains can increase flooding conditions resulting in property damage and disruption of vehicular traffic flow. Our community has a drainage system maintenance program and any major blockages should be reported to the Public Works Department 609-494-6905. Our community has Ordinances (Chapter 9 of the Borough Code) to protect this important drainage system. Do not sweep trash or yard clippings into the system and do not dump chemicals into the storm drains. Violators should be reported to the Harvey Cedars Police Department at 609-494-3036 immediately.
Natural and Beneficial Funtions
Beach dunes are the most important natural protection we have against the ocean. The dunes functionally serve to prevent the ocean from reaching property. Without the dunes, property would be subjected to frequent flooding and or total destruction. It is important to remember this and to protect the dunes. Local, State and Federal building codes have since been established to protect the dunes, which in turn protect lives and property. Our beach dunes are the only protection we have against the sea and we have laws in place to protect them. Local Ordinance #10-2.2 restricts construction in the beach-dune area; Local Ordinance # 10-3 restricts access to the beach, to street-ends and legal boardwalks and steps; Local Ordinance #10-5 restricts removal of sand within the beach-dune area. The Construction Office can provide more information about laws which protect the dunes.
Additional Information
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Harvey Cedars Community Rating System Coordinator: Diana Stott, 609-494-6905
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Ocean County Library located in Surf City
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Harvey Cedars Emergency Management www.hcpolice.org
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.fema.gov
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Flood Insurance information - call your insurance agent or 800-427-4661
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Harvey Cedars Construction Office, 609-361-6016
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Harvey Cedars Public Works Department, 609-494-6905
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Harvey Cedars Police Department, 609-494-3036
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Stafford Animal Control, 260 East Bay Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050, 609-597-1000 x8525
THIS COULD BE YOUR HOME
LEARN TO PROTECT YOURSELF
AND YOUR PROPERTY FROM FLOODING
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