Flood and Hurricane Preparedness
Now is the time to prepare!
Got Flood Insurance?
Because future flooding in some areas will undoubtedly occur, a good defense is flood insurance. Homeowner's insurance policies, in most cases, do not cover damage from floods. Flood insurance covers damage from all surface floods and can be purchased through your insurance agent. Renters can also buy policies to protect their personal property.Don't wait for the next flood to buy insurance protection. There is a 30-day waiting period before National Flood Insurance Program coverage takes effect.
For more information on flood insurance, see http://www.fema.gov/nfip/infocon.
Property Protection
There are many things you can do to an existing building to minimize or eliminate the potential for flood damage.Sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber can be used to protect property temporarily. (Remember: sandbags should not be stacked against the outer walls of a building since bags may create added pressure to the foundation.)
Permanent flood proofing measures for flood prone structures are preferable to temporary ones. These permanent retrofitting methods include elevating the structure, building flood walls and closures and protecting utilities. Inspecting and retrofitting the areas of your house most vulnerable to flood damage - garage doors, double doors, windows and often require the assistance of a licensed contractor. Contact the City of Westwego's Community Rating System Department for assistance with floodproofing at 504-341-3424.
Drainage System Maintenance
The City of Westwego Public Works Department has a regular program of drainage system maintenance but it is impossible to keep all drainage systems clear at all times.YOU CAN HELP BY MONITORING LOCAL DRAINS AND REMOVING DEBRIS!
Debris in local storm drains or storm sewers can cause flood waters to back up and inundate areas that normally do not flood. Debris is not limited to natural materials. Garbage cans, children's toys and balls, metal roofing material, lawn furniture, landscape timbers, grocery carts and other items have been found in drains blocking storm water and causing flooding.
- Report illegal dumping of trash, shopping carts, etc. to the Westwego Police Department at 341-5428.
- Report minor and emergency repairs to the Streets Department at 341-3424.
Flood Response System for Citizens with Special Medical Needs
In an effort to insure the safety and general welfare of the citizens of Westwego, the city coordinates its emergency operations in accordance with Parish, State and Federal Emergency Management Agencies.When Jefferson Parish calls for an evacuation, a telephone number will be released to the pubic via radio and television. At that time those needing assistance, who are not serviced by a home healthcare agency are to call the publicized number to determine their eligibility.
Senior Citizens with special needs should contact the Westwego Committee on Aging at 341-2957.
Medically needed individuals who do not have assistance from relatives/friends or are too ill to leave the area will be categorized and housed, along with one caregiver only, in a designated J.P. hospital refuge.
Only Jefferson Parish Emergency Management can assign individuals for hospital refuge.
If you are presently serviced by a home healthcare agency, you are to go through your healthcare agency and not the City of Westwego or Jefferson Parish.
Floodplain Development Permit Requirements
All developments, regardless of the location, require a permit that includes buildings, fill, and any other type of development. Contact the City of Westwego's Permit Office to obtain necessary permits at 341-3424. Additionally, if any citizen observes an illegal development in the floodplain, it is to be reported immediately to Westwego's Community System Coordinator at 341-3424.Substantial Improvement/Damage Requirements
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as current City of Westwego ordinances, requires that when the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the structure's fair market value must also be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) in flood zones where BFEs exist. Questions regarding this subject may be directed to the City of Westwego Permit Office at 504-341-3424.Flood Warning System
The City of Westwego operates a flood warning system to residents of the City regarding the possibility of impending flood caused by Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, and heavy rains resulting from prolonged thunderstorms, tornadoes, winter storms, or a combination thereof. A warning period will be available for most emergency situations, although the amount of lead time may vary from hazard to hazard. Proper use of this warning period will save lives, reduce injuries, and protect property. These warnings are routinely disseminated through Emergency Alert System (EAS). Upon notification, three (3) short dual tones over TV and radio stations, residents should tune to Cox Cable TV, Channel 6 (Government Access Channel) or in the event of the lack of cable TV, WWL Radio 870 AM or 101.9 FM for initial warning information and subsequent updates.Motorists and pedestrians in or passing through the advisory area should:
- Keep abreast of road conditions through the news media.
- Avoid crossing flooded roads, and allow extra time to reach your destination.
- Be aware that heavy rainfall can reduce visibility to zero.
- Be aware that driving too fast through low water will cause the vehicle to hydroplane and lose contact with the road surface.
