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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCityofEdinaFloodResilienceFactSheets-03-24-2020_OverviewActions for Flood Resilient Homes: Actions and Programs Overview Surface water flooding Sanitary backflow Groundwater seepage Where does the flood water in my home come from? Flood waters come from different sources. No matter the source, all can cause extensive damage to your home. Depending on the situation, different actions will work better than others to reduce damage to your property from the excess water. Gathering more information about how the water is entering your home, such as through a home drainage assessment, will help you choose the appropriate solution. Typical scenarios can include: Sanitary backflow flooding can be caused by a blockage in the City’s sewer system. This normally occurs when the sewer pipes are flooded with stormwater. When this happens, wastewater can flow backwards—into your home. Severe storms or prolonged periods of wet weather can cause water levels in creeks, ponds, lakes, and rivers to rise and overflow their banks. If your home is near these water bodies or in a low-lying area, it can be at risk of flooding. Surface water can also cause what’s known as “flash flooding.” Because it occurs with little notice, flash flooding can catch people off guard. This normally occurs when existing drainage systems are overwhelmed by extremely heavy rain. Instead of soaking into the ground or draining through stormwater sewers, the water flows over the land surface, collecting in low-lying areas. Urban areas can be particularly vulnerable to flash flooding due to a greater amount of impervious surface. Groundwater can also be a source of flooding. This tends to occur after long periods of heavy rain or snowmelt, when more water infiltrates the ground and causes the groundwater to rise above the home’s foundation level. There’s no doubt about it. No matter where you live in the Twin Cities area, it’s been tough to stay dry. In fact, the years between 2015 and 2019 were the wettest in Minnesota history. And, with our changing climate, we can expect more wet years, more powerful storms—and more flooding. The City of Edina’s strategy is to comprehensively reduce the risk of flooding throughout the community. This is accomplished through infrastructure, regulation, emergency services, and outreach and engagement. A series of factsheets were developed to describe actions people can take to reduce their own exposure and vulnerability to flooding. These factsheets, on topics ranging from sump pumps to sandbags, are now available on our website to help you determine what action is right for you. For more information on flood resilience, contact the Engineering Department at 952-826-0371. For more information on flood resilience, contact the Engineering Department at 952-826-0371. Actions can reduce exposure or vulnerabilityHome retrofitting and flood prevention devices The table below provides a quick overview of some common actions you can take to create more flood resilient buildings and landscapes. The factsheets that follow provide in-depth information on how, when, and where to use these actions and additional resources for residents. Building action Yard action Action City permit requiredDNR permit requiredWatershed permit requiredGroundwater floodingSurface water floodingSanitary backflowRelative Cost Before floodDuring floodAfter floodReduces exposureReduces vulnerabilitySump pump x x x Low x x Sanitary backflow prevention x x Medium x x Dry floodproofing x x x Med-High x x Sandbags x Low x x Wet floodproofing x x x High x x x Basement and low-level area pumping x x x Low x Rain gardens and landscape changes x1 x2 x Medium x x Shoreline restoration x3 x x High x x Backyard element siting x4 x x Low x x Actions for Flood Resilient Homes: Actions and Programs Overview Reduces vulnerability Reduces exposure The extent to which property, homes, buildings, infrastructure, and other assets come into contact with flood water The extent to which an exposed asset is able to resist flood-related damage 1Rain gardens may require a City permit if grading over 10 cubic yards. 2Rain gardens may require a permit from the watershed district. To learn more about your watershed visit: http://www.ninemilecreek.org or http://www.minnehahacreek.org. 3DNR permit may be required; visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rys/index.html for more info. 4Setbacks and structure count may apply; contact the City Planning Department for more info. Image source: mprnews.org Take action! The following factsheets describe actions that can protect your home from damage related to flooding. Not all actions will benefit your home; a proper home drainage assessment can help you understand which measures will be best for your situation. Many measures will require assistance from professional contractors and may require City permits. Please refer to each factsheet for additional information. Flood insurance The City of Edina participates in the National Flood Insurance Program which enables anyone residing in Edina to purchase a National Flood Insurance Program flood insurance policy. Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance agent may also be able to help you purchase flood insurance. A list of participating providers can be found here: https://www. floodsmart.gov/find. Home drainage self-evaluation Improper drainage can cause water damage during even minor rain or snowmelt events. Whether you’re an owner or a renter, the Home Drainage Basics factsheet can help you assess problem areas where you live. Adopt-A-Drain By committing to keep drains clear of trash, leaves, grass, snow, and ice you can help prevent flooding—not to mention keeping Minnesota’s lakes, streams, and rivers free of pollutants. For greater impact, consider working with a friend or your neighbors to adopt multiple drains. More information on the Adopt-A-Drain program can be found by visiting: https://www.adopt-a-drain.org/. Actions for Flood Resilient Homes: Programs and Evaluation Described below are a few ways to take action in the fight against flooding. Consider flood insurance and a home drainage assessment to protect your home; consider adopting a drain to protect the environment and your community. For more information on flood resilience, contact the Engineering Department at 952-826-0371.