Protect Your Property

Sandbagging

If a flood is imminent, protect your property by sandbagging areas vulnerable to the entry of water. (Note: Sandbags should not be stacked directly against the outer walls of a structure, since when wet, the bags may create added pressure on the foundation.) Valuables and furniture may also be moved to higher areas of the dwelling to minimize damages.

Elevation

If the first finished floor elevation of your property is lower than the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE) established by the Town of Morehead City, consider elevating your structure. The RFPE is determined based on FEMA’s Base Flood Elevation (BFE) plus Morehead City’s one foot (1’) freeboard requirement. Copies of a property's Construction Certificate (i.e. Elevation Certificates (ECs)) may be on file with the Planning & Inspections Department.

Click HERE for the procedure on how to request a copy of an EC.

Drainage Systems

Streams, retention/detention basins, and channels can lose their carrying capacities as a result of dumping, debris, sedimentation, and growth of vegetation which cause overbank flooding more frequently and floods to reach a higher elevations. If your property located near a ditch or stream, the banks should be kept clear of brush and debris.

The City's ditch maintenance program can help remove major blockages such as downed trees in ditches on public property in the City Limits. Dumping in ditches and streams is a violation of regulations and should be reported to the Public Services Department at 252-726-6848, ext. 118 or ext. 132.

Additional Resources

Building Inspections Staff can provide one-on-one advice to property owners regarding structural retrofitting measures. Public Services Staff can also visit the site in question to review flooding, drainage, and sewer problems. Planning Staff may also be able to provide advise on Pre- & Post-Flood financial assistance opportunities for property protection measures.

The FEMA’s Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your Home provides guidance for readers with little to no experience dealing with flood protection methods or building construction techniques.

Additional Information about floodproofing commercial structures, check out FEMA’s Floodproofing Non-Residential Buildings.