Southern California does not have a high annual rain fall and often experiences long drought seasons. This may make us believe that we are safe and not subject to flooding hazards. However, this is not true. Due to its location, the City of Oceanside is exposed and vulnerable to flooding. It is critical to remember that areas located along the coast are subject to wave action, tidal and storm surge flooding from the Pacific Ocean, and areas near San Luis Rey River, Loma Alta, Garrison, Buena Vista, and Pilgrim Creeks are subject to riverine flooding. There are over 5000 properties and 4500 Buildings in the City of Oceanside that are located in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). San Diego County has experienced several flooding events in recent years, many of which resulted in widespread or localized flood damages. A recent significant heavy storm event was in December of 2010. Being prepared is your best defense against such events.

The City's Engineering Division provides information and technical assistance regarding flood hazard, flood insurance, and protecting natural floodplain function such as:

• Determining if properties are located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
• Providing base flood elevation, flood depth, site and building elevation and data on historical flooding throughout the City when available
• Providing information on areas within the City with history of flooding that are not mapped in the FIRM
• Providing information on areas that can be flooded if the levee failed
• Providing information on sea level rise and its effect on the properties in the coastal areas
• Reviewing and providing comments on proposed plans and improvements within flood plain areas
• Providing information on existing floodways and protecting natural functions of the floodplain
• Providing site visits when requested to review flooded area, drainage problem, and retro-fitting issues
• Responding to citizen's complaint on drainage and flooding problems
• Providing copy of FEMA elevation certificate when available
• Providing information about other flood-related hazards such as, Tsunami, Coastal erosion, Mudflows, slope failure
• Providing information about properties mapped in the Repetitive Loss Areas
• Providing information about areas mapped as wetlands, open space, or habitat areas
• Providing interpretation and identification of the information shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) to the banks, real estate agents, insurance agents, property owners and potential real estate buyers

Upstream landowners are entitled to discharge surface water from his/her land as the water naturally flows. However, if he/she modifies the natural flow, he/she is liable for any damage done to a lower landowner unless the lower landowner had acted “unreasonably” in altering the natural drainage over his/her land. The determination of whether either landowner’s conduct is reasonable or unreasonable is a question of fact to be determined in each case. It is important for a lower landowner to take affirmative action to protect his/her property.

Determine if Your Property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)

Educate yourself. Find out if your property is located in or near any Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Contact the City to find out about the history of flooding in your area.

FEMA, Flood Insurance Rate Maps do not always show all the properties subject to flooding. Any low lying area may be subject to localized flooding due to smaller more frequent or heavier rain events, and other drainage problems. Even if there has been no history of flooding in your area, your property may still be subject to flooding, sometimes due to being the lowest area in your neighborhood. Property owners should be alert and watch for flooded areas in their neighborhood during significant rain events.

Residents near the San Luis Rey River should check on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) monitoring page to view current real-time information on the gage-height of the river. The USGS monitoring page provides data and information regarding the San Luis Rey river and it's flooding stages. Sign up for email or text alerts based on a chosen threshold on the webpage.

City of Oceanside maintains paper copies of most current and historical FIRMs in the Engineering Division.

You can find out which flood zone (insurance risk) applies to your property by:

• Contacting Development Services Department, Engineering Division or
• Viewing the FIRM at the FEMA Map Service Center; or visiting the City flood insurance page.
• Click on the map number to view the map you need.

Purchase Flood Insurance on Your Property

Standard homeowner's insurance policy does not usually cover losses from flooding. A separate flood insurance policy is required to cover damages incurred by flooding to the building and its content. The City of Oceanside participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Community rating System (CRS) that makes available federally backed flood insurance for all structures in a discounted rate, whether or not they are located within the floodplain. Tenants may also buy flood insurance against flood loss. The average insurance premium for a $250,000 building in zone A99 is over $1000.00. Note that there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect. More than 25 percent of NFIP claims are filed by properties located outside the (SFHA). Flood insurance is mandatory in certain instances such as purchase of a home with a federally backed mortgage. Contact your insurance agency for more information. Flood insurance information is also available at Floodsmart.gov.

If your lender is requiring you to purchase Flood insurance, read the Flood Insurance Requirement Information.

Protect Your Property from Hazards of Flooding

• Elevating existing homes subject to flooding above “Base Flood Elevation” (elevation of the 100-year flood, based on the FIRM), when possible
• Keeping water away from the building by re-grading the lot, building flood walls or earthen berms, and using water proof materials and placing water tight closures over the openings. Install drainage channel in the building perimeter to divert water, install sump pump and back-flow valve on sewer lines so water will not back up into your home. Completing these procedures may require professional assistance and a permit from the City. Contact the City before you start.
• Elevate utilities and appliances (water heaters, washer/dryer, electrical panel, furnaces, electrical outlets) above the base flood elevation level. This may be a difficult process, however in the case of a flood it will save you a lot of grief and money. These utilities may become irreparably damaged by floodwaters and require replacement.
• Flood Proof Your Basement: Take measures to keep water out of your basement, lower levels of your home or garage. Seal the walls to prevent water seepage.
• Maintaining and cleaning gutters, leaky roofs, windows, and drains
• Making sure downspouts drain away from the building
• Protecting the building by sandbagging areas subject to the entry of water and move valuables to higher levels if a flood is imminent
• Keep important or expensive items off the ground. Store you valuable like priceless family photo albums and important documents in the attic rather than the basement or garage.

Maintain Drainage Channels and Pipes Free of Obstruction and Debris

The City of Oceanside performs annual cleaning and maintenance activities on the drainage channels and pipes in City easements and rights-of-way. Residents are encouraged to assist in maintaining the drainage in their areas by removing or reporting obstructions (such as shopping carts, leaves, debris, trash, etc.). No Dumping Signs are posted on all inlets in the City. It is illegal to dump trash, leaves, grass clipping, landscape debris, paint, grease, or any other material, into any portion of the City’s drainage system. Such dumping can have devastating impacts on water quality in addition to causing flooding, and it is a violation of City Ordinance No. 40.1.2.

To report obstructions or illegal dumping, please contact Storm Water Maintenance at (760) 435-5800 or via email at CustomerCare@oceansideca.org.

• Report to the City any illegal building, grading, and trash dumping. Make sure to always check with the City before you build on, alter, or place any fill in your property.
• Silt fences, sandbags and other erosion control devices are placed on construction sites to protect the environment from pollutants running in to our streams. Report any broken or damaged erosion control device.

Family Emergency Plan

• Educate your children about flooding and other hazards such as dangers of fire, earth quake and tsunami. Talk to them about safety and family emergency plan. Teach your children how and when to call 911, police, fire, family members.
• Prepare an emergency kit of non-perishable food, water, blanket, clothes, flash light, extra batteries, first aid kit, medication, manual can opener, and battery-operated radio, and place it in a waterproof back pack and store in a safe and easy to reach place and let everyone in the home know of its location.
• Develop an emergency list of family members, doctors and insurance agent contact numbers, and medications for your family and pet. Contact the City and find out where are the local emergency shelters and evacuation routes.
• Set up a plan for your pet. Pets are not permitted in many shelters.
• Inventory, video, and photograph the contents in your home. It will be very useful if you have to claim a loss with insurance company.
• Practice first aid procedures with your family. Learn CPR and how to treat wounds of all types.
• Pay close attention to weather forecasts. During the high-risk periods or extreme weather conditions, be sure to check, radio, TV or other sources of news frequently, with weather reports and plan accordingly. Don't get caught off-guard.

Meet Permitting Requirements

All development, construction, building improvements, substantial improvements, or substantial damage improvements within the City, particularly in the SFHAs is subject to review and permitting process by the City Engineering Division. Buildings built in the floodplain should be built with higher regulatory standards. Always check and fulfill permitting requirements with the Development Services Department before you build on, alter, fill, or re-grade on any portion of your property and/or within any easement or right-of-way.

Report any suspected permitting issues.

Meet Improvement Requirements

(NFIP) requires that all new and substantially improved buildings in SFHA must meet the FEMA development requirements. If the cost of reconstruction, additions, or other improvements to an existing building in the SFHA equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, then the existing building must meet the same construction requirements as a new building. Substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to the same standards. For example, a residence damaged from fire or flood so that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s value before it was damaged must be elevated above the base flood elevation.

Protect Natural Benefits of Floodplain

Floodplains are a natural component of the San Diego County environment. Recognize and protect the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains to help reduce flood damage and protect resources. The City of Oceanside has many beautiful areas within the floodplain. The coastal areas, beaches, undisturbed river bottoms, and creeks provide a wide range of benefits to the people and natural systems.

These areas also provide breeding and feeding grounds for fish and wildlife, create and enhance waterfowl habitat, and protect habitats for rare and endangered species. The floodplains are an important asset. They provide open space, aesthetic pleasure and areas for active and passive uses. They also provide flood storage and conveyance, reduce flood velocities, and flood peaks.

Although the City has a storm sewer and drainage maintenance program, it is impossible to keep all drainage systems clear at all times. Clogged drainage or blocked ditches can cause flow of water and flooding. As a citizen, you can assist by keeping the banks of ditches, streams, clear of brush and debris, and not allowing grass clippings, oil, or other contaminants in storm sewer inlets. Dumping of debris or any type of pollutant into ditches, streams, or the ocean is illegal and damages the environment. Report any drainage or illegal dumping problems.

• Register all your phone numbers. In flood emergency events the City may utilize Reverse-911 system (Alert San Diego) to call residents.
• Tune-in to local commercial or public radio or television stations (KPBS – 89.5 FM, KOPA – 91.3 FM, KFMB – 760 AM), or NOAA Weather Radio (frequencies 162.550 or 162.450) for Warning Bulletins and any corresponding emergency instructions. The San Diego County Emergency Preparedness Division will order or advise evacuations if conditions warrant this action. If evacuations are called for, it is imperative that you follow instructions in the time frame noted.
• Shut off electricity, gas and water. If your property is in imminent danger of flooding, please contact SDG&G at (800) 411-7343 or (1800) 611-7343 to request that your power and natural gas be shut off, or for guidance on how to do it yourself.
• Do not attempt to drive, walk, or wade through flood water. Rushing water can be very dangerous. Don't risk driving in deep waters, getting stuck or experiencing engine failure in the middle of storm can endanger you and your family. Listen to radio reports for road closures and safest routes on your way to an emergency shelter.
• Avoid low-lying areas, diches and unstable banks or slopes. Leave the flooded area or seek shelter in the highest floors, attic, roof tops or area if possible.

2-1-1 San Diego is a resource and information hub that connects people with community, health, and disaster services through a free, 24/7 stigma-free confidential phone service and searchable online database. 2-1-1 serves the entire population of the County.

• Listen to the radio for emergency instructions.
• Wait until local authorities have confirmed it is safe to return.
• Avoid driving if possible.
• Avoid fallen electric lines and trees.
• Be careful, avoid standing water and debris. There may be damages to the buildings and roads that could make them unsafe. Use causation driving and entering buildings that have been flooded.
• Avoid contact with flood water. Flood water contains bacteria, sewage and other contaminate and can pose serious health risk. If you have to wade through flood water, wear protective clothes and be very cautious.
• Take good and clear pictures and video of all areas damaged by flood for insurance claim purposes. Keep copies for your own record.
• Follow established procedures for property damage repairs. Be as thorough as possible. If it is impossible to clean and disinfect an item such as carpets or furniture throw it away.
• Use dehumidifier and fans to get rid of excess moisture existing in the walls, floors and building content to avoid mold and other related issues.
• Hire a professional to check your septic tank and leach lines for possible flood damages.
• Select a contractor who is licensed in his trade.
• The City of Oceanside requires contractors to be licensed and/or registered with San Diego County and to have a City of Oceanside Business License. Licensed and/or Registered contractors will have a County or City decal displayed on their vehicle and will produce receipts for their licenses. Only licensed professionals can perform electrical, plumbing, gas system, heating, ventilation and air conditioning work. Verify that contractors are licensed and have liability and workman’s compensation insurance before signing or agreeing to any repair.
• Require your contractors to obtain the proper permits for work being performed. Permits are required for any permanent improvement (including painting, roofing, siding, additions, alterations, etc.) to a structure and for site work such as grading, filling, etc. Permits are required even if a homeowner is doing the work himself.

Questions about permits or contractor licensing may be addressed to the Development Services Department at (760) 435-3950.

For more information about flood safety or the NFIP go to www.floodsmart.gov. For drainage problems, permit issue, reporting illegal dumping and grading, call (760) 435-3950.