Water Resources Management
Local Government Flood Policy Tool Kit
FEMA defines localized flooding as “smaller scale flooding that can occur anywhere in a community.”
Localized flooding is most common in areas with high groundwater or poorly drained soils, where urbanization and impervious surfaces have increased runoff or in older sections of communities where original storm sewers were not designed with today’s standards.
Tool Overview: Flood Vulnerability Assessment for Critical Facilities
This section provides an overview of the Flood Vulnerability Assessment for Critical Facilities tool. It is available online to help critical facilities in Midwest communities evaluate preparedness for the next big rainstorm and consists of a series of questions to determine risk based on such factors as its proximity to a floodplain, past flooding issues, stormwater drainage structures, and the location of backup generators, servers and other critical systems. Facilities also can use the tool to evaluate current emergency communication plans for heavy rainfall and determine any necessary improvements. After completing the assessment, users receive a report with specific recommendations and resources for steps to reduce a facility’s vulnerability to riverine and/or urban flooding.
Indiana Embankment Dam Hazards Largely Unknown and Under-appreciated
This section discusses hazards and safety consideration information related to embankment dams in Indiana. Under current Indiana code for embankment dams (IC 14-27-7.5), dam owners are responsible for the operation, maintenance and safety of their dams. There are very few local ordinances, and no state codes, that address zoning, land use and permitting for lands within dam-failure flood-risk areas downstream from embankment dams that are typically larger than the 1% chance floodplain limits. Those currently living within flood-risk areas downstream of dams may be unaware of the risk these dams pose to their lives and properties.
