Flood Resources

There's more flooding in Florida than any other state, and the Internet if chock-full of resources for planning and preparation measures, as well as dealing with flooding at home or in the streets. Floridadisaster.org is the online home of SERT, State Emergency Response Team. Its mission is "to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them and mitigate against their impacts." Its motto is

Semper Gumby (always flexible) and these are the Director's standing orders:

1. Take care of the needs of survivors.

2. Take care of the needs of responders.

3. When in doubt, re-read number one.

Mitigation is one of the common words used with regard to dealing with floods, and basically to mitigate means "to make less severe or intense; moderate or alleviate.   See synonyms for relieve." (thefreedictionary.com) So, mitigation in play means working toward reducing or eliminating risks and relieving the bad effects of flooding.

Dozens of websites can provide you with general flood information, good reading before any flooding occurs.

• www.dep.state.fl.us
• www.floridafloodinsurance.org (see fact sheets)
• www.floodsmart.gov (see "Assess Your Risk")
• http://floridaswater.com/
• http://www.nwfwmd.state.fl.us/
• http://www.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/levelthree/drought%20and%20flood
• http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/emergency/floodriskprojects/
• http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm. 

Probably the most valuable resources in advance of and during a severe storm with lots of rain are your local municipalities. Stay tuned to the radio or television for watches and warnings, which you can also receive on mobile devices. Pay attention, and ideally, have your own preparation and evacuation (if necessary) plan in place. Also, each county has flood information on its website.

• hillsboroughcounty.org 
• tampa gov.net
• pinellascounty.org/flooding
• pascocountyfl.net
• mymanatee.org
• scgov.net [sarasota]
• polk-county.com
• hardeecounty.net 

The USA is one, big, giving, volunteer nation, and disasters bring out the best in people, some who come from afar to help organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Samaritan's Purse. They, in turn, can help you.   If you do not have Internet access and want to learn more about preparing for and weathering a serious storm with flood potential, ask for assistance at your local library.   They have computer access and will help you find all the information you want. You can
be well-prepared and knowledgeable about local, state and national resources whose mission it is to assist residents in the event of a flood disaster. And should you need to dispose of flooded rugs or drywall or damaged furnishing, just call the friendly, sympathetic folks at Bin There Dump That for prompt, courteous service by professionals who understand post-flood clean up and clean out.