Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, LA
Home MenuFloodplain and Coastal Zone Management
What is Floodplain Management?
Forty years ago, the Parish adopted floodplain management regulations to reduce future flood damages. Since the Parish became a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program, citizens have the availability to purchase flood insurance and receive federal funds when a disaster strikes (hurricane, flooding, tornado). In return, the Parish must regulate development within the Parish when property is located in a high-risk zone. Forty-six percent (46%) of Calcasieu Parish is located in a high-risk flood hazard area.
Calcasieu Parish took one step further and became a participant in the Community Rating System (equivalent to fire rating) which gives the citizens a discount on their flood insurance premium. We save citizens approximately $350,000 each year due to our participation in the Community Rating System.
Calcasieu Parish has a Class 8 rating which saves its citizens 10% on flood insurance policies.
Is my property located in a Flood Hazard Area?
All properties are located in a flood zone. The difference is, "Are you in a low-risk zone or a high-risk zone?"
- Calcasieu Parish GIS Maps
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- Find your flood zone: LSU Flood Maps
Be Flood Smart! Learn ways to protect the things that matter most!
Flood Recovery Guidance (lfma.org)
RAIN GAUGES PROJECT
Did you know the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury has more than 100 rain gauges all over Calcasieu Parish to monitor rainfall and drainage?
Southwest Louisiana is no stranger to rain events. As a result, parish officials want to remind residents that they can visit the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury's rain gauge site to monitor rainfall totals in their areas. To do so, go to https://cppj.onerain.com, find the "Rain & Stream Maps" bar, and then click on the rain amount you want to view.
Calcasieu Parish Flood Alert System
Calcasieu Parish has many waterways with the potential to overflow their natural boundaries thus affecting public, private property, and businesses. Such waterways include, but are not limited to the Calcasieu River, the West Fork Calcasieu River, Houston River, Contraband Bayou, Sabine River, and many others.
There are several sources of water that could cause flooding within Calcasieu Parish. They include runoff from local rains that flow downstream from other regions within the watershed areas of these waterways or a combination of both.
While typically areas along waterways are the most susceptible to flooding, Calcasieu Parish has very little landmass outside of either the 100 or 500-year flood plain.
The impact of flooding is extensive and costly. Property damage and loss of use can easily run in millions of dollars. Calcasieu Parish works closely with the National Weather Service (NWS) located in Lake Charles, LA. and the CPPJ OneRain flood monitoring system throughout the parish to monitor potential rising flood levels. The NWS and OneRain monitoring system provides the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness with prompt information via alphanumeric pagers and emailing severe weather watches and warnings. Based on the potential impact, OHSEP may provide such information to other media outlets that serve our area, consult with Calcasieu Parish Public Works for assistance with placement of street high water signs and/or implementing the reverse 911, CalcaShout, SNAP, CPPJ social media sites, local TV stations, local Radio stations, and other local alert systems to notify residents of a potential flooding hazard approaching the area.
Drainage
Storm Water Master Planning | Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, LA
Sandbag Locations |Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, LA
Flood Insurance Basics:
- Flood Zone Development Requirements
- Things You Should Know About Flood Insurance
- Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage | FEMA.gov
- Why Do I Need Flood Insurance?
Did You Know?
Flooding causes more than 90 percent of disaster-related property damage in the U.S. each year. Preparation and Protection is the key to surviving a flood and reducing property damage.
Learn ways to better protect your home from flood damage here:
Protecting Your Home!
Benefits of Flood Plain Management
Fast Facts for Protecting Your Building Utilities from Flood Damage
Reducing Flood Risk to Residential Buildings That Cannot Be Elevated
What Should I Consider if I choose to Develop in a Floodplain
Reduce Insurance Costs and Conserve Species
FEMA River Flooding: Coming soon to your Home
Substantial Damage
You got a Substantial Damage determination letter, now what?
FEMA - Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference P-758
Special Flood Hazard Areas and Coastal Area Guidance
Breakaway Wall Construction for "V" Zones
Coastal High Hazard ("V") Zone Development Certificate
FEMA Technical Bulletins (Development Guidance)
FEMA Flood Resistant Materials
FEMA - Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting P-312
FEMA - Rebuilding Safer & Stronger after a Flood P-2310
FEMA - Repairing Your Flooded Home P-234
Non-Residential Development
Floodproofing for Non-Residential Structures Certification Form
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT (What is it?)
The 1978 Louisiana State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act authorized the development of our local Coastal Management Program. As Calcasieu Parish receives federal and state approval the Parish becomes the permitting authority for coastal uses of local concern. These are defined as “those uses which directly and significantly affect coastal waters and are in the need of coastal management but are not uses of state concern and which should be regulated primarily at the local level if the local government has an approved program.” (R.S. 49:214.25.A.2).
The main function of Coastal Zone Management is the regulation of uses or developments in the “Coastal Zone.” Calcasieu Parish’s coastal zone is located along the Intracoastal Waterway from the Deatonville area to the Calcasieu Locks down to the Ellender Bridge west to the Parish line.
COASTAL USE PERMITTING
The purpose of the Coastal Use Permit is to make certain that any proposed activity (e.g. dredging, bulkheads, etc.…) in the Coastal Zone is performed in accordance with guidelines established in the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program. The guidelines are designed so that development in the zone can be accomplished with the least amount of damage to our coastlines. To apply for a Coastal Use Permit, please complete a joint permit application by clicking on the following link: www.dnr.louisiana.gov/crm
Flash flood safety
What can you do to protect yourself and loved ones in a flash flood? Here are some tips:
- Do not walk through flooded waters. Currents are deceptive; 6 inches of moving water can knock you off of your feet. If you must walk through flood water, use a stick to check ground safety.
- Do not drive through a flooded area. Do not drive around barriers, as the road or bridge may be washed out. One foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV’s and trucks. “Turn around; don’t drown.”
- Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Report downed power lines to the power company or 911. Turn off all electrical circuits and gas lines that may come in contact with flood water.
See more information on Flooding and Hurricane (Natural Disaster Preparedness) at www.ready.gov