Flood Awareness

The following graph details the cost savings for a homeowner for flood insurance, and shows how much premiums are saved for each one (1) foot of elevation above BFE for new construction.

• Flood Insurance Graph(PDF, 60KB)

The following link gives information regarding flood insurance, backed by the U.S. Government under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It also gives information on the Community Rating System (CRS) which the City of Dunedin actively participates in to give discounts to our residents in flood insurance by meeting strict requirements.

• Pinellas County - Flood Insurance

Insurance agents in Dunedin can be found here, however, you can also search for a specific agency online using Google or other search engines.

Facts of insurance coverage can be found through the NFIP. The link below discusses building coverage, contents coverage, reimbursement methods, and much more.

• www.floodsmart.gov

The City of Dunedin follows the Community Rating System (CRS) procedures to maintain a Class 5 rating. This rating helps our citizens by providing a 25% reduction in flood insurance premiums. Dunedin also actively participate in the Countywide Local Mitigation Strategy.

Please be aware of the Pinellas County Emergency Management services offered to all citizens. View their annual publication "Surviving the Storm".

You can go to the Pinellas County website for information on evacuation zones, preparation checklists, special needs, pet preparedness, shelter options, and recovery after the storm. This information is extremely valuable to all of us! If you have questions, you can reach them at (727) 464-3800.

We take several important steps to ensure the safety of our residents here in Dunedin. Each summer as hurricane season begins, the Community Development Department:

• Mails letters to City facilities which house flammable substances, warning them of the storage of these flammable and toxic substances.
• Mails letters to realtors that includes information regarding flood hazard and insurance.
• Mails postcards regarding map information services to financial institutions, insurance agents and realtors in the City.
• Publishes a flood awareness flyer that is inserted in the Dunedin Beacon and delivered to all homes in Dunedin, plus available in newspaper boxes and business establishments throughout the City. This flyer contains emergency information for all citizens, including Pinellas County EMS and evacuation information.
• Mails letters to all owners of repetitive loss properties with information on how to protect their property from loss due to flooding.

The City of Dunedin stands ready to help you with your needs, and is committed to the safety of our residents. Please do not hesitate to contact staff for assistance.

It is important to protect natural floodplain functions.

• No pollutants down the storm drains; they drain to the bay.
• Protect our turtle nesting areas. Stay off the beach after sunset.
• Report broken silt fences; they help keep our streams clean.

Learn more about Stormwater Runoff and "Only Rain Down the Drain!".

View Florida's natural areas on the Florida Nature Guide website, which includes descriptions, maps, and also has a mobile app available.

Reporting illegal floodplain development is simple. Report a problem in your community and enter the address, use the available map. There is a free mobile app you can also download. Help keep your community safe.

Determine the flood zone for any property in Dunedin using this flood zone map.

Helpful Tips

• Contact the Building Division at (727) 298-3210 for assistance and advice. The City has ASFPM Certified Floodplain Managers on staff to assist you.
• Know the substantial improvement/damage rules (and the ICC benefits). Read more at Substantial Improvement / Damage Review Package(PDF, 555KB).
• All projects should be at least 10 feet from the property line so you don't alter the drainage between homes.
• All floodplain development needs a permit.

Rules to help build responsibly, including a summary of rules for new construction and substantial improvement can be found on Pinellas County's Construction in a Floodplain page.

Follow this link to the building codes for the City of Dunedin:

• Building Codes

To learn more about retrofitting a building for flood protection, including a detailed description of permanent retrofit measures, download or view these publications:

• Overview of Retrofitting Methods for Flood Protection
• Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting (FEMA P-312)

In order to know when and where to evacuate, you must know your zone! Visit Pinellas County Emergency Management to find your Evacuation Zone. When an alert comes over the radio, television or through the City's warning system, you can make plans for you and your family's safety. By entering your address, you can find information on your evacuation level, evacuation route, and the closest shelter available.

Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover losses due to flooding. NFIP is available in Dunedin. Flood insurance is mandatory for federally backed mortgages on buildings located in the special flood hazard area. Contacting a local insurance agent or lender for details is suggested. Be aware that there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect - so don't delay.

Visit www.FloodSmart.gov or call toll-free to (888) 379-9531 for information on policy rates and coverage.

Visit Pinellas County's Prepare Ahead site to learn more about hurricane preparedness for you, your family and your home.

Receive alerts about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for Alert Pinellas, an emergency notification service for Pinellas County, Local Municipalities, and the Sheriff’s Office.

In addition:

• Listen to weather updates; keep tuned to local stations for evacuation information
• If ordered to evacuate, obey immediately! Let friends and neighbors know where you are going
• Store drinking water in sterile, covered containers
• Keep portable radios, flashlights and new batteries on hand
• Fuel your vehicle

During the flood:

• If flood waters threaten to enter your house, turn off electricity at main circuit box
• Stay on higher ground; do not attempt to wade in waters above your knees
• Do not drive on a flooded road

After the flood:

• Do not return to your home until officials give the "all clear"
• Do not eat food that has come into contact with flood water and drink only bottled or previously stored water
• Stay away from disaster areas
• Do not handle live electrical equipment: report downed power lines, road obstructions, etc.

Elevate your utilities (water heaters, A/C units) and implement floodproofing techniques. Visit Pinellas County's Flood Information page or contact Pinellas County Flood Information Services at (727) 464-7700. Staff are available to provide in person property protection consultation and drainage evaluations.

• Emergency Floodproofing Measures

"Only Rain Down the Drain" - Keep lawn clippings, leaves and other debris out of streets and storm drains; Do not dispose of yard debris in ditches, wetlands, ponds or streams; Do not fill a floodplain. Floodplains lessen the effect of flood and storm waters and provide natural storage areas for flood waters.

You can learn more about FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at www.FloodSmart.gov.

As severe weather impacts Pinellas County, residents are urged to report damages to homes and businesses. Pinellas County needs a full picture of impacts to apply for potential state and federal emergency assistance, but we need your help to ensure all damage is accounted for. Residents and business owners are asked to report damages at pinellas.gov/reportdamage.

Be sure to include photos like waterline marks inside of the home, or physical damages to your home. Please note: You will still have to report damages to your insurance company for a claim should there be damage to private property.