FLOOD HAZARD & PROPERTY
PROTECTION INFORMATION 

Homeowners in the Town of Hypoluxo have been awarded a 10% discount for National Flood Insurance Program policies issued or renewed on or after Oct. 1, 1996.

Flood Hazard:  The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the Town of Hypoluxo, available at the Town Hall, includes an explanation of the Flood Zone Designations. The Town provides map determinations. Most properties located on the east side of U.S. Highway #1 are in a flood hazard area.  Elevation certificates are available for structures built as early as 1995.  Questions:  Call (561) 582-0155.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently revising the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) map.  All local government agencies are currently reviewing the Federal Emergency Management’s preliminary updated FIRM. The datum has been converted from the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 to the National Vertical Datum of 1988. The last we heard, the conversion factor for Hypoluxo is approximately -1.6 feet. The map also includes an addition of a wave setup component of approximately 2.0 feet to the storm surge elevation to account for the effects of waves pumping water onshore during a coastal storm.

In some cases a property’s flood zone designation can remain the same but the base flood elevation can increase.  What will happen to insurance premiums when the new map takes effect?  If you can show your house was built in compliance with local floodplain management regulations and the flood map in effect at the time of construction, the basis for rating your policy does not change and your premium will be the same.  If you cannot show that your house was built in compliance at the time of construction, your policy will be re-rated using the new flood map, which may raise your premium.  However, if you can show that your home has been continuously insured since before the map change, your premium will not be affected. If you do not have Federal or federally related financing, you are not required by Federal regulations to have flood insurance, although it is available.

Flood Warning System: Palm Beach County Emergency Management maintains direct contact with the National Weather Service (NWS). Local television and radio stations will broadcast hurricane associated flood warnings 36 to 48 hours prior to the actual flooding event and at least 24 hours prior to the time to evacuate; heavy rainfall warnings will be broadcast 6 hours prior to the time any structure will be isolated as the result of ponding of surface water.  Upon advance notification by the NWS that a severe weather system, including intense rainfall, is forecast Palm Beach County alerts all residents of Hypoluxo by telephone and the Police Department is notified. They keep areas under close surveillance.  If it becomes necessary, they will use loudspeakers to provide residents with additional flood warning and evacuation information.  Police services will continue as the conditions allow.

Flood Safety:  If you will require special assistance during an emergency evacuation, register now with the Palm Beach County Div. of Emergency Management, 712-6400; keep trees and shrubs trimmed regularly; photograph and list your possessions; prepare a personal evacuation plan; and make a checklist of pre-emergency activities, plan for enough food, water and supplies for two weeks survival without electricity.  Prior to evacuation turn off utilities at the main switches.  Boynton Beach High School, 4975 Park Ridge Blvd. (near I-95 & Gateway Blvd.), is a Red Cross Hurricane Shelter.  Openings will be announced on local radio and television stations.  Be informed, obtain hurricane preparedness literature, copies of elevation certificates and flood zone determinations from the Hypoluxo Town Hall.

Property Protection:  The following may help minimize damage to a structure.  Store plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber to protect windows and to make quick repairs; stack sandbags away from the house, move furniture, etc. to the upper floors, secure garbage cans, garden equipment, etc. or bring inside.  Property owners may wish to increase the elevation of a structure.  A design manual for retrofitting flood-prone residential structures is available. FEMA resources can now be accessed online at www.pbclibrary.org/grs-mainresources.htm.

Substantial Improvement Requirements:  The National Flood Insurance Program requires an existing building to meet the same construction standards as a new building if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value.  Substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to the same standards.

Drainage System Maintenance:  The Town inspects the drainage systems for obstructions caused by debris such as fallen trees, trash, etc.  In addition, our residents should report obstructions and illegal dumping violations to the Hypoluxo Building Department, (561) 582-0155.

Floodplain Development Permit Requirements:  All development in the floodplain (not just construction of buildings) require local permits.  Contact the Hypoluxo Building Department (561) 582-0155 before you build, fill, or otherwise develop.  PLEASE REPORT any illegal floodplain development immediately.

Flood Insurance:  Flood insurance is an important and practical part of everyone’s disaster planning.  Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not offer protection against flood damage.  Flood Insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Most lending institutions require flood insurance if your property is located in a flood hazard area.  There is a thirty day waiting period for flood insurance coverage. Coverage is available for existing structures, buildings under construction, businesses, and contents of insurable, fully enclosed buildings located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA).  For further information call NFIP at
1-800-638-6620 or your local insurance agent, or contact the website http://www.fema.gov/nfip.