fun under the sun
Save the date for the next Video Game Challenge Step up to the challenge and win big at the City’s annual Video Game Challenge. Players must be Coral Springs residents ages eight to 18 in order to go head to head as they tackle the new John Madden 2016. The event, which is co-sponsored by Best Buy and McDonald’s, will give players a chance to win prizes. Players can sign up for $2 at the Coral Springs Gymnasium, located at 2501 Coral Springs Drive. Registration and event date to be announced. The challenge will be held at Best Buy, located at 650 N. University Drive. Visit the City’s web site for details.
flood information
CoralSprings.org/events
954-345-2119
Important flood information for residents The National Flood Insurance Rating Program’s community rating system gives the City of Coral Springs high marks for its flood protection activities, which translates to discounts that are reflected in current local flood insurance rates. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently updated the flood maps pertaining to Broward County and while the new studies have indicated that most of the areas in City of Coral Springs are to be less affected by flood hazards then before, all residents are encouraged to know flood safety and preparation skills. If you would like to know if your property was affected by the recent map changes, Broward County has made the new maps available to the public and are viewable online at broward.org. The Northwest Regional Library, 3151 N. University Drive, has flood protection information, copies of flood insurance rate maps, and flood zone explanations. For more information about your property, call Public Works at 954344-1169.
Flood Safety Flood safety is very important. Residents are encouraged to prepare an inventory of personal property in the case of a flood event. The inventory should include descriptions and photos of the items. In addition, residents should be prepared with additional drinking water, portable radios and flashlights with extra batteries, and a complete first aid kit. Though not likely, if an evacuation order is given, residents should remember to turn off their gas and electric utilities at the source. The City, Broward Office of Emergency Management and National Weather Service issue information about weather conditions and flooding through local media, including CityTV and CityRadio 1670am. To create a disaster preparedness plan, please visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website at floridadisaster.org.
Construction & Permits City regulations prevent or regulate construction that could divert floodwater from one area to another or increase erosion. Regulations also are in place concerning filling, grading and dredging. Permits are necessary before starting any construction, so contact the Building Department at 954344-1025. Note that the City requires elevation certificates on homes built after 1991 as part of the permitting process for newly constructed or substantially improved buildings. Canals & Drainage The City utilizes drainage catch basins that the Public Works Department maintains. Various drainage districts are responsible for the canals. Visit CoralSprings.org/canals for a list of drainage districts. To report a drainage problem, call Public Works at 954-345-2210. 16 • Under the Sun • Summer 2015
In the case of a flood event, Coral Springs residents should take into consideration the following tips and guidelines: • Do not walk through water unless absolutely necessary. • Flowing water can be deceptive and can be dangerous. • Do not drive through flood waters. Roads may be washed away and are not visible when underwater. • Keep a look out for downed power lines and stay away!
To protect your property in the case of a flood event, a few simple steps can be taken: • Board up or shutter your windows and doors • Relocate vehicles to higher ground • Raise furniture off the floor or relocate the furniture to upper levels of your property. • Keep materials like tarps, sandbags, and plywood on hand to make quick repairs following a storm event. • Retrofitting of your property is a way to reduce flooding impacts prior to a storm. For information regarding retrofitting, please visit Fema.gov.