Homeowners should take steps now to reduce their flood risk
Lee County Government is encouraging homeowners to be “flood aware” before the height of the 2026 hurricane season to reduce their flood risk in Southwest Florida.
Lee County urges residents to:
- Know your hazard: Lee County has experienced severe weather in the past with extreme rainfall and tropical systems resulting in flooding in low-lying, coastal and riverine areas. This flooding has caused damage and flood losses to homes and buildings in all areas, whether they are high-risk special flood hazard areas or low- to moderate-risk flood zones. It is important for residents to know their flood hazard.
- Buy flood insurance: Lee County is a voluntary participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This NFIP membership provides residents with the opportunity to protect themselves against flood loss through the purchase of flood insurance at reduced insurance premium rates as well as setting higher regulatory standards to reduce the flood risk and potential flood damage to their property.
- Choose your flood warning system: Public education and awareness of potential weather hazards and methods of protection are critical to the health, safety and welfare of residents.
- Make sure alerts are engaged on your smart phones.
- Download and use a trusted local media app that provides meteorologists’ information; consider downloading additional apps such as the National Weather Service and WeatherSTEM.
- Protect yourself and your property: Loss of life and property damage can be reduced when appropriate flood preparedness, control and mitigation measures are taken before a flood.
- Be aware of natural floodplain functions: Protecting the natural floodplain in Lee County is vital to maintaining wildlife and endangered species habitat, providing water-quality benefits and allowing for floodwater storage.
- Plan for responsiblebuilding: Residents and businesses, including those in special flood hazard areas, reduce the risk of flood damage by obtaining proper permits prior to building, renovating and repairing – and by building in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Permits are required for renovations, remodels, additions and any repairs related to storms, floods or any other damaging event.
- To remain in compliance with FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), properties within the flood zone require an additional layer of review and documentation before repairs can proceed.
For more information, go to https://www.leegov.com/dcd/flood or call 239-533-8948.
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