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Flooding

Show All Answers

1. What can you do about street flooding?

• Keep your curb lines clear of debris, leaves and waste so storm waters can flow freely.
• Keep trash from entering the storm drains.
• Give water a clear path to leave your property
• Report flooded streets to the IMPACT call Center at 757-664-6510.
  This the information generates a report which is reflected in iView, an application that maps events reported to the city during a weather event. Users can view all events or select a specific event, such as flooded streets, to display on the map.

2. Do I need flood insurance?

Even if you have taken steps to protect your home from flooding, you still need flood insurance if you live in a floodplain. Homeowners' policies do not cover flood damage, so you will probably need to purchase a separate policy under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).


It takes 30 days for a flood policy to take effect. This is why you need to purchase flood insurance before flooding occurs. If your insurance agent is unable to write a flood policy, call 1-800-638-6620 for information.

3. What is the difference between a firm map and a surge map?

The surge maps give a general indication of the extent of flooding that might be experienced from various category hurricanes.

FIRM Maps (flood insurance rate maps) show flood risk areas that outline your community's different flood risk areas.

4. What is my flood zone?

Use Norfolk Air and type in your address to see if your property falls within a flood zone.

5. Are there grant programs available to assist with flood mitigation (elevation, flood proofing, etc.)?

Yes, The Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program provides an opportunity to take critical mitigation steps to reduce the loss of life and property when authorized under a Presidential major disaster declaration. If your property qualifies, FEMA may provide funds to assist in preventing future flooding. If you have questions about flood mitigation grant programs contact Emergency Preparedness and Response at (757) 441-5598. You may also want to discuss flood mitigation options with your flood insurance agent.

6. What are my responsibilities as a homeowner?

Drainage systems on private property are the owner's responsibility. Be sure to maintain your gutters and downspouts. It's also important to remove root blockages and fix damaged pipes on your property. Rake up leaves so they don't clog the storm drain in the street this includes the verge and curb line in front of your property. And remember "Only Rain Down the Storm Drain".

7. What does the city's storm water system consist of?

The city maintains more than 471.6 miles of stormwater pipe, 16,000 catch basins, over 3700 outfalls, over 200 miles of ditches, 22 stormwater ponds as well as 16 pump stations and the flood wall system downtown. Norfolk also provides quarterly street sweeping for every roadway with curb and gutters throughout the city. The Division of Storm Water Management repairs and cleans these structures as needed. When excessive rain causes flooding, the city responds to flooding complaints and cleans out clogged storm drains during the precipitation event.

8. Are the washer, dryer, furnace and water heater above potential flood levels?

For protection against shallow flood waters, the washer and dryer can sometimes be elevated on masonry or pressure-treated lumber at least 12" above the projected flood elevation. Other options are moving the washer and dryer to a higher floor, or building a floodwall around the appliances.

9. Is the main electric Switchbox located above potential flood levels?

Consider elevating all electric outlets, switches, light sockets, baseboard heaters and wiring at least 12" above the projected flood elevation for your home. You may also want to elevate electric service lines (at the point they enter your home) at least 12" above the projected flood elevations.

10. How should I clean up after a flood?

• Dry all affected areas and items quickly and thoroughly.
• Wash and dry all clothing and other washable items, using detergent.
• Clean floors, furniture and other surfaces with detergent and water.
• Protect yourself from germs by disinfecting all contaminated items if the flood waters contain sewage.

11. What do I do with my storm debris?

After storm events the city will temporary collection site and/or make exceptions for debris set-out. This information is specific to each storm event and will be posted on the city's Waste Management's website and sent to various media outlets for distribution. If you have questions about debris collection please contact, Waste Management at 757-664-6510.
Waste Management

12. What if my car gets towed during a storm event?

Vehicles are tagged for towing during sever storm events and towed after all weather threats have passed. If your vehicle was left in the right-of-way it will be towed by the city's Towing and Recovery Division. Please contact this department at 757-441-1062 to make arrangement to retrieve your vehicle. If your vehicle was left on private property, please contact them to locate and retrieve your vehicle.

13. How can I prevent mold growth?

• Dry all affected areas and items quickly and thoroughly.
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  Open windows to let in fresh air (if it is not raining).
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  Use fans to help dry out your home and reduce odors.
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  Warning: Do not run any electrical equipment or appliances near standing water.
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  Use a dehumidifier to help dry out enclosed spaces.
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  Bring in professionals to clean and restore your home if there is extensive flood damage (you may not be able to do it all yourself).

14. What if the flood water contains sewage?

Take extra steps to protect your health if the flood water contains sewage. Sewage contains germs that may cause stomach or intestinal infections if swallowed. Contact with sewage may also cause infections in cuts, scrapes and eyes.

To prevent infection you should:

• Keep children, pets and people with compromised immune systems away until the area has been cleaned and disinfected.
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  Throw away any food (including packaged food) that was touched by flood water.
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  Call the Department of Utilities at 757-823-1000.

15. What is the best way to clean floors, wooden furniture, and other surfaces contaminated with flood waters?

• Remove visible contamination with detergent and water.
• Disinfect by wiping surface with a bleach solution. Use a half cup of household bleach in a gallon of water. Non-bleach sanitizers can also be used. Warning: Bleach may damage some materials.
• Test a small area first or call a professional to help with this cleaning.
• Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid mold growth.

16. How should I clean clothing, bedding, other fabrics and paper items contaminated with flood waters?

• Pre-rinse fabrics with cold water to help prevent staining.
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  Launder with detergent. This will disinfect most items.
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  Dry thoroughly.
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  Dry clean items that cannot be laundered. This process will generally disinfect clothing.
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  Throw out soaked leather shoes, as it may be very difficult to disinfect them.
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  Speak to a professional trained in conservation methods about cleaning valuable papers and photographs.

17. What is a 100 year flood?

The phrase "100-year flood" has caused much confusion over the years. Many mistakenly believe that it is a flood that occurs every 100 years. However, the phrase really means a flood that has a 1- percent chance of occurring in any given year.

18. What is a 2 year storm? A ten year storm?

What is a 2-year storm?

A 2-year storm has a 50 percent chance of occurring or being exceeded in any given year. Norfolk's Storm water drainage system was originally designed for this type of storm event.


A 10 year storm?

A 10-year storm has a 10 percent chance of occurring or being exceeded in any given year. Norfolk's new storm water drainage systems are being designed for this type of storm event.