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Citrus County Flood Facts
Citrus County is subject to flooding in the coastal areas, generally described as west of US 19, as well as along the Withlacoochee River to the east
and north. Depending on the duration and severity of the weather event,
flooding will often occur outside of the floodplain due to poor drainage, soil
saturation or debris filled ditches and culverts.
Hurricane Season is June 1st through November 30th
Flood Warning System
In the event of hazardous weather, the Citrus County Emergency Management
Division, in cooperation with the City of Inverness, the City of Crystal River
and the Board of County Commissioners, will activate the warning sirens.
If You Hear a Siren...
- If the siren sounds continuously for 3 to 5 minutes, it means
that officials have emergency information for you. Turn your TV or radio
to one of the Emergency Alert Stations listed.
- Sirens can also be used for public address broadcasts through the speakers.
- Remember: Sirens are tested each Friday at noon (except for holidays).
- If you hear a siren and do not hear emergency information, please call 746-6555 (after hours: dial 911)
- If you notice a siren that appears to be damaged or not working, call 746-6555.
Local Emergency Alert Stations
- WXCV: 95.3 FM
- WXOF: 96.3 FM
- WKTK: 98.5 FM
- WTRS: 102.3 FM
- WRZN: 720 AM
- WUFT-TV: PBS
- WFLA-TV: Channel 8
- WTSP-TV: Channel 10
- WTVT-TV: Channel 13
- WCJB-TV: Channel 20
- WTOG-TV: Channel 44
- Time Warner Cable All
- Adelphia Cable Al
- NOAA Weather Radio Frequency
- 162.400 MHz
Flood Safety
You can protect yourself from flood hazards by taking measures to ensure your
life and property are protected before, during and after a flood occurs.
- Do not drive through floodwaters: More people drown in their cars than anywhere
else.
- Do not drive around barriers: The road or bridge may be washed out.
- Do not walk through flowing water: Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths
usually during flash floods. Six inches of moving water can knock you
off of you feet. If you find it necessary to walk in standing water, use
a stick or pole to see how deep the water is.
- Avoid power lines and electrical wires: The number two flood killer is electrocution.
Report downed power lines to the power company or by calling 746-6555.
Flood Insurance
Property losses due to flooding are not covered by most standard homeowner's
policies. Flood insurance can be obtained through the National Flood Insurance
Program for your home and contents.
The NFIP is a federal program which enables property owners to buy flood insurance
at reasonable rates in participating communities. In return, the participating
community carries out flood management measures designed to protect life and
property from future flooding. The NFIP is administered by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency through its Federal Insurance Administration.
Citrus County has been an NFIP participating community since August 15, 1984.
For more information about flood insurance, contact your insurance agent.
There is generally a 30 day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes
effect; don't wait until a storm threatens before securing the flood insurance
coverage you need.
- Flood claims are paid even if the President doesn't declare a disaster.
- Flood insurance premiums are generally less expensive than disaster loan payments.
- Flood insurance reimburses policyholders for direct physical loss from floods, including limited coverage
for services such as debris removal, moving insured property that is endangered
by flooding and sandbags to protect endangered property from flood waters (subject
to terms of policy).
The maximum coverage available to property owners within Citrus County is as follows:
- Building Coverage:
- Residential: $250,000
- Non-Residential: $500,000
- Small Business: $500,000
- Contents Coverage:
- Residential: $100,000
- Non-Residential:$500,000
- Small Business: $500,000
Property Protection Measures
Annually, flooding causes more property damage than any other type of natural
disaster in the United States. While regulations and construction practices
have made newer homes less prone to flooding, many older homes remain susceptible.
Nationwide, there is a growing interest from property owners to develop practical
and cost effective methods for reducing or eliminating their exposure to flood
events.
Recognized Approaches
- Elevation of the structure
- Construction of barriers (berms, floodwalls)
- Wet floodproofing (allows water to pass through)
- Dry floodproofing (structural sealing - non- residential structures only)
When a flood threatens, it is advisable to take emergency actions.
- Sandbagging to reduce erosion and scour.
- Elevate furniture above flood protection levels if possible.
- Seal or close off sewer lines for backflow prevention.
Evacuation
- If officials order an evacuation of your area:
- Follow all evacuation directions. Remain calm.
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Avoid using the telephone.
- Be a good neighbor - check on your neighbor to make sure they understand the warning and have transportation.
- Pets can not be accepted at shelters. Make alternate plans for them ahead of time.
- Tune your car radio to an EAS station for official information.
- Emergency personnel will be stationed along the evacuation routes to assist you.
Items To Take With You
- Prescription medicines
- Soap and towels
- Shaving gear
- Toothpaste & toothbrush
- Eyeglasses & dentures
- Important personal effects
- Sleeping bag & pillow for each family member
- Insurance policy information
Other Supplies If Available:
- Flashlight & batteries
- Portable radio
- Plastic/paper bags
Children/Infant Supplies:
- Disposable diapers & powder
- Bottles
- Milk/formula - dry/canned
- Favorite bedtime toy
Travel in and out of the evacuated areas will be controlled. Be sure you have
your re-entry sticker when evacuating. Police will patrol the areas
to keep them secure.
Re-entry stickers can be obtained at the Tag Offices located in Crystal River
and Inverness.
Important Phone Numbers:
- Citrus County Emergency Management: 746-6555
- AFTER HOURS DIAL 911
- Citizen Information Lines: 746-5470 or 527-2106
- Citrus County Building Division: 527-5310
- Citrus County Flood Management Coordinator: 527-5253
- Crystal River Building & Zoning Division: 795-6511
- Inverness Development Services: 726-3401
Relevant Web Sites:
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