Flooding in Terrebonne Parish
Flooding can occur during any time of the year. Because the land in Terrebonne Parish is low, much of the property is in a special flood hazard area as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The principal source of floodwaters in Terrebonne Parish is rain, but in late summer, hurricanes and associated tidal surges also pose a serious threat. Floodwater collects because Terrebonne Parish lies at, or below sea level. The low, flat ground provides little gravity drainage, so water that falls must be pumped out. When the ground is saturated and a heavy rain falls quickly, the system can be overwhelmed and flooding can result.
Flood Insurance Pays for More than Repairs
Your flood insurance policy may help pay to elevate, relocate, or demolish your flooded home. If your building is insured through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) with a Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP), you may be eligible for up to $30,000 in Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage.
If your structure has been damaged by one or more storms adding up to more than 50% of the pre-storm value of the structure, it is substantially damaged. Substantially damaged structures are not compliant with the flood ordinance. As part of the National Flood Insurance Program requirements, the parish must require that substantially damaged structures be elevated, relocated, or demolished. This can cost more than the average homeowner can afford. To help, ICC may cover some of the costs of meeting the community’s rebuilding requirements that will protect your home from future flood damages.
ICC coverage can help to pay the cost of one or any combination of these four mitigation activities. See the links below for more information about eligibility, the process, and the mitigation options (elevation, relocation of the structure, or demolition).
Your insurance carrier and community building department can help you to determine your ICC eligibility and the documentation you will need.
- Basics of ICC
- ICC Fact Sheet
- ICC Policyholder Checklist
- ICC Brochure
- More information is available from FEMA.
Assistance and Recommendations for preventing flood loss
The Parish Code Section 22-187, Obstruction of Drainage Arteries, prohibits the dumping of debris in waterways. Debris retards the water carrying capability of a channel. It can cause flooding or increase damages during a flood event.
Please contact the Department of Public Works at (985) 873-6717 whenever you see debris or someone dumping into a channel.
You can protect yourself from losses to your home, business and belongings with flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). For example, homes can be insured for up to $250,000 and $100,000 for contents. There is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect so don't wait to purchase flood insurance. Your insurance company or agent can tell you more about flood insurance. Information is also available on FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program website. This recent article from The Advocate includes data on what you can expect from disaster grants.
Federal Disaster Assistance is often available after a storm, but rarely provides as much funding as flood insurance. While federal assistance is allowed to get up to $33,000 or so, the average assistance is between $5,000 and $8,000. Some federal assistance are loans that have to be paid back. All of these are only available if the President declares a disaster. More than 90% of all disasters are not presidentially declared. Flood insurance pays even if no disaster is declared as it is a private contract between you and the NFIP that is to protect your property alone.
In an emergency, move or raise furniture and other valuables. Sand bags are available from the Parish Drainage Department at (985) 873-6717. There are several alternatives for flood protection but permanent flood proofing measures such as elevation of structures, flood proofing and retrofitting are preferable to temporary measures.
Retrofitting methods include:
- elevating the structure
- building floodwalls and closures
- protecting utilities
The Terrebonne Parish Library has publications that explain different techniques. The Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government Department of Planning and Zoning will review Flood Insurance Rate Maps to determine if a property is in a flood zone and can provide information on flood proofing regulations, systems and techniques, applicable building codes and permit and zoning requirements. Information is also available on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website at www.ready.gov/floods.
Keep alert to rapidly changing weather in order to prepare for the possibility of floods.
- A FLOOD WATCH or a FLASH FLOOD WATCH means flooding or flash flooding is possible. A flash flood means a flood that can happen very quickly is possible.
- A FLOOD WARNING or FLASH FLOOD WARNING means a flood or flash flood is occurring or will occur soon. These warnings are issued by the National Weather Service and are broadcast on local television and radio stations.
Learn the safest route from your home or business to higher, safe ground, and stay tuned to reports of changing flood conditions. If emergency officials tell you to evacuate or leave your home, go immediately to a safe place. If there is time, turn off utilities at the main switch. Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area. Every source of electricity can be dangerous during and after flooding. If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible. Never swim or play in or near floodwater. Be sure to tell your children that fast-moving water in drainage ditches and canals is extremely dangerous.
Terrebonne's vast wetlands provide the first defense against storm surge associated with hurricanes and other offshore storms. Storm surge and high tide velocities and peak flows are diminished over these open areas. Wetlands store flood waters conveyed by natural and manmade waterways away from populated areas. These same wetlands provide recreational and commercial fishing and hunting opportunities. Many of our region's important commercial fish species live all or part of their lives in the wetlands. Preservation of these areas supports efforts to protect lives and property from flood occurrence and supports the wildlife resources from which many draw a livelihood and others enjoy recreational opportunities.
The NFIP requires that a building must meet the same construction requirements as a new building if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation addition, or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the building's market values.
Substantially damaged buildings are those in which the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the building's value prior to its being damaged. These buildings must be elevated above the base flood elevation.