LAWRENCE CO. – A reminder to residents who live in a designated flood zone in rural Lawrence County, that in order for Lawrence County to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program the county must have a flood ordinance.
A floodplain or bottomland is an area of land adjacent to a river that stretches from the banks of its channel to the base of the enclosing valley walls, and which experiences flooding during periods of high discharge.
A flood ordinance enables persons who want to purchase flood insurance in Lawrence County the ability to do so, said Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer.
“In addition, if your home is in a designated flood plain and your home is damaged from recent flooding by more than 50% of your home’s value, you must get a permit from my office before repairing the home,” Luchauer added. “In some cases, the home must be elevated two feet above the 100-year flood elevation.”
Residents of floodplains face the very real risk of flooding and the devastation that it can cause. homes can be damaged or destroyed and property can be ruined. If you live in a floodplain, you can avoid or at least minimize the damage by planning today for flooding that might occur tomorrow.
For further information contact the Lawrence County Emergency Management office via email at lcema@lawrencecounty.in.gov or by phone at 812-277-9680.
