City Offices
18100 Upper Bay Road
P.O. Box 58448
Nassau Bay, TX 77258
281.333.4211

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The following information provides residents with property protection measures for flooding situations that occur in Nassau Bay and basic facts about flood insurance.

• Local heavy rains

• Riverine flooding

• Tidal flooding with storm surge.

The bodies of water which contribute to flooding are, Cow Bayou, Clear Creek and Clear Lake. Floodwaters can cover many blocks up to four or five feet deep. Floodwaters may not look so deep, but they still cover streets and yards and can flood cars, garages and homes.

Flooding can come with little warning and can also be dangerous. Even though it appears to move slowly (three feet per second), a flood two feet deep can knock you off your feet and float a car. Your property may be high enough that it has not previously flooded; however, future flooding can occur because the next flood could be worse. If you are in the floodplain, the odds are that some day your property will be damaged.

City Flood Services
The first thing that you should do is check your flood hazard zone. Flood maps are available to view at City Hall in the Building Department. Flood maps are also available as stated above. If you are in the floodplain, more detailed information is available, such as determining base flood elevations and past flooding problems. The City Building Department also has FEMA elevation certificates on file. If damage has occurred and repairs are needed, a handout is also available on selecting various contractors. Materials concerning flood prevention and flood insurance references are available at www.fema.gov and City Hall.

Note: The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) provides only general information of flood probabilities to the residents. A specific flood hazard determination can only be made by the authorized Floodplain Administrator since additional information is considered which is not available on the FIRM.

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• Do not dump or throw anything into the ditches or streams. Dumping in our ditches and streams is a violation of our Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (No. 2000-511). Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug the storm sewers. A plugged storm sewer cannot carry water and when it rains the water has to go somewhere. Every piece of trash contributes to flooding.
• If your property is next to a ditch or stream, please do your part and keep the banks clear of brush and debris. The City has a maintenance program which can help remove debris and major blockages, such as downed trees.
• If you see dumping or debris in the ditches or streams, please do not hesitate to notify City Hall at 281-333-4211 or 281-333-4200.
• Always check with the Building Department before you alter, regrade, place fill, or build on your property. A permit may be required to ensure that projects do not cause problems on your property or neighboring properties.
• If you see building or filling without a City permit posted at the work location, contact the City Building Department at 281-333-4211
• Review the following information on flood damage prevention, flood insurance and flood safety.

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Flood Damage Prevention
There are several ways to protect a building from flood damage.

• One way is to keep the water away by regrading your lot or by building a small floodwall or earthen berm. These methods work if your lot is large enough, if flooding is not too deep, and if your property is not in the floodway. The Building Department can provide you with a floodzone determination prior to construction.
• Another approach is to raise the house above flood levels. Many houses, even those not in the floodplain, have sewers that may back up during heavy rains. For sewer backup flooding, talk to a plumber about installing a backflow prevention valve.
• Select building materials that are moisture resistant.

These measures are called flood damage prevention or retrofitting. Remember, any alteration to your building or land may require a permit from the Building Department. Even regrading or filling in the floodplain requires a permit.

If you know a flood is coming, you should shut off the gas and electricity and move valuable contents upstairs. A detailed checklist prepared in advance will help ensure that you don’t forget anything.

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Flood Insurance
If you don’t have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. However, because the City of Nassau Bay participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. This insurance is backed by the Federal government and is available to everyone, even for properties that have been flooded. Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank when they got a mortgage or home improvement loan.

Usually these policies just cover the building structure and not the contents. Often, there is more damage to the furniture and contents than there is to the structure. If you are covered by flood insurance, check the amount and make sure you have contents coverage. Flood insurance covers all floods from rising water. Remember, even if the last flood missed you or you have done some floodproofng, the next flood could be worse.

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Flood Safety

• Don’t walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; 2 feet of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground has not washed away.
• Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical currents can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the local Power Company or the City Emergency Management office.
• Have your electricity turned off by the Power Company. Some appliances, such as televisions, keep electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.
• Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals.
• Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
• Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.

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Flood Warning
In the event of severe weather, local radio and television stations KTRH (740) AM), KHOU (Channel 11), KPRC (Channel 2), and KTRK (Channel 13) interrupt scheduled programming with a severe weather alert. If you have access to a computer, you may also log onto the National Weather Service website at www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx. First Call and the Reverse 911 systems are both available and are used by City Officials to make emergency notifications. Notices are also posted on this website. In the event of evacuation, Nassau Bay residents are encouraged to use the official evacuation route which is NASA Parkway to I-45 North.