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Reason For This Notification

This information is being supplied to property owners located in Flood Hazard areas. These 100 year coastal flood plains include V, A, and AO Zones located along Narrow River, Point Judith Pond, Rhode Island Sound, Wesquage Pond and The Atlantic Ocean.

The purpose of this information is to remind all homeowners of the potential hazards associated with coastal storms, hurricanes, blizzards, etc. 

FLOOD ZONE DESIGNATIONS

1.V-areas of tidal influence which have been determined to be subject to wave action in excess of 3 feet, extensive erosion and heavy winds.
2.A, AO-areas prone to flooding but not subject high velocity waters or wave action.

If you reside in an area designated as a flood zone you should consider purchasing flood insurance by contacting your local insurance vendor. Flood insurance is not covered by a standard property or homeowners policy.

What is a flood hazard area? A 100-year coastal flood plain is an area that on average is expected to have a 1% chance of being flooded in a given year. For example during the life of a 30-year mortgage there is a 30% chance that your property will be flooded. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps these flood areas. These maps can be examined in the Building Inspection Office and Department of Community Development on the FEMA maps and on the GIS computer system. Coastal flooding is usually the result of large storms such as hurricanes or Northeasters. Floodwaters are driven by high winds, abnormal tides and storm surges. The longer the storms are present in the community the more damage they can create. The blizzards of 1978 and 1996 are examples of 100-year storms.

In 1992 hurricane Bob caused massive flooding, together with tree and structural damage to residential homes and several businesses.

FLOOD WARNINGS

The Public Safety and Emergency Management Directors are in charge of the Narragansett office of emergency preparedness. These individuals are dedicated to assisting residents in times of emergency. Essential Town personnel are activated to ensure the safety and well being of the residents of the Town of Narragansett. 

The public shelter is the Pier School located on South Pier Road. Please tune in to your local news and radio station for information regarding storm and pertinent information. In some cases door-to-door notification by Police and Fire Departments is enacted to relocate residents to higher ground. Main water lines may be shut off during a hurricane to ensure lines are not contaminated from the storm surge.

If a potential storm is approaching the following steps should be taken by property owners:

1.Refer to local TV and radio stations for information and instruction.
2.Stay away from the low-lying areas and beachfront property.
3.Stay away from power lines.
4.Secure dwelling and prepare for the storm.
5.Evacuate to higher ground.
6.Purchase batteries, flashlight, portable radios and nonperishable food.
7.Abide by instructions from the Public Safety Director.
8.Follow Town approved evacuation routes

What can be done to minimize flood and structural damage?

1.Retrofit dwellings in flood prone areas. 
2.Elevate all electrical appliances, washers, hot water heaters and furnaces, etc.
3.Relocate electrical panels above flood plain.
4.Install hurricane clips on rafters and roof trusses.
5.Secure or remove valuable items.

What else can be done?

1.You must contact the Building Officials office prior to retrofitting.
2.All drainage problems should be reported to Public Works. 

The Town of Narragansett and The Federal Emergency Management Agency have provided this public service information to minimize the potential loss of life and property.


Emergency Personnel

1.Public Safety Director/Town Manager,
2.Emergency Management Director/Fire Chief
3.Director of Public Works
4.Building Official Anthony L. Santilli, Jr.
5.Town Engineer Jeffery Ceasrine P.E.
6.Director of Community Development
7.Narragansett Fire Department 789-1000
8.Narragansett Police Department 789-1091
9.Town Hall 789-1044
10.Pier School 792-9430

For More information Contact:
State NFIP Program
(401) 946-9996
www.State.ri.us/riema