National Flood Insurance Program

• Your property may be located in a SFHA. To determine the flood zone for your property contact the City of Doral Building Department for a flood zone determination at   305-593-6700 or Use  Doral 311 first enter the address, then in the service area choose “BUILDING”, then in the service type choose “Flood Zone Determination”.
• … and even if you’re not in a SFHA (Special Flood Hazard Area), FLOODS HAPPEN. Mother Nature doesn’t know how to read FIRMs (Flood Insurance Rate Maps). Even Zone “X” is STILL a low-risk flood zone.
• The city of Doral is currently rated at a “Class 6” in the CRS (Community Rating System) Program and policyholders receive a 20% discount on insurance premiums for properties in the SFHA (Special Flood Hazard Area) and 10% in non=SFHA due to the City’s participation in the program and strict enforcement of the floodplain ordinance.

Did you know that Homeowner’s and/or windstorm insurance does not cover flood damage to a structure?

• Federally backed mortgages (FHA, VA, FNMA etc.) and most private mortgages (Conventional) require flood insurance. In the event that your mortgage does not have this provision or if you own your property free and clear, you should still consider purchasing flood insurance. Remember, there is a thirty (30) day waiting period before the policy becomes effective. There are two exceptions: (1) If the initial purchase of flood insurance is in connection with the making, increasing, extending, or renewing of a loan, there is no waiting period. (2) If the initial purchase of flood insurance is made during the 13-month period following the revision or update of a FIRM for the community, there is a 1-day waiting period.
• The City participates in the Community Rating System (CRS), which provides discounted flood insurance rates on all policies written in the City.

Here are some safety tips to consider, if you are ever faced with flooding.

• If you are advised to evacuate, turn off all utilities at the main switches or  valves. Disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch any electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Designate a place where your family can rendezvous if an evacuation order is issued.
• Rehearse your evacuation plan with all household members. Plan to leave early to avoid traffic delays.
• Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Look before you step. The ground and floors may be covered with debris and mud.
• If you walk in standing water, use a pale or stick to ensure that the ground is still there.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is the number two flood killer. Electrical currents can run through water. Report downed power lines to Florida Power & Light at  (305) 442-8770.
• Do not attempt to drive through large puddles or moving flood waters.
• Do not disregard road barriers, the road or bridge may be washed out.
• Look out for animals, especially snakes that may have been displaced by the flood.
• Be alert for gas leaks. If you use natural gas, use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Do not smoke or use candles.
• Remember to arrange for your pets. Most evacuation centers will not accept pets. Make plans in advance to board your pets in a kennel or with friends outside the hazard area.

• Place sandbags or similar barriers between floodwaters and your structure.

• Place your valuables and important papers in a plastic bags or waterproof containers and relocate them to the highest floor.

• Secure your boat. If possible, store it inside a garage or warehouse. If outside, make sure the boat is secure to the trailer and the trailer is tied down.

All new buildings or renovations to existing buildings require permits. These permits must be obtained prior to commencement of construction activities.

• Before you build, alter, re-grade, or fill your property contact the Building Department at  305-593-6700.
• Know the substantial improvement and damage rules. Contact the Building Department  305-593-6700 or
  download  Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference
• If you see any building or filling without a permit posted, please call our Code Compliance Department at  305-593-6680.

Proper drainage helps reduce the risk of flooding. It is illegal for the direct or indirect entry of any solid, liquid or gaseous matter into the drainage system other than rainwater runoff. The City periodically inspects the drainage system and regularly schedules debris removal operations in order to keep the drainage system at peak performance. You can help in this process by keeping the streets clear of materials and debris that could potentially affect the drainage system.

• Please report any illegal dumping activities that may affect drainage and/or contaminate the ground water to the Public Works Department at  (305) 593-6740.

For more information regarding flood damage prevention, insurance needs and requirements please call the City of Doral Building Department at  (305) 593-6700.

To reduce hurricane damage, all new buildings must be constructed with hurricane storm shutters. Installation is simple but requires a building permit. Contact the Building Department at  305-593-6700 for more information.

In the event of a storm, check TV and radio sources for up-to-date information. Know what to do in the event of a hurricane watch, warning, and/or evacuation order. Create a checklist for emergency supplies, know the locations of evacuation centers, and plan ahead for your pets. Prepare
your home before a storm to reduce potential damage.

For more information, review the Hurricane Guide on the Miami-Dade County Division of Emergency Management website or call the office at  305-468-5400. Visit  Ready.gov to learn more about what to do in the event of a hurricane watch or warning in your area.

Flood insurance is not just for properties in the floodplain. Did you know that more than 25-percent of flood insurance claims are for structures outside the 100-year floodplain? Even if your home or business is located in a low risk zone, it may still be at risk of flooding. Homeowners, renters, and business owners in low risk zones can purchase standard policies or reduced-rate “preferred risk” policies.

You can visit  www.floodsmart.gov or contact your local insurance agent for more information and rates.

Doral has many resources available to help you understand your flood risk and options for mitigation. If you want to learn more about flood risk as well as the benefits of mitigation contact the Building Department at  305-593-6700. A City official can come discuss these topics with your homeowners’ association or neighborhood group. The City is also promoting education on NAI—no adverse impact floodplain management—to set local goals and reduce damages from floods. To learn more about NAI, visit  www.floods.org or contact the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM).

Doral is encouraging homeowners and developers to take action to reduce stormwater flooding by implementing low-impact development (LID) techniques. Install LID techniques, such as rain barrels and permeable pavers, to help manage stormwater on site instead of allowing it to runoff into the stormwater drainage system, which can become overwhelmed and lead to flooding.