• Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. If you are in a flood hazard area or in an area subject to flooding, purchase federal flood insurance. Flood insurance provides coverage for damage to structures and contents from flooding, flood-related erosion, and flood-caused mudslides.
• Because the City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), flood insurance is available in the CIty of North Myrtle Beach. Any house in an NFIP-participating community can be covered by a flood insurance policy, even if the house is not in the mapped floodplain. NFIP flood insurance policies can only be purchased for properties within communities that participate in the NFIP.
• The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• When you purchase or renew a flood insurance policy, there is typically 30-day waiting period for that policy to go into effect.
• The City of North Myrtle Beach is an active participant in the Community Rating System (CRS). This program is voluntary, and determines a discount (from 5-40%) on flood insurance rates based on activities performed by the community. The City of North Myrtle Beach is a CRS Class 6 community, and our residents receive a 20% reduction on our local flood insurance premiums.

Flood Insurance Coverage Facts

• Check your policy carefully; separate coverage can be obtained for a building’s structure and its contents.
• Some banks or mortgage providers may require flood insurance, but these institutions generally only require coverage for the building’s structure.
• Renters can buy contents coverage policies to protect their personal property, even if the property owner does not buy structural coverage for the building.

Where Can I Purchase Flood Insurance

• Any insurance agent can sell a flood insurance policy; all agents must charge the same rates. Contact the NFIP Referral Call Center at (888)379-9531 to request an agent referral.
• For homes subject to a lower flood risk, a Preferred Risk Policy can offer multiple coverage combinations for structure and contents.
• FloodSmart.gov provides more information about the NFIP and where/how you can purchase flood insurance.
• Find local insurance agents at this link.

Turn Around Don’t Drown:

Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than any other storm-related hazard. Over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of water. 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult; just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

Flood Warning Signals:

Stay connected to always be ready for a flood. Flood warning signals include heavy rainfall, fast flowing and rising streams/rivers, consecutive storms, and pooling water along streets or in low-lying areas.

• A flood watch means conditions are favorable for a flood or flash flood. During a flood watch, plan for the possibility of a flood and stay connected to the local news, weather channel, or radio station for the latest information.
• A flood warning means a flood/flash flood is occurring or imminent. Protect yourself and others from the flood and evacuate immediately if advised.

Know Your Zone: Evacuation Routes and Shelters

• Know Your Zone information page
• Know Your Zone Guide (pdf)
• Horry County Evacuation Zone Map showing Routes and Shelters
• Evacuation Route Map
• Hurricane Evacuation Zones in the City of North Myrtle Beach
  • Zone A: All areas east of US 17 to the northern county line and all mobile home residents within Horry County
  • Zone C: All areas east of Highway 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) to Hwy 90 and all areas east of Highway 90 to US 7 to the northern county line
• The City of North Myrtle Beach uses the Horry County Emergency Management Plan

Evacuation Safety Tips:

1. Prepare NOW:
   • Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.
   • Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
   • If flash flooding is a risk in your location, then monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain.
   • Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. The evacuation route from the City of North Myrtle Beach and points northward is to take SC 9 north to I-95 and beyond.
   • Make sure your family has a safe designated meeting place in case you are separated.
   • Build an emergency kit
   • Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
   • Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you’ve built. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
   • Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
   • Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
2. Survive DURING:
   • Depending on where you are, and the impact and the warning time of flooding, go to the safe location that you previously identified.
   • If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
   • Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
   • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
   • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
   • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, then stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek refuge on the roof.
   • If trapped in a building, then go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Go on the roof only if necessary. Once there, signal for help.
3. Be Safe AFTER:
   • Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
   • Avoid driving, except in emergencies.
   • Snakes and other animals may be in your house. Wear heavy gloves and boots during clean up.
   • Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
   • Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
   • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

During a Mandatory Evacuation

• Tune in to local radio or television stations. A Weather Alert Radio can help you stay informed of changing conditions.
• Keep your vehicle’s fuel tank as full as possible. In an evacuation, gas may not be readily available.
• Have enough cash for a few days; ATM’s may not work during a power outage, and stores might not be able to process debit and credit cards. Be sure to have plenty of small bills, as it may be difficult to get change.
• Fill necessary prescriptions, and stock up on any necessary medical supplies.
• Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways; two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
• Avoid low-lying areas. Seek shelter in the highest areas possible.

Safety Tips for Buildings

• Unplug electrical equipment and small appliances.
• Turn off gas, electricity, and water to your home.
• Shut off the electricity at the circuit breakers.
• Secure your home: lock all doors and windows.
• Seal vents to basements to prevent flooding.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.
• If a building was flooded, check for safety before entering.
  • Do not enter a building if it is still flooded or surrounded by floodwater.
  • Check for structural damage. Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage.
  • Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter tank.
  • Do not enter a building that has flooded until local building officials have inspected it for safety.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings.
  • Wear sturdy shoes. The most common injury following a disaster is cut feet.
  • Use ONLY battery-powered lighting. Flammable material may be present.
  • Look for fire hazards (such as damaged gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces).
  • Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. If possible turn off the gas at the outside main valve. Call the gas company.
  • Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
  • Check for electrical system damage (sparks, broken or frayed wires, or the smell of burning insulation). Turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker if you can reach it without stepping in water.
  • Examine walls, floors, doors, windows, and ceilings for risk of collapsing.
  • Watch out for animals that might have entered with the floodwaters.
  • Let the building air out to remove foul odors or escaping gas.

Importance of Maintaining the Drainage System

When it rains, street drains help to keep neighborhoods from flooding. When leaves collect in gutters and block these drains, water can back up and cause ponding that slows or stops traffic and can even flood yards and homes. While autumn is when leaves are most likely to collect in drains, it can happen at any time of the year. City crews work hard to maintain all of the City’s drainage infrastructure, including storm drains on streets. However, we need your help too. You can help prevent flooding by paying attention to what’s happening with the drains on your block. A few small maintenance actions on your property can also prevent stormwater from ponding.

• Keep leaves and debris out of drains.
• Avoid piling yard waste like fallen leaves and sticks in your yard, where it could wash into City drains. Keep it in a yard waste bin or other container.
• Use a rake or broom to remove leaves and debris from the tops of storm drains, and then place the material in your yard waste cart.
• Maintain your gutters and downspouts.
• Clean the gutters and drainage downspouts attached to your roof twice a year. Just one wind or rainstorm can clog a well-flowing drainage system.
• Inspect for leaks or damage to rain gutters that could cause a flat roof to flood.
• Direct flows from downspouts away from your foundation, without discharging flows to adjacent properties.
• Never discharge water over the edge of a steep hill.
• Maintain your drainage systems. Maintaining the drainage system on private property is the owner’s responsibility.
• Check your property’s drainage system. This is especially important on commercial properties that have catch basins or other drainage systems. Maintaining these systems is the property owner’s responsibility. The best way to find out what’s in your pipes is to ask a professional to “video inspect” your underground drainage system.
• If you have a driveway that leads down from the street, be sure to clear the drain at the bottom of the slope.
• If you live at the base of a hill or on a cliff, ensure that drainage and retaining walls are properly functioning.

Respect the City’s Drainage System

• Don’t put grass clippings, leaves or other debris into any of the drains, ditches, creeks, culverts, gutters or ravines in the city.
• Do not store furniture or other items like firewood, fuel tanks, containers and loose items in your yard, as floodwaters can wash these items into culverts and cause flooding.
• It is against the law to dump or to allow any material to enter the drainage system, as it leads to blockages.
• To report illegal dumping into the City’s stormwater system, call Jay Beeson in the Public Works Department at (843) 280-5588.

Permanently Retrofit a Building

Retrofitting means making changes to an existing building to protect it from flooding or other hazards such as high winds and earthquakes. FEMA’s Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways To Protect Your Home From Flooding, provides detailed information that will help you decide whether your house is a candidate for retrofitting. The guide helps by describing six retrofitting methods that protect your house from flooding.

• Elevation is raising your home so that the lowest floor is above the flood level. This is the most common way to avoid flood damage.
• Wet floodproofing makes uninhabited parts of your home resistant to flood damage when water is allowed to enter during flooding.
• Relocation means moving your home to higher ground where the exposure to flooding is eliminated altogether.
• Dry floodproofing is sealing your home to prevent flood waters from entering.
• Levee and floodwall protection means constructing barriers to prevent flood waters from entering your home.
• Demolition means razing your home and rebuilding properly on the same property or buying a home elsewhere.

Emergency Floodproofing Measures

Emergency measures are temporary measures that are implemented between the flood warning and the flood event to protect the building from floodwaters. Sandbags, temporary flood barriers, and flood wrapping systems are common emergency flood protection measures.

• Sandbags: Temporary walls constructed of sandbags can be used to protect structures from flooding or provide additional height to existing levee systems when floodwaters reach critical levels. Typical sandbags are constructed of plastic or treated burlap bags approximately 14 inches wide and 24 inches long and are filled with sand or other fine-grained soils. Because of the intensive effort and amount of time required to provide protection even from relatively shallow water, sandbag walls are not a reliable protection measure. To be effective, sandbags and sand should be stockpiled and checked regularly to ensure that the sandbags have not deteriorated. Sand and/or filled sandbags stored unprotected out of doors in cold weather climates may freeze and be rendered unusable. The disadvantages of sandbags are high disposal costs and a tendency to absorb pollutants from contaminated floodwaters, which necessitates their disposal as hazardous waste.
• Temporary Flood Barriers: A number of vendors make temporary flood barriers that can be assembled relatively easily, moved into place, anchored, and filled with water or sand. The barriers must be sized for the site, and training and annual drills are important so personnel know how to deploy the barriers. Proper storage,
  including cleaning after deployment, is necessary to protect the materials over long periods. In 2006, FM Approvals published FM Standard 2510, Approval Standard for Flood Abatement Equipment (FM Approvals 2006). The current FM Approvals test protocols are for self-supporting, temporary barriers designed to protect against riverine flood depths up to 3 feet. These barriers are not tested for coastal flooding applications, where the presence of saltwater may hinder their performance. Because saltwater is denser than freshwater, a barrier filled with freshwater in a coastal location may float instead of providing protection against flooding
• Flood Wrapping Systems: Flood wrapping systems are temporary emergency measures consisting of plastic or other synthetic waterproof sheeting material that is used to seal a building to prevent water intrusion during the flood duration. Wrapping systems present different challenges from impervious wall systems: they need to be anchored, stored, and repaired. Flood wraps benefit from barrier reinforcement such as sandbags or plywood walls and should generally be able to withstand the pressure of 3 feet of water for a limited period. Wrapping systems rely on the existing walls, which may need to be strengthened to resist flood loads, but they also need to bridge openings such as
  doors and windows, which typically require some type of temporary reinforcement to support the portion of the wrapping system that spans the openings. The area of openings and the flood protection level should be considered when selecting the wrapping material. When using flood wrapping material, refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for depth of flooding limitations, reinforcement requirements, and applicability with existing construction materials at the openings.

• City of North Myrtle Beach Ordinance dealing with Flood Damage Control
• All floodplain development needs a local permit. The Building Division of the Planning & Development Department issues all City permits. The address of the Building Division is 1018 Second Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, and the office can be reached at (843) 280-5560.
• To report illegal floodplain development, please call John Hill at (843) 280-5568.

Rules for New Construction:

• AE flood zone: All buildings shall be elevated so the lowest floor is located not less than twelve inches above the level of base flood
• VE flood zone: All buildings shall be elevated so the bottom of the lowest supporting horizontal member is located not less than twelve inches above the level of base flood
• Mobile homes located in a flood zone: Platform for the air conditioning condenser shall be constructed not less than twelve inches above the level of base flood
• Proper height must be verified by a finished construction elevation certificate

Rules for Substantial Improvement:

Floodplain management requirements for new construction apply to substantial improvements. This affects any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the “start of construction” of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred “substantial damage,” regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either:

1. Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions, or
2. Any alterations of a “historic structure,” provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a “historic structure.”

Rules for Substantial Damage:

Substantial Damage applies to a structure in a floodplain for which the total cost of repairs is 50 percent or more of the structure’s market value before the disaster occurred, regardless of the cause of damage.

• If a building in a floodplain is determined to be substantially damaged, it must be brought into compliance with local floodplain-management regulations:
  • Owners who decide to rebuild may need to elevate their structures, or change them in some other way to comply with those local floodplain regulations and avoid future losses;
  • Owners of non-residential structures may need to flood-proof their buildings.
• Property owners who have a FEMA flood-insurance policy and a substantially damaged building in a Special Flood Hazard Area may be able to use additional funds from their policy (up to $30,000) to help defray the costs of elevating, relocating or demolishing a structure. For more information on this provision – known as Increased Cost of Compliance – contact your insurance agent.