Town of Grifton, NC

Town of Grifton
528 Queen Street
P.O. Box 579
Grifton, NC 28530
(252) 524-5168

Town of Grifton

Flood Protection Information

The Town of Grifton is susceptible to flooding throughout the year. The major source of flooding for Grifton is Contentnea Creek, which drains into the Neuse River. During periods of constant, heavy rains, Contentnea Creek can overrun its banks and flood the surrounding areas within the flood plain. Flood waters can reach in excess of six feet in some areas. Mill Branch Creek and the Grifton Canal are two areas North of Contentnea Creek that are flood prone during and after periods of intense rain. South of Contentnea Creek, Eagle Swamp also is prone to flooding during and after heavy rain. Though not as deep as flood waters of Contentnea Creek, these smaller areas can still cause major damage to property, as well as be dangerous to walk or drive through. Water flowing even at a shallow depth can sweep a person off their feet and can even float a car.

Flooding in the above mentioned areas can occur very fast, as was the case with the Hurricane Floyd Flood of 1999. It is very important to pay close attention to flood warnings posted on the television, radio, or internet. Remember, floods are dangerous and can cause serious damage to property and loss of life to people and animals. If an evacuation order is given, follow it. It could save your life. Do not be over confident if your home has never been flooded before. Every flood is different, and the next one could be worse than any other previous flood. This flyer will help you take the appropriate measures to protect yourself and your property in the event of a flood.

Town Flood Services: The first thing you should do is check your flood hazard. There are flood maps and flood protection reference guides available at the Grifton Public Library. You can also call or visit the Pitt County Planning Department at (252) 902-3250 to see if you are mapped in a flood plain. They can also notify you as to what flood zone you may live, as well as the base flood elevation or depth. Elevation Certificates are available at Grifton Town Hall.

What You Can Do: Several of the Town’s efforts to control losses due to flooding depend upon your cooperation and assistance. Here is what you can do to help:

Ų Do not dump or throw anything into the ditches or streams. Anything that can accumulate (even grass clippings and trash) and plug up channels aids in causing floods. Water needs to disperse as easily as possible, and a plugged channel will not allow water to disperse. North Carolina State Law prohibits dumping in the public drainage system.

Ų If your property is next to a ditch or stream, please do your part and keep the banks clear of brush and debris. The Town attempts to keep all channels flowing smoothly and appreciates assistance in doing so.

Ų If you see dumping or debris in the ditches or streams, contact the Grifton Utilities Department at (252)524-4081.

Ų Always check with the Pitt County Building Inspector before you build on, alter, regrade, or fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties.

Ų If you see a building or filling without a county permit sign posted, contact the Pitt County Building Inspector at (252)902-3150.

Ų Check out the following information on floodproofing, flood insurance and flood safety.

Floodproofing: There are several different ways to protect a building from flood damage. One way is to keep the water away by regrading your lot or building a small flood wall or earthen berm. These methods will work if your lot is large enough, if the flooding is not too deep, and if your property is not in the floodway. The Pitt County Planning Department can provide this information for you

Another approach is to make your walls waterproof and place watertight closures over the doorways. This method is not recommended for houses with basements or if water will get over two feet deep.

A third approach is to raise the house above flood levels. A small house can be raised for under $10,000. There are many homes in Eastern North Carolina that have been raised since the Hurricane Floyd Flood of 1999.

These measures are called floodproofing or retrofitting. More information is available at the Grifton Public Library. Remember, any changes to your building or lands may require a permit from the Pitt County Engineering Department. If you know a flood is coming, you should shut off the gas and electricity and move valuable contents upstairs. It is unlikely that you will get much warning as to when a flood may occur, so a detailed checklist may ensure that you do not forget what steps to take when a flood occurs.

Flood Insurance: If you do not have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. However, because Grifton 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 in Grifton, even for properties that have been previously 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 buildings structure and not the contents. During the kind of flooding that has been experienced in Grifton, there is typically a large amount of damage to furniture and contents, as well as structural. If you already have flood insurance, make sure that it covers contents as well as structure. Remember, even if the last flood missed you, the next could be worse.

Text Box: Don’t wait for the next flood to buy flood insurance protection. There is a 30-day waiting period before National Flood Insurance Program Coverage can take effect. Contact your local insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage available to you.

Substantial Improvement Requirements: Floodplain building additions, improvements, and repairs that equal or exceed 50 % of the value of the existing building must meet the same requirements as new buildings. Substantially improved or damaged residential buildings must be elevated to or above the base flood elevation. For more information, please consult the Pitt County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, or call the Pitt County Planning Department (252)-902-3250

Flood Safety

Ų Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or a stick to endure that the ground is still there.

Ų 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.

Ų Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Progress Energy or call the Town Hall (252) 524-5168.

Ų Have your electricity turned off by the power company. Some appliances, such as television sets, keep electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Do not use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned, and dried.

Ų 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.

Ų Look out 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.

Ų Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Do not smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.

The Flood Warning System

The Town of Grifton receives flood warnings from the National Weather Service via the Emergency Broadcast System and the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. Within 24 hours or less, all warnings are acted upon and the information is disseminated by the Pitt County Emergency Services Office via local radio, television, fixed siren systems, and the Emergency Broadcast System.

Natural and Beneficial Functions of Flooding

In addition to the natural beauty of our creeks and wetlands, these features dissipate wave forces, reduce frequency, and duration of surface flow, provide a habitat for fish, wildlife and other vegetation, and filter various forms of runoff. Fortunately, the state of North Carolina has implemented Buffer Rules to protect areas immediately adjacent to our waterbodies form undesirable development that could be detrimental to their functions. For further information on these Buffer Rules, please contact NCDENR at (919) 733-7984.

Other Links of Interest

Community Rating System

http://www.fema.gov/nfip/crs.shtm

North Carolina Online Digital Flood Maps

http://wwwncfloodmaps.com

Property Protection Measures

http://www.woodriver.org/FloodInfo/ProtectProperty/BasementFlooding.htm

http://www.floodplain.org/flood_basics.htm

Natural/Beneficial Functions of Flooding.

http://www.woodriver.org/FloodInfo/BenefitsofFloodplain.htm

Flood Plain Map/ Buyout Map

http://www.grifton.com/maps/floodhazard.jpg