Gibraltar is a part of the Detroit River watershed and has a history of flooding throughout the decades. Depending on water levels and fluctuations, flooding can occur anytime, mainly from the spring thr ough the fall. Flooding can be influenced by several different factors such as water levels, weather trends (i.e. high rainfall, receiving heavy amount of rain in a short period of time, or easterly winds). Furthermore, heavy rainfall can also overburden the storm sewer system which can cause water back up in our roads. Think of letting out the drain in your bathtub, an immense amount of water trying to fit in a restricted outlet. When we receive heavy amounts of rainfall in a short period of time, it can inundate our systems. Our Water & Sewer Department has installed pumps at several high risk points in the city to assist our systems during these rain events.
TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN! Know the flood warning signs! Gibraltar residents keep in mind:
City sirens will run on on the hour every hour when water levels reach 72″ above sea level.
During a flood event, entry into the city will be closed to non-residents for safety purposes. Check points at S. Gibraltar Rd., Gibraltar Rd., and N. Gibraltar Rd. will be in place. Residents will have to show I.D. for entry. The Police Department has made available Orange Flood Tags (2 per household) to be placed in windows for quicker flow of traffic. These can be picked up at our Police Station, 29450 Munro Ave., Gibraltar, MI 48173
In preparation of potential flooding, the City has made available sand bags free of charge. These are available at City Hall, 29450 Munro Ave., Gibraltar, MI 48173
Text “48173” to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts straight from our Police Department
Check out the resources below for more information on the dangers of flooding and how to mitigate the risks. Call City Hall at 734-676-3900 for further questions or information.
What is a floodplain?
What is a floodplain?
A floodplain is an area adjacent to a river that is subject to flooding.
FACT: Floods are the nation’s most common and costly natural disaster and cause millions of dollars in damage every year.
What can you do to help prevent flooding?
Water conservation! During heavy rainfall and snow melt, cutting consumption can make a difference when storm water threatens to overwhelm the system. Flush less, delay doing laundry, taking showers or running the dishwasher.
FACT: Homeowners and renters insurance does not typically cover flood damage.
Is flood insurance necessary?
Floods can happen anywhere — just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both, so it is important to protect your most important financial assets — your home, your business, your possessions. Due to the likelihood of damage in a flood zone, your lender will generally require you to purchase a flood insurance policy. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about your coverage. Furthermore, renters should also buy flood insurance to protect personal contents within the home.
Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)
To determine a community’s risk to flood hazards, FEMA performs an engineering study called a Flood Insurance Study (FIS). A FIS is a compilation and presentation of flood hazard areas along rivers, streams, coasts, and lakes within a community. The results of the FIS are shown on FEMA’s flood maps called Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in the accompanying description of the study called an FIS report. To see where your house falls on the FIRM, simply search your address on the FEMA website: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
Community Rating System (CRS)
The City of Gibraltar participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS).
The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted.
The discounts will be applied automatically upon renewal of the flood insurance, so when it is time for the resident to renew their flood insurance, there will be a line item in the invoice from the insurance provider showing a 10% reduction due to community participation in the CRS.
Environmental Affairs also maintains copies of Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Studies for review. For more information you can contact our City Administrator, Michael Landis, at mlandis@cityofgibraltarmi.gov
