The 2023 winter has brought Utah much needed rain and snow. With the abundance of rain and snow comes the real potential of flooding from run-off. As a community it is important to stay prepared. Please review the information and resources below to help with your preparations.
(Source: USU Emergency Preparedness)
Sandbags are an effective way to prevent or reduce flood water damage. When properly filled and placed, sandbags can act as a barrier to divert moving water around buildings. Please note that sandbag construction does not guarantee a water-tight seal but is satisfactory for use in most situations.
Homeowners insurance does not typically cover loss due to flooding. Flood insurance is a separate policy that protects homes and belongings from floodwater damage so residents can recover after a storm. Policies typically take 30 days to go into effect, so it is important for residents to call their insurance agents now to plan ahead. Contact your local insurance agent for more information or visit the National Flood Insurance Program.
FEMA – Flood After Fire Fact Sheet
FEMA – What’s Covered in My Basement?
Kathy Holder
State Floodplain Manager
Division of Emergency Management
kcholder@utah.gov
(801) 538-3332 Office
Homeowners may experience flooding in their basements due to either groundwater or surface water. Groundwater flooding happens when water seeps into the ground and saturates the soil, causing it to rise above the basement floor. This type of flooding typically occurs during the wet season and can be caused by heavy rain, snowmelt, or highwater tables.
Surface water flooding occurs when water flows across the ground surface and enters the residence through windows, doors, or cracks in the foundation. This type of flooding often occurs during heavy rain or when snowmelt flows downhill towards a home.
Both groundwater and surface water flooding can cause significant damage to basements, but appropriate mitigation strategies may differ. For example, installing a sump pump and French drain system may be effective for addressing groundwater flooding, while sealing basement windows and doors, and grading the surrounding landscape away from the foundation may be more effective for addressing surface water flooding.
The Everbridge system provides citizen alerts to thousands of people within minutes of an emergency situation. With the system, Lehi City will be able to alert residents about severe weather, fires, floods, toxic environmental issues and in-process violent crimes. Messages can be sent to individuals using a variety of contact mechanisms– cell phone, landline, email, text messaging, and more – ensuring that residents and city staff receive life-saving emergency information and important public service announcements in minutes.
Community volunteers play an essential role in Lehi, just as they do in many other cities and towns. These volunteers are individuals who give their time and energy freely to work towards the betterment of their community without any monetary compensation. They play a critical role in improving the quality of life of the people in their community and help to create a more vibrant, healthy, and safe community.
If you are interested in volunteering when needed, please fill out the Lehi City Volunteers form. You will be contacted by your area C.E.R.T (Community Emergency Response Team) representative. Visit the C.E.R.T page for more informaton.
As temperatures warm, residents may be tempted to swim in or tube down the creek. It may seem like a harmless activity, but it can be extremely dangerous. The currents move fast and if you get trapped in a culvert or against a gate, it can be impossible to get out. Keep your animals and children away from the creek and avoid flood water.
According to the Utah Department of Health, “In Utah, drowning was the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children aged 0-17.” Drownings happen in open bodies of water, pools, and even bathtubs. Visit this link for facts and tips regarding water safety: https://health.utah.gov/…/utahns-urged-to-use-caution….
2538 North 300 West
Lehi, Utah 84043
385.201.1700
Monday-Thursday
7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
385-201-2726
Visit the Lehi Flood Map