Flood Damage Prevention Resources

Preparing for the storm starts long before the first warning—proactive planning and strategic mitigation efforts are key to protecting your home or business from flood damage. This section outlines essential guidelines, including structural protection, landscape management, business-specific strategies, and financial preparedness, to help Long Beach Island property owners reduce flood risks and enhance resilience.

Property Protection and Structural Mitigation

a.     Home Elevating

• Elevating your home is one of the most direct ways to avoid structural damage from flooding.

• In many cases, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires homes to be built above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) or elevated to BFE when undergoing substantial improvements.

• Home elevating guidance can be found here: HGTR_sec5.p65

• The Mitigation Assistance Program (MAP) is accepting applications from New Jersey homeowners who are in flood prone areas and would like to apply to elevate their home. Applications for funding support can be initiated here: New Jersey Department of Community Affairs | Mitigation Assistance Programs

• For homes that cannot be elevated, alternative mitigation options include dry floodproofing (sealing the building to prevent water entry), wet floodproofing (allowing water to enter but minimizing damage), and constructing barriers. These are detailed below and explained in FEMA resources here: Reducing Flood Risk to Residential Buildings that Cannot Be Elevated

b.     Elevate and Anchor Utilities

• Raise electrical panels, appliances (HVAC, water heaters, washers, dryers), and other utilities at least one foot above Base Flood Elevation (BFE).

• Secure fuel tanks.

• Install backflow valves on sewer lines to prevent sewage backup.

• For more comprehensive guidance, see the FEMA Principles and Practices for the Design and Construction of Flood Resistant Building Utility Systems here: Protecting Building Utility Systems From Flood Damage_P-348

c.     Flood-Resistant Construction

• Use flood-resistant building materials like concrete, pressure-treated wood, or marine-grade plywood.

• Install breakaway walls in flood-prone areas to reduce structural damage.

d.     Dry Floodproofing (Preventing Water from Entering)

• Apply waterproof coatings and sealants on walls to reduce seepage.

• Install flood shields and barriers at doorways and other entry points.

e.     Wet Floodproofing (Minimizing Damage if Water Enters)

• Design ground floor space (or if present, basements and crawl spaces) to allow water to flow through rather than build up pressure.

• Use elevated shelving for storage to prevent water damage to belongings.

• A full guide to flood retrofitting your home, with both wet and dry floodproofing measures is available here: Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting_P-312

f.      Protecting manufactured and mobile homes

• Residents living in mobile or manufactured homes should implement specific measures to reduce flood risk, in addition to elevating the home, structural anchoring, and utility protection

• Detailed guidance on risk mitigation and installation steps can be found in FEMA's manual: Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards_P-85.pdf

Exterior & Landscape Protection

a.     Proper Drainage & Runoff Management

• Maintain gutters and downspouts, keeping them clear of debris.

• Ensure water flows away from the foundation with proper grading.

• Use rain barrels and similar technologies to capture and store stormwater when sewers are overwhelmed, and surface ponding is occurring.

b.     Secure Outdoor Equipment & Debris

• Secure or bring inside loose items like patio furniture, trash bins, or signage.

• Anchor propane tanks and generators to prevent flotation or displacement.

c.     Elevate & Reinforce Entryways

• Install flood-resistant doors and windows.

Business-Specific Mitigation Strategies

a.     Protect Business Documents & Equipment

• Store critical documents digitally or in waterproof, fireproof containers.

• Elevate electronics, inventory, and expensive equipment above expected flood levels.

b.     Develop a Business Continuity Plan

• Identify key emergency contacts and suppliers.

• Train employees on flood response and evacuation procedures.

• If possible, establish remote work protocols if the location becomes inaccessible. 

c.     Consider Flood Insurance for Business Interruption

• Review National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies that cover property damage and business interruption.

• Understand what disaster assistance loans may be available through FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

• For more information see resources on Financial Protection and Insurance Considerations and Disaster Recovery Funding Opportunities.
  

 Financial Protection & Insurance Considerations

a. Purchase Adequate Flood Insurance

• LBI is a high-risk flood area—homeowners and businesses should have a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)-backed policy. The NFIP landing page can be accessed here: https://www.floodsmart.gov/

• The NFIP provides information on policy options, coverage details, and how to file claims. The current National Flood Insurance Manual, effective April 1, 2024, can be accessed here: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_nfip_flood-insurance-manual_042024.pdf.

• Note standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flooding.

• Consider Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage for temporary housing costs in the wake of an event.

b. Document Property & Valuables

• Take photos and videos of your home, business, and valuables for insurance claims.

• Keep important financial records in waterproof storage or secure cloud storage.

c. Insurance Rebates under the Community Rating System

• LBI municipalities participate in the Community Rating System (CRS), which may offer flood insurance discounts for proactive mitigation measures. The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.

• Residents can contact their municipal administration for information on CRS participation and potential flood insurance discounts.  Where publicly available, CRS Coordinator contact information is noted on the Municipal Emergency Management & Contact Information page.