Flood Information

The City of Evansville has FEMA floodplain designated areas within the city. Floodplains are lowland areas adjacent to lakes wetlands and rivers that are covered by water during a flood, typically due to excessive rain or snowmelt. Evansville has two flood hazard areas. One is associated with Allen Creek through the center of the city.  The other is associated with an agricultural drainage ditch along the city's western border. Landowners should be aware that communities may contain substantial areas that are subject to flooding but are not indicated as flood-prone on official maps.

Mapping

Location of floodplain and floodway areas are depicted on maps maintained at City Hall. The Community Development Director and City Engineer can assist in answering questions and determining if a property is within a designated floodplain. Maps that show the flood hazard areas, the floodway, base flood elevations, local drainage problems, wetlands, and protected floodplain areas are available to look at as well as other flood-related information. The City also maintains elevation certificates for construction in 2009 and newer.

Please note: local flood problems can exist on properties located outside the designated floodplain areas. 

Digital FIRM panels are also available to view through FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.  By entering your address, find out quickly if your home is at risk.

Any grading work done on or around your property may need a permit. Within the floodplain, special development rules apply to work done in these areas as part of a permit.Always check with the City before you begin work. 

Zoning and Building Permit Applications are available here.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

If you do not have flood insurance, talk with your insurance agent. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Flood insurance is only available to those communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Evansville is part of the NFIP. Additionally, because Evansville participates in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) Program, flood insurance premiums are discounted. The city participates in the CRS program and is certified as a Class 7 community, resulting in a lowering of flood insurance premiums for residents. Additionally, the certification acknowledges the work the city does to manage floodplain areas and educate residents of best practices.

Be sure to check your policy to ensure you have adequate coverage. Usually these policies cover the building structure but not the contents. Contents coverage can also be obtained by asking. There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage becomes effective. Plan ahead; do not wait until a flood is predicted before purchasing flood insurance.

Drainage System Maintenance

As simple as it may sound, keeping smaller ditches and streams free of debris can dramatically improve the run-off capacity of low-lying areas as well as greatly reduce the occurrence of blockage that significantly contributes to flooding. The Evansville Municipal Services Department regularly inspects the streams, ditches, storage basins, and culverts in the city's stormwater drainage system throughout the city. If you see a local flooding or drainage problem that needs attention, see someone in the act of dumping, or see debris in one of the city’s watercourses, please contact the Municipal Services Department at 608-882-2270.

Natural and Beneficial Functions

The most viable function of a floodplain is its ability to carry and store floodwaters due to excessive rain or snowmelt. Undeveloped floodplains also provide many other natural and economic resource benefits. Floodplains often contain wetlands and other areas important to a diverse, healthy ecosystem.  Such areas provide opportunities for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.

The values and benefits of undeveloped land located in floodplains include:

• Flood damage reduction

• Recreational opportunities

• Habitat for plants and animals

• Water pollution reduction

• Stormwater management

• Erosion control

• Preservation of cultural resources

• Outdoor education

Know Your Risk!

Flooding remains the country’s number one disaster and can potentially affect everyone and every property. Learn more about how to protect you, your family, and your property at this website:

Prepare Your Home or Business for Flood Risk

R: Reduce Your Risk

I: Insure Your Risk

S: Share Information on Risk

K: Know Your Risk and Your Community's Risk

Flood Safety

The following common sense guidelines can help you from the dangers of flooding:

• Do not drive through a flooded area.  More people drown in cars than anywhere else.  Do not drive around barriers.

• Do not walk through flowing water.  Currents can be deceptive.  Six inches of water can knock you off your feet.

• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.  If your house is about to be flooded, turn off the power at the service box.  Electrical current can travel through water; electrocution is the second leading cause of death during floods.

• Be alert to gas leaks.  Turn off the gas to your house before it floods.  If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call 800-261-LEAK (5325).  Do not use candles, lanterns or open flames if you smell gas or are unsure if your gas has been shut off.

• Keep children away from the floodwaters, ditches, culverts and storm drains.  Floodwaters can carry raw sewage as well as dangerous hazards hidden under water.  Culverts may suck smaller people into them rendering them helpless.

• Clean everything that has been wet.  Floodwaters will be contaminated with sewage and chemicals which pose severe health threats.

• Look out for animals.  Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours.

• Do not use gas engines (such as generators) or charcoal fires indoors.  Carbon monoxide exhaust can pose serious health hazards.

Learn More

Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding: A Guide for Communities

Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House

Answers to Questions about NFIP

Resources

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

The NFIP offers flood insurance to help you protect the life you’ve built and recover more quickly after a flood.

Floodplain Zoning Ordinance for the City of Evansville, Wisconsin

This ordinance provides a uniform basis for the preparation, implementation and administration of sound floodplain regulations for all floodplains within the city.