Gypsum Floodplain Information

Please see link above to the Saline County Hazard Mitigation Plan - Adopted by the City of Gypsum October 12, 2020

NOTICE PUBLICIZING THE MAP INFORMATION SERVICE FOR GYPSUM, Kansas

NOTICE TO: Lending Institutions, Real Estate Agents, and Insurance Agents

Subject: Flood Insurance Rate Map Zone Information

As a public service, Gypsum City Office will provide you with the following information upon request:

1. Whether a property is in or out of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) of the City.

2. Addition flood insurance data for a site, such as the Firm zone and the base flood elevation or depth, if shown on the FIRM.

3. We have handouts from FEMA on Flood Preparation and Safety, Top Ten Facts for Consumers, Nothing Can Dampen the Joy of Home Ownership, and National Flood Insurance Program. Pamphlets are also available at the Gypsum Library and Citizens State Bank.

FLOOD SAFETY

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

1. Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around barriers. A car can be carried away by just 2 feet of water.

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

3. 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 2nd leading cause of death during floods.

4. Be alert to gas leaks. Turn off the gas to your house before it floods. if you smell gas, report it to the gas company. Do not use candles, lanterns or open flames if you smell gas.

5. Keep children away from the flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains. Floodwaters can carry unimaginable items that have dislodged themselves. Culverts may suck smaller people into the rendering them helpless.

6. Clean everything that has been wet. Floodwater will be contaminated with sewage and other chemicals which pose severe health threats.

7. Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their home may seek shelter in yours.

8. Do not use gas engines, such as generators, or charcoal fires indoors during power outages. Carbon monoxide exhaust can pose serious health hazards.

PROPERTY PROTECTION MEASURES

If your property is susceptible to flooding, there are many flood damage reduction measures you can employ:

1. Watertight seals can be applied to brick and block walls to protect against low-level flooding.

2. Utilities such as heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and other major appliances can be elevated to higher floors in the structure or on raised platforms.

3. Temporary measures such as moving furniture and other valuables to higher floors or sandbagging exterior openings will also help.

4. Elevating or relocation the entire structure may also be a feasible option.

NATURAL & BENEFICIAL FUNCTIONS

Floodplains play a valuable role in providing natural and beneficial functions to the area around, and including, the City of Gypsum. Floodplains that are relatively undisturbed provide a wide range of benefits to both human and natural systems.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

As simple as it may sound, simply keeping smaller ditches and culverts 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. It is illegal to dump materials into a required waterway and violators may be fined.

GYPSUM LEVEE

The City of Gypsum is protected by a levee system. It is inspected annually by the Corps of Engineers.

It is illegal for unauthorized persons to drive on the dike. If you see someone other than City personnel driving on the dike, please contact the City Office at (785)-536-4296.

FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM

In the event of a flash flood due to a large rain event, city personnel monitor Gypsum Creeks and surrounding areas. Flood gates are closed as necessary. You will also see or hear regular interruptions on local radio and television stations advising you of the situation.