Floodplain Management

Insure Your Property

The City of Minot participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which makes federally-backed flood insurance available for all structures, whether or not they are located within the floodplain. More than 25% of NFIP claims are filed by properties located outside the 100-year floodplain, also known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).

Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. If you have a flood insurance policy because it was required by your mortgage lender, it may only cover the structure of your property, not the contents. Separate contents coverage can be added to your policy to insure valuable items and appliances - this is also a great option for renters! For information about flood insurance, your best resource is to contact your insurance agent, and you can learn more at www.floodsmart.gov. It is important to remember that there is a 30-day waiting period between purchasing a flood insurance policy and the effective date of the policy.

The City became part of the Community Rating System (CRS) in October of 2016, which allows residents to get discounts on flood insurance by enforcing additional standards in the floodplain to keep citizens and property safe. Currently the City is rated as a Class 6 as of April 1, 2022.

Protect Your Property

Protect your property from the hazards of flooding by ensuring your lot slopes away from the building; building a small flood wall, earthen berm, or ditch; placing watertight closures over the doorways; or raising the structure. (All of the above requires a permit from the City of Minot.)

Maintaining drainage facilities can also prevent local flooding. Blockages can occur through dumping yard waste and other debris into our open drainage channels and on our City streets. Dumping in waterways, including the City’s curb and gutter system, is a violation of City of Minot Code of Ordinances and should be reported to the Engineering Department at (701) 857-4100.

Local, State, and Federal programs may be available to help with the cost of flood protection measures for your home. Call the Engineering Department for more details and contact information for these programs if you are interested.

Create an Action Plan

Protect and prepare your property. Make sure your sump pump is working. Clear debris from downspouts and gutters. Move furniture and valuables to a safe place if flooding is expected.

Create a household inventory for insurance purposes.

Make copies of all critical documents.

Keep an emergency supply. Non-perishable food, water, blankets, first aid, batteries, flashlights, can opener and a battery operated radio should be kept available.

Develop an emergency evacuation plan for your family and practice so everyone knows what to do. Don’t forget about your four legged family members.

What to do DURING a flood:

If your property is in imminent danger, turn off all utilities at the main switch.

Seek shelter in the highest area possible. If water rises before you are able to evacuate, go to the top floor, attic or roof.

Using a battery operated radio to tune into local radio for emergency instructions.

Evacuations will be ordered or advised if conditions warrant.

If water is covering the roadway: TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN

What to do AFTER a flood:

Be careful when entering flooded buildings.

Follow procedures for property damage repair. Select a contractor who is licensed in their trade. The City of Minot requires a permit for all development within the city. Always call the Inspections Department at (701) 857-4102 or the Engineering Department at (701) 857-4100 before you build on, alter, fill or re-grade any portion of your property. The NFIP requires that existing buildings meet the same construction requirements as a new building if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, repair, addition, or other improvements equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value.

Recognize the Importance of Floodplains

Understanding and protecting the natural functions of floodplains helps reduce flood damage and protect resources. When flooding spreads out across the floodplain, its energy is dissipated, which results in lower flood flows downstream, reduced erosion of the streambank and channel, deposition of sediments higher in the watershed and improved groundwater recharge. Floodplains are scenic, valued wildlife habitat, and suitable for farming. Poorly planned development in floodplains can lead to streambank erosion, loss of valuable property, increased risk of flooding to downstream properties, and degradation of water quality.

  
Ward County Hazard Mitigation Plan

The City of Minot is a participant in the Ward County, ND Hazard Mitigation Plan (also referred to as the Plan). The Plan identifies hazards (such as flooding) affecting the community, as well as goals and actions to mitigate the risk of the hazards. Annual evaluation reports on the Plan are a maintenance item used to monitor progress that has been made in mitigating hazards. The annual evaluation report for 2018 is available to the public by following the link below, or by request at the City of Minot Public Works building.

Still Looking for More Info?

The City Engineering Department can be a good resource for citizens. If you would like current floodplain information about your home or business, please contact the City of Minot Engineering Department at 701-857-4100 or engineers@minotnd.org.

For more information, please visit the following sites:

Mouse River Flood Protection Plan: http://mouseriverplan.com/

Flood Smart: https://www.floodsmart.gov

National Flood Insurance Program: http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program

Community Rating System (CRS): http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-community-rating-system

FEMA Map Service Center: http://msc.fema.gov/portal