St. Johns County Provides Flood Smart Guide: Essential Information to Prepare and Protect Your Home

• 17 October 2025
• Category: SJC News
• Tags: 2025

St. Johns County offers comprehensive resources to help residents prepare for floods, ensuring that everyone has the information they need to stay safe and protect their homes.

Flooding can happen quickly and with little warning. In St. Johns County (SJC), it’s crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared to protect their property, health, and safety. St. Johns County has provided the Flood Smart Brochure to help residents understand flood risks, insurance, and safety measures.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Stay informed about emergencies, including flood watches and warnings, by signing up for alerts . This is your first line of defense in staying up to date with local conditions and receiving timely alerts.

Know Your Flood Zone

Identifying your flood zone is a critical first step in preparing for potential flooding. Visit the St. Johns County Flood Zone Viewer to check your property’s flood risk. Being aware of your flood zone can help you make informed decisions about flood protection.

Get Flood Insurance

Standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. To protect your home and belongings, it’s important to secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Visit www.floodsmart.gov or contact your insurance agent for details. Keep in mind, there’s a 30-day waiting period for a flood insurance policy to take effect, so don’t wait until a storm is imminent.

The National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System is a program created by FEMA that recognizes local efforts to reduce flood risk within the community and rewards residents and businesses by saving them money on flood insurance premiums. St. Johns County has been designated as a CRS Class 5 community based on an assessment of numerous flood mitigation activities the County recently implemented to protect lives and reduce property damage. This places the County in the top 17 percent of all CRS-participating communities. Learn more on the SJC Flood Facts webpage.

Flood Safety Measures

Flood safety should be a priority before, during, and after a flood event. Here are some crucial safety tips:

• Avoid walking through moving water: Even shallow, fast-moving water can knock you off your feet. Drowning is the leading cause of flood-related deaths.
• Do not drive through flooded areas: The majority of flood-related drownings occur in vehicles. Never drive around barriers—flooded roads or bridges could be washed out.
• Stay away from power lines: Floodwaters can carry electricity. To report a downed power line, call 911.

Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

Floodplains play a key role in managing floods and maintaining local ecosystems. They help control floodwaters, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and support wildlife. If you observe illegal dumping or activities that disrupt the floodplain, contact the Road and Bridge Department at (904) 209-0266.

Property Protection Measures

Older homes can be particularly vulnerable to flooding, but there are measures you can take to reduce risk:

• Elevate your home: Raising the structure above anticipated flood levels is a highly effective way to prevent damage.
• Barriers and sandbagging: Install temporary barriers or use sandbags to keep floodwaters out.
• Ensure proper drainage: Clear debris from ditches and culverts near your home to ensure water flows away during heavy rains.

For localized drainage issues, residents can contact the Road and Bridge Department or file a complaint through the Public Request Inquiry Data Exchange (PRIDE).

Build Responsibly

If you’re planning construction in a floodplain, be sure to obtain the necessary permits and always hire a licensed contractor. The county has strict regulations for building in flood-prone areas, and federal and local requirements may apply. Contact St. Johns County at (904) 827-6800, Option 6, to contact the St. Johns County Floodplain Management Team for contractor information and permit details or go to https://www.sjcfl.us/flood-facts/

SJC Resources

• Floodplain Facts
• Flood Smart Brochure
• SJC Emergency Management
• Hurricane Preparedness Guide
• Alert St. Johns Emergency Alerts
• Flood Zone Viewer
• Flood Smart Insurance Information (FloodSmart.gov)
• Submit Complaints
• Floodplain Management Virtual Workshop
• SJC Floodplain Management Team: (904) 827-6800, Option 6

St. Johns County offers comprehensive resources to help residents prepare for floods, ensuring that everyone has the information they need to stay safe and protect their homes.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the necessary steps today to protect your property and loved ones from potential flooding. Stay informed, stay safe, and be prepared!