***If you have an emergency, please call 911.***
It is City Hall’s desire to keep Birmingham citizens informed and at ease during a weather event such as this. Because we understand that our residents have questions and are concerned, our teams worked through the night compiling information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions and placed those details online for immediate reach. Context on their work is provided below:
FAQs On What To Do If It Floods In Your Neighborhood
There is a lot of flooding in my neighborhood right now. What do I do?
Call 911 and give the location.
How can I let the police know a street is flooded and needs to be blocked?
Call 911 and give the location or address.
I have a complaint about flooding in Birmingham. Where can I submit it?
Send your complaint to [email protected]. Please include your name, the address, your phone number, the issue, and the date of the occurrence.
It’s flooding inside my home. What do I do?
If flood waters have entered your home and you need an emergency evacuation, please call 911. But if the water does not pose a danger, you are safe and you want to make someone aware that there is water in your home, one option is to call 311. Be sure to give your name, address, and phone number. 311 is open Monday – Friday from 6 a.m.to 6 p.m.
· Once you call 311, the city will submit your complaint to city building inspectors, when possible, to do substantial damage inspections for flood insurance purposes. Please know that inspections may not happen on the day of the actual flooding.
· If you are in need of shelter, food or some other kind of assistance following a flood at your home, please call 211 to get assistance from United Way for emergency help with shelter.
· Contact your insurance agent, especially if there are damages.
· If you are not sure what to do, please send an email to [email protected]. Be sure to include whatever questions you have, your name and your phone number.
· Please check out www.birminghamal.gov/city-directory/planning-engineering-permits/floodplain-management/ for more resources about flooding.
Please visit www.birminghamal.gov/floodinfo for the FAQ on What To Do If It Floods In Your Neighborhood
I want the city to clean out the inlets on my street or a certain street. How do I get that done?
Call 311 and give your name, address, and phone number. A second option is to send an email to [email protected]. The city will add your area to the DPW list for unclogging inlets. If inlets are not clogged, the city will do stormwater inspections to better understand the infrastructure needs and develop plans to address it. The cleaning or inspection may not happen right when you call. But please let us know of the issue so that we can be made aware of it
I want to find out more about flood insurance. What do I need to do?
Contact the city’s Watershed Division of PEP at 205-254-2479. The city can provide information on flood protection and flood insurance. Resources on the floodplain areas may be found on the floodplain page at https://www.birminghamal.gov/city-directory/planning-engineering-permits/storm-water-management/stormwater-contact/
You may also send an email to [email protected] and ask that someone follow up with you.
Those living in Birmingham are eligible for a 25 percent discount on flood insurance.
How much does it cost to get flood insurance?
Flood insurance protects your home. Before you purchase flood insurance to protect your home, you’ll need to find an agent who services the Birmingham area. For an agent within the City of Birmingham, please go to www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider.
The price of a flood insurance policy varies and depends mostly on where a property is located, (flood zone), coverage type and amount of coverage.
Those living in Birmingham are eligible for a 25 percent discount on flood insurance.
I think my home is in a floodplain area. What do I do?
Contact the city’s Watershed Division of PEP at 205-254-2479. The website is https://www.birminghamal.gov/city-directory/planning-engineering-permits/floodplain-management/floodplain-meet-the-team/
What is the city doing to prepare for future flooding?
Whenever severe weather is predicted, the city’s public works crews immediately prepare by cleaning inlets and water ways on top of their already daily maintenance of the system.
How much does it cost to get flood insurance?
Flood insurance protects your home. Before you purchase flood insurance to protect your home, you’ll need to find an agent who services the Birmingham area. For an agent within The City of Birmingham, please go to www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider.
The price of a flood insurance policy varies and depends mostly on where a property is located, (flood zone), coverage type and amount of coverage.
Tips for staying safe during a flood:
· If you encounter flooding on the roads or in your home, please remember these safety tips:
· Don’t attempt to walk or drive through flood waters.
· As little as six inches of moving water can sweep a person away.
· As little as two feet of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
· If you are uncertain about water levels on a roadway, turn around and find an alternate route. Don’t try to drive through the water. You could be putting yourself and first responders in danger.
· If you must evacuate your home, only take essential items.
· Always remain weather aware and check the local news for weather updates.
· Visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for more flood safety tips and resources.
Again, visit: www.birminghamal.gov/floodinfo.
