HomeMy WebLinkAboutProgram for Public Information- 2017
This Program for Public Information was prepared by the Town of Morehead City under grant award
#NA14NOS4190076 to the Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Coastal Management from
the Office for Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The statements,
findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the
views of DEQ, OCM, or NOAA.
Town of Morehead City: Program for Public Information
June 2017 Page 1
Town of Morehead City
2017 Program for Public Information (PPI)
Background
The Community Rating System (CRS) is a part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It provides
reductions to flood insurance premiums in participating communities. The reductions are based on
community floodplain management programs, including public information activities. To keep those
discounts, communities must continue to implement their programs and provide status reports to the
NFIP each year. The Town of Morehead City (the “Town”) has been an active participant of the CRS since
1992. The Town is currently rated as a Classification 8 which rewards policy holders with a 10 percent
reduction in their flood insurance premiums. Non-SFHA policies (Standard X Zone policies) receive a 5%
discount, and preferred risk policies receive no discount.
A Program for Public Information (PPI) is an ongoing effort to prepare, implement, and monitor a range
of public information activities. The objective of CRS credit for a PPI is to allow communities to think
“outside” of the box and be creative in their approach to outreach for flooding. It provides credit for
information programs that are designed to meet local needs and that are monitored, evaluated, and
revised to improve their effectiveness. The Town has developed its PPI in accordance with the CRS credit
criteria found within Activity 330.
Over the years, the Town, through several departments and in coordination with stakeholder groups and
outside agencies, has prepared multiple outreach messages to educate the public on the hazards
associated with flooding. The Town has been working on stormwater issues along the Bogue Sound, Calico
Creek, and Crab Point Bay to reduce flooding, especially to repetitive loss properties and associated areas
which are subject to localized stormwater flooding.
With advances in technology and greater familiarity with web-based services, the Town has realized that
mailing information directly to property owners may not be the most effective method to get certain
messages across. The PPI planning process provides the ability for the Town to consider other options for
disseminating messages about the flood hazard to the community and to leverage other stakeholders
through their messaging and materials. The Town has developed its PPI in accordance with the CRS credit
criteria found within Activity 330.
Step 1: Establish a PPI Committee
A PPI should assess all the community’s needs for flood-related information and coordinate all the
resources that can deliver information. It should recommend a range of activities that convey information
to residents, businesses, tourists, school children, and other audiences in and around the community. It
should have an objective review of what is being done and how public information activities could be
improved. Therefore, a PPI needs to be developed by a committee that consists of members from both
This PPI was created in coordination with the Floodplain Mitigation Plan (FMP). A Floodplain
Mitigation Planning Committee (FMPC) was establish to oversee the development of not only
the FMP, but also the PPI. This single committee had the opportunity to learn more detail about
the major flooding problems in the Town along with the unique problems associated with
repetitive loss properties. Therefore; this committee will be referred to as the PPI Committee
throughout this document.
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June 2017 Page 2
inside and outside local government. The committee could be an existing committee, such as a mitigation
planning committee or advisory board, or a subcommittee of an existing group, so long as it meets the
membership criteria.
1.1 Membership and Stakeholders
The PPI Committee’s membership must meet the following CRS criteria:
• There must be at least five people on the committee.
• There must be representation from the community’s floodplain management office.
• There must be representation from the community’s public information office, if there is one.
• At least half of the members must be from outside the local government (“stakeholders”).
The CRS encourages engagement of groups and people outside the local government in planning and
conducting outreach projects. As outlined above, at least one-half of the members of the PPI committee
must be representatives from outside the local government. These could be members of the public,
representatives of key community organizations, and/or agencies and organizations that would likely
implement the recommended outreach projects.
The participants comprising the PPI Committee for the Town were selected in accordance with the above
CRS criteria and include the following:
1. Sandi Watkins – Town of Morehead City, Planning & Inspections
2. Robert Davis – Town of Morehead City, Planning & Inspections
3. Dale Price – Town of Morehead City Public Works
4. Dykeman Baily – Town of Morehead City, Fire Department (Emergency Manager)
5. Whitney Jenkins – NC Coastal Reserve
6. Rachel Love-Adrick – NC Coastal Management
7. Scot Alexander Brennan – NC Farm Bureau Insurance
8. Michael Lupton – Putnam Real Estate
9. Ronald Cullipher – Stroud Engineering
10. John Odom – Prestige Land Surveying
Note: The Town did not have a Public Information Officer (PIO) at the time the PPI was prepared.
Committee Meetings
The PPI committee met three (3) times during the planning process to complete the outreach program.
Each PPI committee meeting was held at the Town Municipal Chambers at 202 South 8th Street. The
meeting dates and objectives covered included:
• Meeting # 1 – January 12, 2017 – Assessment of the community’s current public information
needs (PPI planning process, assessment of the flood hazard, exposed buildings, flood insurance
coverage, and identification of target audiences and areas).
• Meeting # 2 – February 16, 2017 – Define target outreach messages and other potential outreach
projects along with dissemination methods.
• Meeting # 3 – April 22, 2014 – Review the draft PPI
Goals for the PPI
The PPI committee developed 3 primary goals to guide the overall implementation of this Program for
Public Information to better educate the public about the flood risks facing the Town and how to protect
themselves as well as their homes and businesses from flood damage; and to understand the importance
of flood insurance.
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Goal 1: Encourage property owners, through education and outreach measures, to protect homes and
businesses.
Goal 2: Reduce damage through flood resilient strategies and measures.
Goal 3: Increase the preparedness capability of the public to respond to and recover from flood events.
Step 2: Assess the Community’s Public Information Needs
The Town of Morehead City, situated in the Outer Coastal Plain of eastern North Carolina, is a port town
in Carteret County on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. The Town has a total land area of approximately 6.8
square miles and is located at the mouth of the Newport River on the Bogue Sound, directly inland from
the barrier island community of Atlantic Beach. Because the Town is located in a unique low-lying area, it
is particularly susceptible to flooding from major rain events and storm surge. Flooding within the Town
can be attributed to tidal flooding resulting from hurricanes and tropical storms and heavy rainfa ll that
overburdens the drainage system within the community.
Morehead City is located completely within the White Oak River Basin, which covers 1,382 square miles
and spans 6 counties and 24 municipalities. The White Oak Basin contains four sub-basins: the New River,
the White Oak River, the Newport River, and the North River, as well as the Bogue, Back, and Core Sounds.
The Town is served by U.S. highway 70 and North Carolina highway 24. US-70 connects Morehead City to
the Cities of Havelock and New Bern to the west and to the Core Sound communities to the northeast.
NC-24 connects Morehead City west to the City of Jacksonville. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s
American Community Survey, the Town had an estimated total population of 9,162 in 2015.
Approximately 50% of the total land area in Morehead City is developed, and 60% of that area is in
residential use.
Wetlands in Morehead City generally follow the major hydrology and are found within areas that are
deemed “flood hazard areas,” which face additional regulations that make these areas difficult to develop.
According to the Town’s 2007 Core Land Use Plan, the Town’s planning jurisdiction contain approximately
1,229 acres of wetlands. In fact, 49% of the Town lies within the 100-year floodplain in the effective FIRM
(this number increases to 57% in the preliminary FIRM). Areas along the waterfront, particularly
surrounding Calico Bay inlets and the Harbor Channel are most at risk of flooding. It is important to realize,
respect and maintain the natural flood protection benefits and floodplain functions provided by these
sensitive lands, and the natural and beneficial functions of this undeveloped coastal flood zone should be
incorporated into local outreach and flood mitigation programs. The PPI should promote the
environmental preservation and protection of coastal floodplain functions which include hydrologic and
hydraulic processes, geomorphic processes and biologic processes. The seasonal and storm-generated
variations in water flow, including periodic flooding, are part of the normal function of the floodplain .
These variations keep erosion and accretion in equilibrium, replenish soils, recharge groundwater, and
filter impurities. In coastal areas, water differences are based on tides, currents, wave action, and storm
surges—all of which form shorelines, coastal wetlands, dunes, barrier islands, and estuaries.
The central portion of the Town, between the waterfronts, has an area of X-Zone; however, this area
which has a slightly higher elevation is still subject to low level flooding and has several repetitive loss
properties.
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2.1 Delineate Target Areas
To develop an effective local outreach program that raises public awareness about flood related issues, it
is necessary to identify and assess the areas within the community that are considered flood-prone. The
PPI Committee identified the following target areas and concluded that outreach projects should be
directed to all properties (residential, commercial and public) within these areas:
Target Area #1: The Special Flood Hazard Area
According to the 2004 Effective FIRM, the Town contains 1,905.63 acres of water area, almost entirely in
the flood zone AE. Under the Effective FIRM, approximately 49% of the Town is located within a Special
Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The 2016 Preliminary FIRM shows 1,907.54 acres of water area, primarily
within flood zone VE. Figure 1 reflects the mapped flood insurance zones for the Town under the Effective
FIRM. Figure 2 depicts the mapped flood insurance zones for the Town under the Preliminary FIRM. Figure
3 and Figure 4 depict the depth of flooding that can be expected within the Town during the 100-yr flood
event according to the Effective FIRM and Preliminary FIRM, respectively.
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Source: Town of Morehead City, FEMA 2004 Effective DFIRM
Figure 1 – Morehead City Effective FIRM Flood Zones
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Source: Town of Morehead City, FEMA 2016 Preliminary DFIRM
Figure 2 – Morehead City Preliminary FIRM Flood Zones
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Source: Depths derived from FEMA 2004 Effective DFIRM
Figure 3 – Morehead City Effective FIRM 100-yr Flood Depths
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Source: Depths derived from FEMA 2016 Preliminary DFIRM
Figure 4 – Morehead City Preliminary FIRM 100-year Flood Depths
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Table 1 and Table 2 are summary tables that shows the building count and improved value of parcels by
mapped FEMA flood zone for the Effective and Preliminary FIRMs, respectively. Based on this analysis,
between 1,573 and 2,253 improved parcels fall within the 1% annual chance floodplain for a total value
of $773,983,015 to $955,972,072. Additionally, there are 6,716 to 6,027 improved parcels outside of the
SFHA with a value of $2,536,447,230 to $2,356,104,411. Note: Improved parcels indicate that a structure
is present; however, the structure may or may not be insurable.
Table 1 – Building Count by FEMA Flood Zone, Effective FIRM
Flood Zone Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content Value Total Value1
Zone AE 1,555 $501,228,812 $263,969,425 $765,198,237
Zone VE 18 $7,130,531 $1,654,248 $8,784,778
Zone X (shaded) 423 $112,757,323 $66,398,554 $179,155,877
Zone X (unshaded) 6,293 $1,421,298,910 $935,992,443 $2,357,291,353
Total 8,289 $2,042,415,576 $1,268,014,670 $3,310,430,245
Source: North Carolina Emergency Management, Risk Management, 2016; FEMA 2004 DFIRM
Table 2 – Building Count by FEMA Flood Zone, Preliminary FIRM
Flood Zone Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content Value Total Value1
Zone AE 2,232 $604,364,825 $339,792,093 $944,156,918
Zone VE 21 $9,040,286 $2,774,868 $11,815,154
Zone X (shaded) 763 $193,907,875 $99,896,005 $293,803,880
Zone X (unshaded) 5,264 $1,239,488,460 $822,812,071 $2,062,300,531
Total 8,280 $2,046,801,446 $1,265,275,037 $3,312,076,483
Source: North Carolina Emergency Management, Risk Management, 2016; FEMA 2016 DFIRM
Target Area #2: Areas of Localized Stormwater Flooding
Localized stormwater flooding can also occur throughout the Town. Localized stormwater flooding occurs
when heavy rainfall and an accumulation of runoff overburden the stormwater drainage system within
the community. The cause of localized stormwater flooding in Morehead City can be attributed to its
generally flat topography, abundance of water features, and the large amount of developed and
impervious land, which limits ground absorption and increases surface water runoff. Figure 5 depicts
areas of localized stormwater flooding. These areas are summarized in Table 3 below:
Table 3 – Localized Flooding Areas
Area Street Name or Intersection Type of Flooding
1 Portion of Hwy 70 near McCabe Road Heavy Rain
2 Lowes Home Improvement Entrance on Hwy 70 Heavy Rain
3 Taylor Street Area Heavy Rain
4 Waldron Drive Area Heavy Rain
5 Portion of Country Club Road Heavy Rain
6 Joslyn Drive between Jersey St and Anne Neal Rd Heavy Rain
7 N 20th Street Near Blair Farm Parkway Heavy Rain
8 Shep Willis Road Heavy Rain
9 Portion of South Yaupon Terrace Tidal
10 Bridges Street between N 14th and N 15th Street Heavy Rain
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11 South 15th Street Street End Tidal or Heavy Rain
12 Shepard St between S 8th and S 10th Street Tidal or Heavy Rain
13 Bay St and N 9th Street Area Tidal
14 Street End Area on Bay at N 6th and N 7th Street Tidal
Localized flooding may be caused by the following issues:
Inadequate Capacity – An undersized/under capacity pipe system can cause water to back-up
behind a structure which can lead to areas of ponded water and/or overtopping of banks.
Clogged Inlets – debris covering the asphalt apron and the top of grate at catch basin inlets may
contribute to an inadequate flow of stormwater into the system. Debris within the basin itself
may also reduce the efficiency of the system by reducing the carrying capacity.
Blocked Drainage Outfalls – debris blockage or structural damage at drainage outfalls may
prevent the system from discharging runoff, which may lead to a back-up of stormwater within
the system.
Improper Grade – poorly graded asphalt around catch basin inlets may prevent stormwater from
entering the catch basin as designed. Areas of settled asphalt may create low spots within the
roadway that allow for areas of ponded water.
Impervious Surface – An increase in impervious surface creates increased runoff which leads to
an increase in the volume of water travelling to a collection point.
An analysis of the localized stormwater flooding issues identified 14 distinct areas that are affected by this
type of flood hazard.
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Source: Town of Morehead City, 2017
Figure 5 – Areas of Localized Flooding
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Target Area #3: Repetitive Loss Areas
Properties categorized as repetitive loss properties have a greater need for flood protection. Per 2016
NFIP records, there are 7 mitigated repetitive loss property and 26 unmitigated repetitive loss properties
in Town.
Table 4 below details the repetitive loss building count categorized by FEMA flood zone.
Table 4 – Repetitive Loss Buildings by Flood Zone
Flood Zone
Building Count Total Building
Payment
Total Content
Payment Total Paid Insured Uninsured
AE 7 3 $334,934 $590 $334,934
A03 1 0 $5,188 $37 $5,225
A05 0 1 $5,529 $0 $5,529
A06 3 3 $75,375 $10,811 $86,186
A07 3 1 $192,609 $97,293 $289,902
A08 1 3 $115,270 $11,207 $126,477
C 1 1 $27,697 $821 $28,518
X 4 1 $81,102 $0 $97,630
Total 20 13 $837,704 $120,759 $974,401
Source: NFIP Repetitive Loss Data, 2016
Figure 6 illustrates the location of repetitive loss properties and historic claims properties (those with one
claim paid against the NFIP). Figure 7 illustrates the same repetitive loss properties in relation to the
known localized flooding areas described in Target Area #2 and overlaid with future land use.
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Source: NFIP Repetitive Loss Data, 11/30/16
Figure 6 – Repetitive Loss and Historical Claims Properties
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Source: Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections Department; NFIP Repetitive Loss Data, 11/30/2016
Figure 7 – Repetitive Loss Properties and Localized Flooding Areas
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Target Area #4: Dam Inundation Area
Properties which are subject to a dam breach often have very time to react to such an event. Therefore,
preparedness education becomes essential to protect valuables in the building and to save lives.
According to FEMA Publication 956 – Living with Dams, almost 70 percent
of dams in the US are privately owned. They are regulated the same as
bridges and factories where inspections are conducted either by
individual states or by the federal government.
Getty Images: Picture of flooding downstream from the California Oroville Dam
Dam failures have low probability but high consequences, but good planning and increased safety
programs can reduce property damage and save lives. FEMA Publication 956 indicates that dam failure
generally falls within 3 major categories:
• Structural failure (foundation defects);
• Mechanical failure (malfunctioning gates and values); and
• Hydraulic failure (overtopping).
FEMA also indicates that the following problems can contribute to dam failure including: Inadequate
design, embankment -stability problems, malfunction of dam equipment, damage from vandalism,
spillway damage or malfunction, and seepage problems.
An analysis of the four target areas described above concludes the following:
1. The entire Town and all flood zones are subject to flooding, and the PPI should strive to reach all
residents and businesses within the Town, especially within the SFHA.
2. Repetitive loss locations are distributed across flood zones with multiple properties located
outside of the flood zone in the Unshaded X-Zone.
3. There are between 5,264 and 6,293 buildings located within an Unshaded Zone X flood zone with
a value of between $2,357,291,353 and $2,062,300,531. These property owners need to be made
aware that they are subject to flood risk and that flood insurance is available to them.
4. Several of the repetitive loss properties could be attributed to localized flooding issues.
5. Residents and businesses located within a dam inundation zone need to be informed of the risks
of being located downstream from a dam and should be prepared to evacuate.
The inundation area for the Walker Millpond Dam are shown in Figure 8 on the following page.
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Source: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, March 2017
Figure 8 – Walker Millpond Dam Inundation Area
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2.2 Assess Flood Insurance Coverage (Flood Insurance Assessment)
One valuable source of information on flood hazards is current flood insurance data for active policies and
past claims. Flood insurance is required as a condition of federal aid or a mortgage or loan that is federally
insured for a building located in a FEMA flood zone. An analysis of the NFIP data provided the following
insight into areas susceptible to flooding in the Town:
1. Where do active flood insurance policies exist?
2. Where have flood insurance claims been paid in the past?
3. How many buildings are exposed to the flood hazard versus how many buildings have coverage?
4. How does the average amount of coverage compare to the amount of expected flood damage
from the 100-yr flood?
Figure 9 shows the location of active flood insurance policies in reference to the Preliminary FIRM. There
are significant concentrations of polices within the AE Zone along the southern coast and inlets. However,
there is a noticeable lack of policies in and along the AE Zone in northern Morehead City near the Newport
River and around the Calico Bay and Crab Point Bay. The latter areas in particular have experienced
substantial growth in recent years and should be a focus for flood protection and flood insurance
outreach.
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Figure 9 – Flood Insurance Policies in Force
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Table 5 summarizes key statistics of policies in force and past claims by flood zone.
Table 5 – NFIP Policy and Claims Data by Flood Zone
Flood Zone
Number of
Policies in
Force
Total Premium Total Coverage
Number of
Closed Paid
Losses
Total of Closed
Paid Losses
A01-30 & AE Zones 889 $621,261 $222,507,900 119 $1,147,141.02
A Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
AO Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
AH Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
AR Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
A99 Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
V01-30 & VE Zones 5 $14,370 $1,050,000 3 $24,645.47
V Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
D Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
B, C & X Zone
Standard 60 $73,312 $15,045,400 18 $244,111.26
Preferred 499 $208,705 $158,144,000 17 $143,641.22
Total 1,453 $917,648 $396,747,300 157 $1,559,538.00
Source: FEMA Community Information System, April 2014
Table 6 compares the number of policies in force with the number of buildings located within each flood
zone.
Table 6 – Percentage of Buildings Insured
Flood Zone Number of
Policies in Force
Number of
Buildings % Insured
Effective FIRM
A01-30 & AE Zones 889 1,555 57.2%
V01-30 & VE Zones 5 18 27.8%
B, C & X Zones 559 6,716 8.3%
Total 1,453 8,289 17.5%
Preliminary FIRM
A01-30 & AE Zones 889 2,232 39.8%
V01-30 & VE Zones 5 21 23.8%
B, C & X Zones 559 6,027 9.3%
Total 1,453 8,280 17.5%
Source: FEMA Community Information System as of 01/31/2017, FEMA Effective 2004 DFIRM, FEMA Preliminary 2016 DFIRM
The notable statistic in Table 6 is that while there are 1,573 located within the 100-year flood zone
mapped on the 2004 Effective DFIRM, only 56% of these buildings carry an active flood insurance policy.
The 2016 Preliminary DFIRM shows an increase in flood risk, with 2,253 buildings located within the 100-
yr flood zone, only 40% of which carry an active flood insurance policy. Furthermore, only approximately
9% of buildings within the X Zone are insured, yet as the repetitive loss figures previously showed, flooding
is not limited to the 100-yr flood zones.
Table 7 compares number of buildings present, number of policies in force, total coverage and a
calculation of loss estimate values for the 100-yr flood.
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Table 7 – Flood Loss Estimates by Flood Zone
Flood Zone Number of
Buildings
Number
of Policies
in Force
Total Value1 Total Coverage Loss Estimate
Effective FIRM
A01-30 & AE Zones 1,555 889 $765,198,237 $222,507,900 $45,066,142
V01-30 & VE Zones 18 5 $8,784,778 $1,050,000 $0
Total 1,573 1,453 $773,983,015 $645,220,600 $45,066,142
Preliminary FIRM
A01-30 & AE Zones 2,232 889 $944,156,918 $222,507,900 $102,101,225
V01-30 & VE Zones 21 5 $11,815,154 $1,050,000 $0
Total 2,253 1,453 $955,972,072 $645,220,600 $102,101,225
Source: Town of Morehead City; FEMA 2004 Effective DFIRM; FEMA 2016 Preliminary DFIRM
1Total value does not include land value.
An analysis of existing flood insurance coverage shows that existing building coverage does exceed the
loss estimate for the 100-yr flood zone of both the Effective and Preliminary FIRMs; however, this statistic
does not consider buildings outside the SFHA nor does it account for the large number of uninsured
proprieties (44-60%) that would have no coverage in the event of a flood loss. Moreover, this estimate
does not consider the impacts of a flood more severe than the modeled 100-year flood, which would
cause greater damages and impact buildings outside the SFHA.
Insurance Conclusions:
1. Across all flood zones, 18% of properties are covered by a flood insurance policy; therefore, 82%
are not.
2. Only 9% of the buildings in the X Zone have a flood insurance policy and 89% of those policies are
preferred risk policies.
3. A higher percentage of buildings in the AE Zone are insured as compared to the entire floodplain.
Insurance Recommendations:
1. Increase the number of Flood Insurance Policies in both AE and VE Zones.
2. Concentrate on retention of flood policies in the AE Zone.
3. Increase the number of Standard Flood Insurance Policies in the X Zones.
Repetitive Flooding: Repetitive flood loss was analyzed to determine the number of insured repetitive
loss properties in each FEMA flood zone. According to 2016 NFIP records, there are 26 unmitigated
properties with a total payment of $653,995. Of those 26 unmitigated repetitive loss properties, 69% are
insured. Table 8 details repetitive loss building counts, FEMA flood zones and total payment.
Table 8 – Repetitive Loss Summary Table (Unmitigated Properties)
Flood Zone
Building Count Total Building
Payment
Total Content
Payment Total Paid Insured Uninsured
AE 7 2 $325,806 $590 $326,396
A05 0 1 $5,529 $0 $5,529
A06 3 2 $53,172 $330 $53,502
A07 3 0 $146,806 $69,952 $216,758
A08 0 2 $27,218 $0 $27,218
C 1 0 $14,361 $0 $14,361
X 4 1 $81,102 $0 $97,630
Total 18 8 $653,995 $87,400 $741,395
Source: NFIP Repetitive Loss Data, 2016
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2.3 Determine Target Audiences
According to the 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 7.4% of Town residents are
Hispanic or Latino and 9.6% of residences have a language other than English spoken in the home.
Approximately 23.6% of the population is considered as living below the poverty level. These social and
economic factors were considered by the committee in ensuring that the right messages, tools and
resources were used to overcome obstacles. The committee recognized that messages would need to be
distributed in difference forms and using different sources in order to reach all target audiences. The
following groups have been identified as target audiences who need special messages on flood protection:
Target Audience #1: Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
An analysis of FEMA flood zones and repetitive loss properties shows that the entire Town and all flood
zones are subject to flooding; however, the SFHA covers over half of the town and contains the most
serious flooding problems. Therefore, the PPI should focus on residents and businesses within the SFHA.
Target Audience #2: Areas of Localized Stormwater Flooding
Heavy rainfall can often overburden the drainage system and cause traffic issues along with potential
damage to property. The Town has identified 14 specific locations “hot spots” where outreach can be
targeted to remind residents not to drive through flooded streets.
Target Audience #3: Repetitive Loss Properties/Areas
Properties in these areas have been hit more often by flooding, so they have a greater need for flood
protection information. Only 69% of these properties are insured.
Target Audience #4: Dam Inundation Area
Properties located downstream of a dam have a unique flood issue. Not only are they exposed to a flash
flood potential, but they are equally at risk of other flood hazards experienced by residents in other parts
of town.
Target Audience #5: Homeowners Associations
Home Owner Associations have access to entire neighborhoods and often host neighborhood events.
Educating and partnering with this audience would be an efficient way to reach large groups of residents
at one time.
Target Audience #6: Real Estate, Lending and Insurance Companies, and Surveyors
This group plays a key role in conveying information about flood insurance to homeowners. The PPI
Committee will make sure this group is informed and equipped with the tools needed to convey flood risk
and flood insurance information to residents.
Target Audience #7: Landscapers
There has been a consistent problem with landscapers sweeping vegetation/debris into nearby storm
drains which clogs the system and causes stormwater to back-up and overflow into the surrounding area.
Flood problems can occur anywhere in Town due to local stormwater issues. In addition to the target
audiences detailed above, the PPI Committee identified the following Stakeholders as being able to
provide support and informational materials to supplement and enhance the outreach efforts detailed in
this PPI:
• FEMA
• North Carolina Emergency Management
• North Carolina Floodplain Managers Association
• North Carolina Division of Coastal Management
• Carteret County Emergency Management
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• Carteret Community College
• Carteret County Homebuilders Association
• Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association
2.4 Inventory Other Public Information Efforts
A key part of developing a public information program is becoming aware of other public information
activities targeted at Town residents. The information in Table 8 came from past projects, staff research,
and PPI Committee members. Knowing what messages are currently reaching the residents of the Town
is essential in determining what types of projects or messages are effective and which ones may need to
be revised or what new projects are necessary to encourage residents and businesses to adopt behaviors
to protect their property and their lives and make the Town more resilient.
Table 9 – Existing Public Information Efforts
Organization Project Subject Matter Frequency
Planning & Inspections
Department
Town Website Various flood-related topics* Year-Round
Planning & Inspections
Department
Outreach Brochure mailed to
SFHA
6 Primary CRS Topics and
general flood preparedness
and awareness topics
Annually
Planning & Inspections
Department
Outreach brochure and
information available at office
6 Primary CRS Topics and
general flood preparedness
and awareness topics
Year-Round
Planning & Inspections
Department
FEMA Brochures &
Information available at office
Various flood-related topics* Year-Round
Carteret County Planning
& Inspections
Department
Outreach Brochure mailed to
all taxpayers
6 Primary CRS Topics and
general flood preparedness
and awareness topics
Annually
Carteret County Planning
& Inspections
Department
Outreach brochure and
information available at office
6 Primary CRS Topics and
general flood preparedness
and awareness topics
Year-Round
Carteret County Planning
& Inspections
Department
County website Various flood-related topics*
Year-Round
North Carolina Flood Risk
Information System
Map inquiry service Flood hazard, insurance Year-Round
Planning & Development
Services
Elevation certificates Building and insurance data Year-Round
Town Manager, Public
Works Department
Capital Improvement Planning Stormwater drainage, flood
protection, water quality Annually
Planning & Inspections
Department
Local Surveyors’ Group
Meeting
Various flood-related topics Annually
* Note: Various Flood-Related Topics mean Prevention and Regulatory, Property Protection, Natural Resource
Protection, Emergency Services, and Public Information
Town of Morehead City: Program for Public Information
June 2017 Page 23
Town of Morehead City: Program for Public Information
June 2017 Page 24
Step 3: Formulate Messages
After reviewing the Community Needs Assessment, the PPI Committee reviewed the existing outreach
projects and their dissemination methods and developed the following priority messages. Table 9
summarizes each message and the desired outcome. Topics A through F are the CRS Activity 330 Priority
Topics and Topics G through J are the additional topics which were identified by the PPI Committee.
The 10 topics identified below are covered by various projects which are listed in Table 10. In addition,
the 6 Target Audiences are addressed through these projects.
Table 10 – Topics, Messages, and Outcomes
Topic Message Outcome(s)
A. Know your
flood hazard
1. Your property is subject to flooding Increase number of FIRM inquires
2.Your property is in a repetitively flooded area Reduce future repetitive loss properties
3.Don’t drive through flooded streets (know where to
drive and where not to drive)
Reduce damages to vehicles, emergency
rescues, and responders
B. Insure your
property
1. You need flood insurance Increase number of flood insurance policies
2.Your homeowner’s policy does not cover flood damage Increase number of flood insurance policies
3.Renters should protect contents with flood insurance Reduce damage to contents
4.Lower cost Preferred Risk Policies (PRP) are available Increase number of PRP policies
C. Protect
yourself and
your family
1.Turn around don’t drown Reduce rescues and deaths
2.Know the flood warning signals Reduce rescues and deaths
D. Protect your
property from
the hazard
1.Elevate HVAC exterior units Reduce number of flood damaged HVAC units
2.Don’t begin work without proper permits Reduce red tag violations
3.Don’t throw trash or debris in streams, channels or
open bodies of water
Reduce pollution and overbank flow
4.Grant monies are available to help elevate your home Increase financial opportunities
E. Build
responsibly
1.Get a permit before you start construction Reduce citations
2.Know the substantial damage rules Reduce citations
3.Keep areas open (setbacks) between homes and
property lines
Maintain proper drainage
F. Protect natural
floodplain
functions
1.Don’t dump in storm drains Improve water quality
2.Report erosion control measures not working Contain erosion on construction sites
3.Don’t disturb natural floodplain areas Reduce grading, fill, and earth movement
G. Flood
Education
1.Promote floodplain management and NAI concepts
Reduce damage to buildings and natural
floodplain functions
2.Promote flood education for real estate agents,
insurance agents and lenders
Increase flood awareness
H. General
Preparedness
1.Identify and document your personal belongings Reduce delays in receiving insurance
payments
2. Prepare emergency flood kit & plan Save important insurance, real estate, and
other important documents, pictures, etc.
and know how to contact other family
members
Town of Morehead City: Program for Public Information
June 2017 Page 25
Topic Message Outcome(s)
I. Be aware of
other hazards
(Coastal
Erosion)
1. Know that coastal erosion can undermine
building foundations Reduce potential damage to property
2. Sea Level Rise can impact coastal erosion Reduce potential damage to property
J. Hurricane
Preparedness
1. Prepare a safety checklist and know
evacuation routes Protect family and reduce damage
2. Prepare an emergency supply kit Protect family
Step 4: Identify Outreach Projects to Convey the Messages
The overall strategy is to make information available to target audiences in a manner that will encourage
each audience to adapt behaviors to improve preparedness and decrease future flood damage. Table 10
provides a list of program elements which include various public information pieces, website information,
and various meetings to homeowner associations, etc. There are 15 projects and initiatives that will be
implemented during 2017/2018.
New proposed projects, developed through discussions at the committee meetings, are highlighted
below, as are other effective outreach projects which have been implemented by the Town over the past
several years. Together these projects will provide enhanced information to the public as well as to
specific targeted audiences.
Flood Response Preparations
In addition to projects that are implemented every year, the PPI Committee recommends projects that
will be implemented during and after a flood. These 3 projects are drafted and made ready for production
and dissemination after a flood warning. These projects are listed at the end of Table 9.
Step 5: Examine Other Public Information Initiatives
The PPI Committee and Town staff worked together to identify other Public Information Initiatives (PII)
which provide additional information to citizens in the Town and to improve access to information and
services provided by the Town. Those other public information initiatives include:
Activity 310: All Elevation Certificates are accessible on the Town’s website. See OP #2 on page 27 and
OP #7 on page 28.
Activity 320: Publicize Activity 320 on the Town’s website to encourage more map inquiry request from
the public by listing the types of information available. The service is already publicized to the three
target audiences via a direct mail letter. See OP #3 on page 27.
Activity 350: Enhancement of the Town’s website to include updated information consistent with the
topics on the updated flood brochure along with Elevation Certificates, LOMA’s, and a link to real time
gauge and rainfall data on the North Carolina FIMAN website. The updated website will also include
links to various stakeholder groups such as FEMA, NCEM, Carteret County Emergency Management, etc.
See OP #2 on page 27.
Activity 360: Undertake Activity 360 (PPA and PPV) and publicize Activity 360 on the updated Flood
Brochure and in the Town’s website so a wider audience is aware of this service. Additionally, this
service will be discussed at homeowner association meetings so that an even wider audience is aware
that the Town provides this service. See OP#4 on page27.
Town of Morehead City: Program for Public Information
June 2017 Page 26
Step 6: Implement, Monitor and Evaluate the Program
6.1 Adoption
This document will become effective when it is adopted by the Town Council.
6.2 Evaluation
The PPI Committee along with Town Staff will monitor the projects as they are developed, as well as the
results. They will record inputs from PPI Committee members and suggestions from other Town
employees and stakeholders participating in the activities. That input will be sent by e-mail to committee
members for consideration and evaluation.
The PPI Committee will meet once per year to review the implementation of these projects and initiatives.
At that time, the status of the projects will be explained and progress toward the outcomes will be
discussed. The Committee will recommend to the appropriate Town offices and the stakeholders who
implement projects whether the projects should be changed or discontinued. The Committee will meet
and review the outcomes of each individual activity to change, add, or approve them. Tables 8 and 9 will
be revised as needed. The outcomes and revisions will be submitted as part of the Town’s annual
recertification package to the Community Rating System and submitted to the Town Council for their
review and consideration. A report will be submitted to the Town Council explaining the annual changes
to the PPI – projects, messages, and outcomes.
Town of Morehead City: Program for Public Information
June 2017 Page 27
Table 11 – PPI Projects and Initiatives
Target Area &
Audience(s)
Topic(s)
(See Table 9)
Message(s)
(See Table 9) Project(s) Assignment Schedule Stakeholder
Outreach Projects
Target Area #1: Special
Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
All 10 Topics on Pages
24 and 25.
Your property is subject to
flooding
You need flood insurance
Turn around don’t drown
Know the flood warning
signals
Elevate exterior HVAC Units
Get a permit before
beginning work
Promote flood education for
lenders, insurance agents,
real estate agents and
surveyors
Identify Personal belongings
Sea Level Rise can impact
coastal erosion
Prepare an emergency
supply kit
Know substantial damage
rules
OP #1 Updated Flood Protection Brochure will be
mailed to all property owners in SFHA annually
Planning &
Inspections
Department
Annually N/A
OP #2 Enhanced website to include updated
information on the 6 Priority and 4 additional
topics, Elevation Certificates, LOMAS, and links to
the NC FIMA real time gauge website (CRS Activity
350)
Planning and
Inspections
Department
Year-Round NCEM
OP #3 Provide information to inquirers about
information on the FIRM (CRS Activity 320) and
publicize this service on the updated Flood
Brochure under OP# 1, on the enhanced website
under OP# 3, and when Speaking to homeowner
Associations under OP #16.
Planning and
Inspections
Department
Year-Round NCEM
OP #4 Undertake Property Protection Advice
(PPA) and Protection Advice After a Site Visit
(PPV) (CRS Activity 360) and publicize this service
on the updated flood brochure and on the
enhanced website
Public Works
Department Year-Round N/A
OP #5 Updated Flood Brochure will be placed on
the counter of the Planning and Inspections Office
and at the Council Chambers (Separate Building)
Planning &
Inspections
Department
Annually N/A
OP #6 Develop informational materials for HVAC
Contractors to educate them on elevating HVAC
units above the BFE plus freeboard
Planning &
Inspections
Department,
Carteret County
Emergency
Management
Annually HVAC
Contractors
Town of Morehead City: Program for Public Information
June 2017 Page 28
Continued from above Continued from above Continued from above
OP #7 Maintain copies of elevation certificates
and make them available at the Planning &
Inspections Department office and website
Planning &
Inspections
Department
Year-Round N/A
OP #8 Provide FEMA/NFIP Brochures to local real
estate agencies, insurance agents, and lenders to
ensure they are informing clients when property
for sale is located within a SFHA.
Planning &
Inspections
Department
Year-Round FEMA
OP #9 Ensure that the local library maintains
information relating to flooding and flood
protections
Planning &
Inspections
Department
Year-Round NCEM and
FEMA
OP #10 Maintain Copies of Substantial
Damage rules and regulations (flyer) at the
Planning and Inspections Department
Planning &
Inspections
Department
Year-Round N/A
Target Area #2: Areas of
Localized Stormwater
Flooding
Know your flood hazard
Protect yourself and
your family
Protect your property
from the hazard
Don’t drive through flooded
streets (know where to drive
and where not to drive)
Turn around don’t drown
Don’t throw trash or debris
in streams, channels or open
bodies of water
Don’t dump in storm drains
OP #11 Mail a notice to all property owners in the
Localized Flooding Target Area on the dangers
associated with flooding in low-lying areas, turn
around don’t drown and how property can be
damaged from flood waters along with
explanation of localized stormwater flooding.
Planning and
Inspections
Department
Annually N/A
OP #12 Place no dumping signs on top of drainage
inlets
Public Works
Department Annually N/A
Target Area #3: Repetitive
Loss Properties/Area
All 10 Topics on Pages
24 and 25
All Messages on Pages 24
and 25
OP #13 Updated Flood Protection Brochure will
be mailed to all property owners in the repetitive
loss areas annually along with the letter required
under CRS Section 501-504
Planning and
Inspections
Department
Annually N/A
Target Area #4: Dam
Inundation Area
All 10 Topics on Pages
24 and 25
All Messages on Pages 24
and 25
OP #14 Updated Flood Protection Brochure will
be mailed to all property owners in the dam
inundation area annually along with a letter
explaining the risks of being located in this area.
Planning and
Inspections
Department
Annually N/A
Target Audience # 5
Homeowner Associations
All 10 Topics on Pages
24 and 25
All Messages on Pages 24
and 25
OP #15 Speak to 2 Homeowner Associations each
year covering the 10 topics on the update flood
brochure and provide NCEM Hurricane
preparedness brochures
Planning and
Inspections
Department
Annually NCEM
Town of Morehead City: Program for Public Information
June 2017 Page 29
Target Audience #6 Real
Estate, Lending, Insurance
Companies and Surveyors
All 10 Topics on Pages
24 and 25
All Messages on Pages 24
and 25
OP #16 Speak to the Coastal Chapter of NC
Surveyors Association on the 10 floodplain
Management topics on the update Flood
Protection Brochure
Planning and
Inspections
Department
Annually Surveyor’s
Association
Target Audience # 7
Landscapers
Protect Natural
Floodplain Functions Don’t dump in storm drains
OP #17 Provide brochure to landscapers on the
benefits of not blowing leaves and grass clippings
down the storm drain
Planning and
Inspections
Department
Year-Round Landscapers
Flood Response Projects
Target Area #1: Special
Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
and Repetitive Loss Areas
(RLAA)
Know your flood hazard
Protect yourself and
your family
Protect your property
from the hazard
Build responsibly
General preparedness
Don’t drive through flooded
streets (know where to drive
and where not to drive)
Turn around don’t drown
Get a permit before you start
construction
Know the flood warning
signals
Know substantial damage
rules
Identify and document your
personal belongings
Prepare an emergency
supply kit
FRP #1 Provide “After a Flood: The First Steps”
brochure to flooded property owners which
provides information on the dangers of flood
water, listen for local warnings, don’t drive
through flooded streets, stay healthy (emotional
stress), and cleaning up and repairing your home
Planning and
Inspections
Department
Ready to go
before and
after a flood
FEMA and
American Red
Cross
FRP #2 Provide copies of “Repairing your flooded
home” FEMA 234 publication to flooded property
owners which provides information on protecting
your home from further damage, getting
organized, drying out your flooded home,
restoring utilities, clean up, rebuilding and
preparing for the next flood.
Planning and
Inspections
Department
Ready to go
before and
after a flood
FEMA and
American Red
Cross
FRP #3 Provide information on the Town’s
Substantial Damage rules and the need to get a
building permit before rebuilding
Planning and
Inspections
Department
Ready to go
before and
after a flood
N/A
FRP # 4 Morehead City will work with Carteret
County to disseminate FRP handouts and
materials (Flood brochure & FEMA: F-300. F-663,
F-001, F-217, F-777, F-671, B-475, B-477).
• Staff will review handouts, materials, and
brochures at least once a year to ensure they
are still relevant and appropriate.
• Approximately 72 hours before a major storm
event, staff will begin to make copies of the
FRP handouts and materials from the master
file located in the Department of Planning &
Development main Beaufort, NC office. Each
handout will be collated and a packet of
Planning and
Inspections
Department &
Carteret County
Planning and
Development
Office
Ready to go
before and
after a flood
FEMA and
Carteret County
Town of Morehead City: Program for Public Information
June 2017 Page 30
End of Report
See above
See above
See above
handouts and other FRP materials will be
created for delivery to the six locations listed
below.
• Approximately 48 hours before a major storm
event, staff will distribute the packets of FRP
handouts and materials to the six locations
listed below.
Walmart Supercenter, 300 NC Highway 24
Morehead City, NC 28557
Lowes Home Improvement, 5219 US Highway 70,
Morehead City, NC 28557
Lowes Home Improvement, 401 WB Mclean
Drive, Cape Carteret, NC 28584
Dollar General, 229 US Highway 70, Sealevel, NC
28577
Walmart Neighborhood Market, 6645 US
Highway 70, Newport, NC 28570
Billy’s Grocery Store, 1016 Island Road, Harkers
Island, NC 28531
See above
See above
See above