The State of Colorado was reminded last September that large rain events and flooding can occur causing catastrophic damage. A large portion of the damage occurred outside of the 100-year floodplain. This damage was either a result of flood discharges higher than the 100-year event or, more importantly, the rivers cutting a new path and creating a different floodplain. Many properties that were close to the floodplain did not have flood insurance and are not able to utilize their homeowners insurance to rebuild after being damaged by flooding. If you live adjacent to the floodplain of a drainageway, please consider purchasing flood insurance to provide protection if a major event were to happen. Also, consider that floods can be caused by localized heavy downpours, melting snow, inadequate or overloaded drainage systems, a broken water main or even poorly defined swales around your house.
The Town of Parker also experienced an excessive amount of rainfall last September but was fortunate to only have a few minor infrastructure issues. This was partly due to the fact that the Town does not allow construction within the major drainageway floodplains. The Town also repealed and readopted the Floodplain Code last year as a requirement to match the State of Colorado’s floodplain regulations. The new code is available for viewing on the Town’s website at www.ParkerOnline.org/FloodplainManagement.
Parker participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) with a Community Rating of Class 6, which means you can purchase flood insurance to protect your property against the hazard of flooding at a discount. A flood policy will pay covered losses even if a disaster is not declared by the Governor or President. Also, if your property is outside the 100-year floodplain, you will be eligible for the cheapest flood insurance rates.
Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available online at www.ParkerOnline.org/FloodplainManagement. For helpful tips regarding the national flood insurance program, visit www.FloodSmart.gov. For more information regarding this program or any stormwater programs, call 303.840.9546 or email stormwater@parkeronline.org.