Flooding

Seabrook Island is located within a flood plain. Flood plains perform important natural functions, including temporary storage of flood waters, moderation of peak flows, maintenance of water quality, groundwater recharge, and most importantly for Seabrook Island, prevention of erosion. Because of its location, Seabrook Island is susceptible to flooding during hurricanes and tropical storms. Being prepared for flooding begins with getting familiar with local flood-prone areas and the potential for impacts to home and travel. As with other disaster events, preparedness considerations include potential for interruption of utilities and disruptions of travel. A kit of emergency supplies can be relied on until normal travel conditions are restored.

Red Cross Flood Safety Checklist (PDF)

Characterizations of flood hazards within Seabrook Island are reflected on Flood Hazard Insurance Rate Maps. After navigating to a map by address search, the hazard zones can be accessed for the searched location using the View and Download navigation icons. Flood Zone Designations appearing in the maps are described in the map Legend presented with each map.

WHAT TO DO DURING A FLOOD
If your property is in danger of flooding, turn off the electricity at the main disconnect. If gas appliances are in danger of being disconnected by flooding action, shut off the gas at the main disconnect. If your residence is served by an above-ground container (bottle or tank), reduce container buoyancy and potential breakaway by having the container filled with gas.

Weather advisories are posted by the National Weather Service, which monitors hurricanes and severe weather activities. The Charleston County Emergency Preparedness Division notifies the Town of Seabrook Island, which in turn alerts the residents of possible danger. If dangerous flooding conditions are imminent, avoid driving a vehicle if possible.

  • Do not attempt to drive or wade through water of unknown depth or through running washes.
  • Stay clear of standing water around utility boxes

Evacuation orders will be given if conditions warrant this action. Television and radio stations participating in the Emergency Broadcast System will announce emergency instructions. If evacuations are ordered, it is imperative to follow instructions in the time frame noted. Notice of evacuation orders by the Town will be posted on the Town’s website, issued through the CODE RED warning system, local media, the Town “800” telephone service (888-314-3177), the Tidelines Blog and issued through e-mail based on the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association e-mail list. For more information concerning evacuation, see the Evacuation section on our Emergency Preparedness page.

Response and recovery operations will vary depending on whether the Town was fully evacuated or not. These operations may last days, weeks or even months. The complexity of the operations will increase significantly if an evacuation is not possible and significant damage was done within the Town.

Resident return after evacuation will depend on conditions within the Town impacting public health and safety. Notice of permitted resident return will be communicated via the Town’s website, issued through the CODE RED warning system, local media, the Town “800” telephone service (888-314-3177), the Tidelines Blog and issued through e-mail based on the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association e-mail list.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE A FLOOD
Determine if your property is located in an area subject to flooding. If your property is one of the areas with known flooding, determine the flood zone your in which your property is located. This determination will be made for Seabrook Island properties by the Town of Seabrook Island Zoning Department at (803) 768-9121. If you are in an “A” zone, your property is within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If you are in a “V” zone, your property is subject to velocity wave action in addition to rising water. Flood maps are available in the Charleston County Public Libraries and Seabrook Island Town Hall.

The Town of Seabrook Island participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This makes it possible for property owners and renters to purchase flood insurance. NOTE: FLOODING IS NOT COVERED BY A STANDARD HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE POLICY. A separate flood insurance policy is required to covered damage incurred by flooding. Presently, Seabrook Island has about 408 policies in force with total value worth $165,699,700, since April 1998. The cost of coverage is based upon the amount of coverage and your compliance with NFIP regulations regarding finished flood elevation standards.

Flood insurance is available for buildings only, contents only, or both buildings and contents. Below is a list of maximum coverage availability:

  • Types of Coverage Limits*
    • Residential Structures: $250,000
    • Residential Contents: $100,000
    • Non-Residential Structures: $500,000
    • Non-Residential Contents: $500,000

*Includes basic plus additional layers of coverage

Consult your insurance agent for specific policy information. Flood insurance information is also available at the Charleston County Public Libraries.

Maintain drainage channels free of obstruction and debris. The Seabrook Island Property Owners Association performs cleaning and maintenance activities on the drainage channels on the Island. Residents are encouraged to assist in maintaining the channels in their areas by removing or reporting obstructions (i.e. debris, trash, etc.). Keeping channels free of obstruction reduces flooding in the event of heavy rains. In efforts to ensure clear drainage channels, the Council for the Town of Seabrook Island has adopted Ordinance No. 1996-03. This ordinance prohibits illegal dumping in channels, streams, ditches, rivers, sewers, storm sewers and other waterways within the Town’s corporate limits. Questions regarding the ditch cleaning program may be addressed to the Seabrook Island Property Owner’s Association at (803)768-0061.

Protect your property from the hazards of flooding and wind. Various methods may be used to minimize flooding. If the floor level of you property is lower than the “Base Flood Elevation”, consider elevating your structure, if possible. Brochures discussing flood proofing and other mitigation measures are available at the Charleston County Public Libraries and Charleston County Building Inspection Services at (803)723-6745. If a flood is imminent, property can be protected by sandbagging areas subject to the entry of water into living spaces. Valuables and furniture may be moved to higher areas of the dwelling to minimize damages. Attaching plywood over windows and patio doors may help protect against high wind damages associated with hurricanes.

Keep an emergency supply of non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, a manual can opener and a battery-operated radio available.

SERVICES AVAILABLE
The following are available to Seabrook Island Property Owners from Charleston County and the Town of Seabrook:

  • Flood Hazard | Know your flood hazard. Flood maps and flood protection materials are available at the Charleston county Public Libraries. Also, site specific flood data (i.e. depth of flooding over a building’s first floor, historical flooding in the area, etc.) are provided by the County of Charleston Building Inspection Services at (803)723-6745.
  • Site Evaluations | Upon request, site visits evaluating your property to review its flood problems may be arranged. During the visit, the property owner is given assistance in selecting the most appropriate flood protection measures. Also, advice about developing or improving a property may be reviewed.
  • Flood Evaluations | Various methods are used to protect structures from flood damage. The County of Charleston Building Inspection Services maintains a listing of all licensed contractors and consultants who are knowledgeable about flood proofing and retrofitting techniques and construction. Handouts on selecting qualified contractors are also available.

This information is provided by the Town of Seabrook Island and is only applicable to properties within the Town of Seabrook Island. If you reside in a jurisdiction other than the Town of Seabrook Island, contact your regulatory authority for information.

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