LAWRENCE CO.– Following recent heavy rains and flooding, Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer urged residents to determine if their property lies within a designated floodplain during Tuesday’s commissioners’ meeting.
Those who experienced flood damage are asked to contact her office at 812-277-9680 or via email at lcema@lawrencecounty.in.gov.
Luchauer emphasized the importance of contacting her office before filing flood claims to ensure compliance with state requirements.
She also noted that some residents may be unaware of recent floodplain design changes. She encouraged them to check the free floodplain maps on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, which can be accessed through the DNR Flood Plain Mapping site.
Luchauer explained that a flood ordinance allows Lawrence County residents to purchase flood insurance. She also stressed building and repair restrictions within floodplains, stating, “If your home is in a designated flood plain and your home is damaged from recent flooding by more than 50% of your home’s value, you must get a permit from my office before repairing the home. Sometimes, the home must be elevated two feet above the 100-year flood elevation.”
The DNR recently launched a new Indiana Floodplain Information Portal (INFIP) at infip.dnr.IN.gov. This online tool provides flood risk information and local and state floodplain permitting details. It lets users download a Floodplain Analysis and Regulatory Assessment (FARA) directly, significantly reducing wait times. INFIP data is based on regulatory floodplain limits, but it’s important to remember that floods can and do exceed these limits.
Luchauer encourages residents living in floodplains to proactively plan for potential future flooding to minimize damage to homes and property.
