Flood Warning System

The City of Pembroke Pines has adopted the Disaster Response Agreement with Broward County and neighboring cities. The City has also developed the Peace Time Emergency Plan to assist you in the flood watch, warning, impact and recovery phases. Familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes located along Pines Blvd., I-75, U.S. 27, Florida Turnpike, and I-95. Flood watches and warnings will be issued by all local radio and television stations. If you have any questions on emergency measures or shelters please call: Broward County Emergency Management Division (954)831-3900 or American Red Cross (954)763-9900.

Property Protection

Every year, flooding causes more property damage in the United States than any other type of natural disaster. While recent construction practices and regulations have made new homes less prone to flooding, many existing structures remain susceptible. Throughout the country there is a growing interest from property owners to develop practical and cost effective methods for reducing or eliminating exposures to flooding.

Retrofitting is a unique approach to reduce flooding because the property itself remains subject to flooding while the building is modified to prevent or minimize flooding of habitable space. There are several recognizable approaches to retrofitting:

1. Elevation of the structure above flood protection levels
2. Construction of barriers (floodwalls, berms, etc.)
3. Dry flood proofing (water tight floor and wall systems)
4. Wet flood proofing (constructing the flood prone areas so as to permit the entry and passage of flood waters and removing or relocating items of value to higher elevation levels)

   In the event of pending flood threats, it is always advisable to take the following emergency actions:

   • Sand bagging to reduce erosion and scouring
   • Elevate furniture above flood protection levels
   • Create floodway openings in non-habitable areas such as garage doors
   • Seal off sewer lines to the dwelling to prevent the backflow of sewer waters

   Publications and assistance in property protection are available from the City of Pembroke Pines Engineering Division. For information, call 435-6511.

   Drainage System Maintenance

   The City of Pembroke Pines along with South Broward Drainage District (SBDD) has implemented a plan to maintain and improve the drainage systems throughout the City. SBDD conducts inspections of various types of drainage structures twice a year to make sure they are clear and free of debris. They also have a team of personnel who can repair and clean drainage structures throughout the City. There are also numerous regulations against dumping in swales, canals, lakes, and any drainage inlets. Debris can easily dam a stream and cause flooding. All violations can be reported to the South Broward Drainage District (680-3337) or the City of Pembroke Pines Engineering Division at 435-6511.

   Floodplain Management

   In their undisturbed and natural state, the City's wetlands provide many beneficial functions and resources, including floodplain management, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. Since 1978, the City has been working toward the preservation and restoration of the Wetlands System to protect these functions and resources for future generations. Throughout the City there are many mitigation and natural preserves which serve this purpose. For example, Chapel Trail Nature Preserve was created because a percentage of all new land development in the city must be set aside for parks and mitigation areas. Chapel Trail Nature Preserve is the largest such park in the City totaling 459 acres. The main purpose of the park is to preserve and restore wildlife habitat, and maintain the diversity and integrity of this unique wetlands system.

   Local Flood Hazards

   Flooding is caused by heavy rainfall that occurs in short periods of time, as is common during summer thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes. Because of the City's proximity to the Everglades National Park, the flood threat is significant. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identified most of the City as a Special Flood Hazard Area on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. These maps establish base flood elevations for development within these areas with the lowest permitted habitable flood level to be a minimum of 8 feet above sea level. The potential for flood losses always exists when tropical storms and hurricanes hit the area. Such was the case when a storm hit in April 1979 and dropped 17.5 inches of rainfall in less then 48 hours. Also when hurricane Andrew hit in 1992, several sidewalks, trees, and screened patios were damaged. Residents need to respect these hazards and be prepared to deal with them accordingly.