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IMPORTANT NOTICE Information
on Floods and Flood Insurance The Mayor and Council of the Borough of Mantoloking opted to participate in a program known as the Community Rating System (CRS) under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in behalf of all Borough homeowners. This program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides that a community who performs specific activities related to flood protection, flood awareness, and flood prevention can secure reduced flood insurance premiums for all property owners within the community. The Borough filed their initial application in 1991 and subsequently filed updates or modifications thereto such that we have received a sufficient number of points on our application for the activities performed or instituted that each homeowner receives a 10% reduction in their flood insurance premium for all new or renewed policies. The Borough has just recently submitted another modification and been informed that we have qualified for another change in classification. As a result, all new or renewed insurance policies issued after October 1, 2001 will reflect an additional 5% reduction, or a total reduction of 15%. The application as filed in 1991 and subsequent applications were prepared at minimal cost as a result of concerted efforts of your Municipal officials and employees. NOTE: IF YOU ARE NOT OCCUPYING THE HOME DURING THE HURRICANE SEASON, WE URGE THAT YOU PLEASE FORWARD THIS NOTICE TO YOUR TENANTS (IF APPLICABLE) OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WHO MAY BE LIVING IN YOUR HOME. Flood Hazard The Borough of Mantoloking is vulnerable to coastal storms and hurricanes. Typically, severe winter storms, or Nor’Easters, occur each year between Mid-October and Mid-April. The entire Borough of Mantoloking is located in a special flood hazard area as mapped by FEMA on a drawing referred to as the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), dated December 20, 2000. Most, if not all, lending institutions refer to these maps, which are prepared for most communities throughout the country, to determine whether flood insurance is required to qualify for a mortgage. The flood classification for the Borough of Mantoloking is consistent with its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, and also is consistent with surrounding communities. Studies have revealed that the ocean has risen 16 inches over the past 100 years. In addition, our beach/dune system has been severely impacted by unfavorable winds over time. Consequently, flooding is a real hazard for the entire community. The most recent significant storm which occurred in December 1992 caused some damage to homes and localized flooding of streets and yards in the Downer Avenue and Bay Avenue areas, but it also decimated our sand dune. Another storm which occurred in the mid 1980’s did result in ocean waters topping the dune system, causing localized flooding of streets and some damage to bulkheads and vehicles. Similarly, studies based on historical shoreline data, have shown that beach erosion (or loss of beachfront) has occurred at a rate of about 1.7 to 2.0 feet per year. The December 1992 storm created a “scarp” line along the shore. This scarp line was located and mapped, and same was adopted formally by the Borough as a frontal reference line for house construction. Using a two (2) foot per year erosion rate, over a thirty (30) year period, a sixty (60) foot set back from the scarp line was made a part, together with the maps, of the Borough Land Use Code. As such, should a storm event occur of equal magnitude to the 12/92 storm, minimal damage would occur to homes, similar to what occurred in December 1992. In any event, the scarp line mapping is available for inspection in the Construction/Engineering Department in the Municipal Building. The Municipal Engineer can be reached at (908) 437-0330 to answer any questions with respect to the scarp line and the required set back. Map of Local Flood Hazard As noted under the section “Flood Hazard” above, the entire Borough is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area. The only variable with respect to the local flood hazard is the base flood elevation, which does vary from one part of the Borough to another. The base flood elevation dictates generally the elevation of the lowest habital floor within the home, which must be met in order to qualify for flood insurance. As noted, the Borough has received a NEW FIRM MAP, which went into effect on December 20, 2000. FEMA had performed additional engineering flood studies, which were reviewed by the Borough. Certain changes were made by FEMA as a result of the Borough’s input, although not all of the Borough’s recommendations were accepted. The resultant NEW FIRM MAP is included at the rear of this notice. The NEW FIRM MAP changes the V Zone limits as well as the base flood elevations throughout the Borough. Homeowners should be aware of these changes since the flood zone and base flood elevations impact on the flood insurance rates and on house construction requirements after the effective date of the NEW FIRM MAP of December 20, 2000. A file has been established in the Borough Hall, which contains all pertinent correspondence relative to the FIRM MAP and changes thereto. This file is available for individuals to review its contents (Northern Limits to Downer Avenue | Downer Avenue to Southern Limits). Printed copies are available from the Borough Hall. Flood Warning The following Evacuation Plan is designed only for evacuation because of flooding or prospective flooding as opposed to evacuations for other types of emergencies.
ATTENTION!!! IF
YOU HEAR A STEADY SIREN That Emergency Management Officials have important information for you and you should turn your radio to one of these stations:
1160 WOBM-AM 92.7 WOBM-FM 1310 WJLK-AM 95.9 WADB-FM 98.5 WJLK-FM 100.1 WJRZ-FM If you don't have access to a radio, call 1-800-792-8314 for the New Jersey State Police Emergency Management Hotline A FORMAL NOTICE TO EVACUATE HAS THE FORCE OF LAW – IT MUST BE OBEYED. Evacuation Routes There is only one (1) possible way to get off this strip of beach: 1) North Route 35 to Manasquan Inlet Bridge to I-195. Organization- Assume that an emergency has been declared and the official order is given to evacuate. The Mayor is in command with the Emergency Management Coordinator. The Chief of Police, the Fire Chief, and the Borough Superintendent will execute their orders. The task assigned to each will depend on the individual circumstances, but they surely will include: announcing the order to evacuate over a loud hailer system, traffic control, and assistance to those evacuating. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EVACUATE, PLEASE CONTACT THE MANTOLOKING POLICE DEPARTMENT AT (732) 892-0832 TO ARRANGE YOUR TRANSPORTATION TO INLAND SHELTER. Streets and Highway Configuration - It must be assumed that Mantoloking will be receiving traffic on Route 35 from the communities to our south. 1) Route 35 will be opened to two lanes northbound. 2) Barnegat Lane will be made one-way north. 3) Princeton Avenue, Arnold Street, and Bay Avenue all will feed north to Route 35 through Point Pleasant Beach and over Manasquan Inlet to I-195. Evacuation of Emergency Personnel – When flooding reaches the state where no more can be reasonably done for the citizens, and when the Mayor or other senior officer so orders, all emergency personnel will be collected from their various emergency stations and evacuated in stages using our high wheeled vehicles, such as the Superintendent’s diesel truck and the Fire Company's diesel apparatus. Flood Safety There are several actions residents of Mantoloking can take to decrease the potential for injury due to flooding. 1. Know the flood warning procedures. 2. Do not attempt to cross flowing water where water is above you knees. 3. Keep children away from flood waters, ditches, culverts, and storm drains. 4. If your vehicle stalls in high water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. 5. Evacuate the flood hazard areas in times of impending flood or when advised to do so by the police or fire department. 6. Cut off all electric circuits at the fuse panel or disconnect switch. If this is not possible, turn off or disconnect all electrical appliances. shut off the water service and gas valves in your home. 7. Stay away from the downed powerlines and electric lines. Report downed lines to the Power Company and the Municipal Police Department. 8. Look out for animals. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in your home. 9. Clean everything that gets wet. Floodwaters may have contacted road chemicals, sewage, and other harmful materials. Flood Insurance The Community Rating System was developed to encourage, through the use of flood insurance premium adjustments, community and State activities beyond those required by the National flood Insurance Program to:
· Reduce flood losses, · Facilitate accurate insurance rating, and · Promote the awareness of flood insurance. The Federal Insurance Administrator sets the credit to be granted and notifies the community, the State, the insurance companies, and other appropriate parties. Many Borough homeowners already carry Federal Flood Insurance, and one should keep in mind that the standard homeowner’s policy does not completely cover flood losses. In the regular National Flood Insurance Program, coverage of up to $250,000 is available for single family dwellings and up to $100,000 for contents coverage. Flood insurance is required for any federally backed mortgage and most conventional mortgages. In the past, two changes in the primary national flood insurance policies were mad which may impact a homeowner.
1. If the insurance applies to a single family dwelling which is your principal residence in which you have lived at least 80% of the calendar year preceding a loss, coverage on replacement cost basis applies, provided your policy limit at the time of loss must be either at least 80% of the full replacement cost or must be at the maximum ($250,000) that the program allows. Otherwise, actual cash value would apply. Replacement cost applies only to building, not contents.
2. A thirty (30) day waiting period (increased from 5 days) for new applications complete with a signed application and premium became Effective March 1, 1995. There remains no waiting period for newly purchased homes.
3. Critical News! If a homeowner sells their house, cancels their flood Insurance policy, the new property owner will have to obtain coverage based on the new rating system of policies and will not be “grandfathered”. This would also apply if the policy lapsed for any reason. Current policyholders must transfer their current coverage to the purchaser to provide continued insurance coverage at the “grandfathered” rate. Property Protection There are various actions each homeowner can take to floodproof their home. Electrical panel boxes, furnaces, water heaters, and washers and/or dryers should be located at a point in the house that is less likely to be flooded. Interior or exterior backflow water valves can be installed or interior floodwalls can be placed around utilities in order to protect these essential services. If an impending flood is apparent for the area, and time permits, the homeowner should move essential items and furniture to the upper floors of the home for protection. Materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber should be kept on hand for emergency waterproofing of your home. The use of these materials for a flood may minimize the amount of damage caused by floodwaters. It is unlikely that you will get much warning of an imminent flooding situation so a detailed checklist prepared in advance would help ensure your greatest protection. Recommendations on property measures are also included in our community information reference material (available in Borough Hall). The Federal Insurance Administration suggests the following action when coastal storms or hurricanes are imminent: 1. Turn off all electrical power at panel. 2. Close main gas valve. 3. Move household times to the highest level you can. 4. Remove cardboard boxes and newspapers as these materials can disintegrate and clog drains and vents. 5. Keep a full tank of gas in your automobile. If you leave your home, here are some essentials you should take: · first aid supplies · supply of non-perishable food · batteries (hearing aid, flashlight) · battery operated portable radio · blankets, dry clothing, shoes, and socks · important papers, bank and check books · valuable and cherished items · games for children and adults For further information on this topic, please feel free to contact the Borough’s CRS Coordinator, John Jones, at (732) 295-8395, or Emergency Management Coordinator, David Loughran, at (732) 892-8388. Permit Requirements Each homeowner is reminded that local construction permits are required for most modifications you may plan for your house. The municipal ordinances and/or codes contain mandatory requirements related to new or modified building construction, certain of which are included to provide protection against flooding. Each homeowner should contact the Municipal Building Department (732-899-6601) before they build, fill, or otherwise develop any land within the Borough. It is also important, for the protection of the entire community, to notify the Municipal Building Department of any illegal filling of lands or building within the Borough that you might notice. The Mantoloking Building Department requires an elevation certificate prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for new structures.
The Borough of Mantoloking, in conjunction with its professionals, will provide any existing or perspective homeowner, or any real estate related agency, with a written determination as to the specific flood hazard zone a home or property is located in, as well as the current base flood elevation for that zone. These determinations may be required by lending institutions when considering a mortgage applications. ( MORE )
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