Evacuation | Flood | Surge Zones

Clarifying the meaning behind some confusing "water words"

Water, when it hits the ground, instantly becomes a puddle or rivulet or flood. - Alice Oswald

Though they are often mistaken for each other,  Evacuation Zones ,  Flood Zones , and  Surge Zones  are very different things that measure very different conditions. So what's the difference? And when do you use them? Here is what you need to know:


EVACUATION ZONES

FLOOD ZONES

SURGE ZONES

Evacuation Zones | Flood Zones | Surge Zones

Even though these are all water related words, they do not have the same meaning. Thus it is important to understand how each (evacuation zone, flood zones, and surge zones) apply to you and your home, during both a storm event and day to day.  


Here's a helpful guide on when to use which map....

When to check the  Evacuation Zone Map :

  • Before hurricane season to make sure you and your family are prepared.
  • During a hurricane or major storm, to know if you should evacuate.

When to check the  Flood Zone Map :

  • You own, rent, or are buying a new property and want to determine if you are required to have flood insurance.
  • You refinance or get a mortgage.
  • You need building permits for work on your property.
  • You live in a low-lying area or near a stream, pond or body of water.

When to check the  Surge Zone Map 

  • Before hurricane season to make sure you and your family are prepared.
  • During a hurricane or major storm, to know what the potential surge may be.

For additional information, follow the links in the presentation or check out the links below. 

Santa Rosa County BOCC IT/GIS Department

6495 Caroline St, Suite L, Milton, FL 32570

850-983-1840; gisteam@santarosa.fl.gov

Santa Rosa County Emergency Management

4499 Pine Forest Rd, Milton, FL 32583

850-983-5360; Emergency-Management@santarosa.fl.gov

Santa Rosa County Development Services

6051 Old Bagdad Hwy, Suite 202, Milton, FL 32583

850-981-7000

FEMA - Flood Map Information

National Hurricane Center