Mitigation

For every $1 spent on mitigation, $6 are saved from future losses.

Overview

Mitigation is defined as “sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards.” Flood mitigation may involve a range of strategies such as flood-proofing, elevating buildings or utilities, purchasing flood insurance, or drainage improvements. Manitou Springs encourages owners and residents of floodplain property to explore and undertake appropriate measures to mitigate their flood risk.

Is My Property At Risk?5th - Alexis Foster

  1. Is your property located near a body of water?
  2. Have you experienced damage from flooding in the past?
  3. Has water entered your property during a flood?
  4. Do you have a basement?
  5. Are there critical utilities located in your basement or crawlspace?

If you answered YES to any of the questions above, please consult Protect Your Property from Flooding - Guidance for Manitou Springs property owners.

Useful Tips to Protect Your Property

  • Assess your property for flood risk. If you want to place sandbags in flood-prone areas around your property, the City has sandbags and fill material available to you. Check to see if you have flood insurance (homeowner policies seldom cover flood events). Property owners and renters can get flood insurance. Coverage may be obtained through local insurance agents familiar with flood insurance, or an agent may be located on the web, or through National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at 888-379-9531.
  • Do not dump trash, limbs, leaves or other debris into drainage channels whether they are dry or flowing.
  • Keep all drainages and creeks on your property free of limbs and debris.
  • Report clogged drainage channels, creeks, or storm drains to the Public Works Department as soon as possible.
  • Take a look at what the Public Works Stormwater Division does for you: Drainage System Maintenance Standard Operating Procedures (PDF).

Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

Manitou Springs’ natural floodplains have been impacted by past fill and development but continue to perform critical protective functions. Most of the City’s floodplain areas are on private property. We encourage residents and property owners to take these actions to support our floodplains:

  • Do not dump trash, limbs, leaves or other debris into drainage channels whether they are dry or flowing. (Move from “Useful Tips”)
  • Preserve creekside vegetation to maintain banks and prevent erosion, support wildlife habitat, and improve water quality.
  • If you observe downed trees, large debris, or other material blocking stream flow, please contact the City’s Public Works staff to come remove it.

Reducing Flood Loss

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a comprehensive and detailed booklet called Protecting Your Home and Property From Flood Damage (PDF), that includes useful information on property cleanup, selecting a contractor, repair tips for a flood-damaged property, and mitigation suggestions and diagrams to flood-proof your home. FEMA also offers a Mitigation Fact Sheet.