Local residents attended the free flooding seminar offered by Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

KOSCIUSKO — Thursday, May 3, the Kosciusko County Community Foundation hosted a free community outreach seminar about flooding. 

Attendees were encouraged to bring a copy of their elevation certificate as well as a copy of their current flood insurance declaration page. 

Tyler Ardron, vice-president of Risk Reduction Plus, NJ, led the event with assistance from Dr. Nate Bosch, director of Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams, Winona Lake, and Ed Rock, Kosciusko County emergency management director. 

Ardron provided information about the National Flood Insurance Program and discussed ways residents can mitigate their home or building to reduce flood insurance costs. 

“BFE is base flood elevation, the calculated level flood waters will rise during a base flood,” said Ardron. “You want your home to be at or above that base to receive the lowest flood premiums.” 

Ardron explained the term “freeboard” which is elevating a building’s lowest floor above and beyond BFE and described it as a built-in safety factor resulting in lower flood insurance premiums.

During a storm surge, flood waters can impose extreme pressure against foundation walls resulting in those walls caving in or collapsing. According to Ardron, flood vents are one solution as they provide a path for water to pass through the foundation walls to avoid pressure build-up.

Attendees were give the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Ardron following the presentation.