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Flood Hazard Information

Understand Your Flood Risk

Anywhere it rains, it can flood. All rivers, streams, tributaries, and canals – regardless of size – have the potential to flood. There is a 26% chance that a high-risk area will be flooded during a 30-year period. If a property was flooded previously, there's still the potential for that property to flood again. Additionally, your property could be subject to groundwater intrusion or sewer backups.

Search your address on the Mile High Flood District flood hazard map.

Also, the Mile High Flood District has a real-time map of rain totals for the past six hours, with looping radar imagery and National Weather Service warnings that are currently in effect.

Get Flood Insurance

Flood Insurance is recommended for everyone, but especially if you are in or near a mapped floodplain area. Standard homeowners' insurance policies do not cover flood losses. Property owners can insure their building and contents, and renters can insure just their contents (even if the owner does not insure the structure). You cannot be denied flood insurance. You do not need to be within a floodplain to qualify for flood insurance.

A local flood insurance agent can be located at FloodSmart.gov

Protect People from Flood Hazard

During a Flood Watch or Warning:

  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don't Drown!
  • Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
  • Stay inside your vehicle if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
  • Evacuate immediately, if told to evacuate. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
  • Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.

After a Flood:

  • Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  • Avoid driving except in emergencies.
  • Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during cleanup and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.
  • People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
  • Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
  • Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
  • Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
  • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

Protect Property from Flood Hazard

Before a Flood:

  • Obtain flood insurance.
  • Keep trash and debris out of the drainage channels.
  • Ensure that water flows away from your house.
  • Report potential problems such as blocked culverts or people dumping debris in channels.
  • Construct barriers around window wells or other building openings to keep flood water from entering. Keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber for emergency waterproofing.
  • Flood proof buildings to reduce potential flood damages to structures and contents. Structural changes should be designed by a professional engineer. 
  • Ask a plumber about a valve to prevent sewage back-up.

After a Flood:

  • Cover broken windows and holes in the roof or walls to prevent further weather damage.
  • Call your insurance agent.
  • Proceed with immediate clean-up measures to reduce any health hazards.
  • List and take photographs of ruined items before disposing of them.
  • Take photographs of the damage and keep record of repairs.
  • Show photographs to the insurance appraiser for verification.
  • Obtain all necessary permits for repairs.

Build Smarter, Safer, and Responsibly

Remember that all development in the floodplain (new construction, additions, remodels, filling, grading, etc.) requires a permit from the City of Englewood. Obtain a Floodplain Development Permit before building, as construction in the floodway has special requirements. Also, substantially damaged or improved building have special requirements.

Please contact the Public Works Department at 303-762-2500 or send an email to request details on how to obtain a Floodplain Development Permit.

Drainage Reports

Englewood Regulations and Permit

For More Information

Certain information on this page was provided by the Mile High Flood District.

Upon request the city will make reasonable accommodations for alternative access to documents on this page. Submit the request here or call 303-762-2300.