summary of public open house...

SUMMARY OF PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE MEETINGS

MEMO: INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSES - FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 UPDATE

• DECEMBER 9, 2014, 1-4:30 PM MEDIA CENTER, SAN MTC TRAINING ROOM A&B, 2714 Media Center Drive

• FEBRUARY 12, 2015, 1-3 PM WASHINGTON IRVING LIBRARY, 4117 W. Washington Boulevard

• MARCH 4, 2015, 6-8 PM VINEYARD RECREATION SENIOR CENTER, 2942 Vineyard Avenue

OPEN HOUSE: Over the course of three open houses, the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works invited residents to:

a) Learn about the Floodplain Management Plan b) Share their perception of the flood risks in their neighborhood or stories of actual flood in their

home c) See the best available flood data and science for their neighborhood on poster maps and

PowerPoint d) Learn details about potential flood damage to their home using FEMA’s HAZUS-MH.

MEETING TEAM: Rob Flaner of Tetra Tech, Inc., headed the first two open houses. Kristen Gelino, of Tetra Tech, hosted the final meeting. Sign-in sheets and surveys were collected by KPA. Members of the Tetra Tech team staffed the HAZUS workstations. Ira Artz of Tetra Tech was present to provide additional technical support and expertise. Members of City staff were present at the first two open houses to field questions and address concerns.

ATTENDANCE: Total signed-in attendance over the course of the three open house workshops was 67. This does not include all individual attendees; several attended but did not sign in (some of these were the spouse of an attendee who did sign in).

MEETING: The open houses began with a half-hour PowerPoint presentation describing the Floodplain Management Plan Update and Community Rating System process. Then attendees were invited to review printed maps of the local area for each flood level (10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year) plus tsunami inundation. They also had an opportunity to sit down at a HAZUS computer work station to find out how their own home would be affected by each flood level.

HAZUS WORK STATIONS: Two HAZUS workstations were available. Most workshop attendees sat down to review the HAZUS data for their property. Several attendees requested that data be sent to them via email.

SURVEYS: A Flood Preparedness Questionnaire or survey had been prepared previously to collect citizens’ impressions of flooding hazards, flood insurance, preparing for a flood, and responding to a flood. During the meeting, hard copies were available to fill out, and Sara Townsend staffed a computer station where attendees could complete the survey online. In addition, flyers with a QR code to the survey website were provided. A total of 17 surveys were completed during the meetings.

SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS

For the 2015 Floodplain Management Plan update public outreach process, a 38-question survey, available online and accessible via a link on the City’s website was generated. In addition to 38 multiple choice survey questions, respondents were provided opportunities to write in feedback and provide open-ended responses to several of the survey questions.

342 City of Los Angeles residents filled out the online survey. Survey

questions solicited input around the following topics, including but not limited to: o level of awareness of flood risks; o steps respondents have taken to prepare for floods; o how they receive and would prefer to receive information about flood

risk; which means of communication would be most effective.; o perceptions around level and key sources of flood risks; o awareness of and preference around city policies related to

floodplain management; o topics related to flood insurance.

Perceptions of risk Survey question #6 asks respondents: How concerned are you about the following flood related hazards in Los Angeles? Respondents were invited to chart their level of concern across several categories ranging from Not sure, Not Concerned to Extremely Concerned. On average, the three most populous categories of concern were infrastructure failure, climate change impacts and stormwater flooding.

Throughout the survey, especially in areas in which the public was invited to

write in answers, respondents often expressed a lack of urgency around flood-related risks given that California is in a drought. For example, one respondent stated: “My feeling is that there is no risk here in Los Angeles. We are in a very dry area.” This perception, as well as more prominent concerns about other types of risks such as earthquakes, was observed in several sections of the survey results.

0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00

Climate Change impactsGroundwater flooding

Coastal floodingTsunami

River/Channel migrationStream bank erosionStormwater floodingInfrastructure failure…

Dam failureOther

How concerned are you about the following flood related hazards in Los Angeles? (Check one response for each hazard)

Flood preparedness

The first question in the survey asks the following: Which of the following steps has your household taken to prepare for a flood event? Just over one-fifth of respondents answered “none.” Common responses included:

o Stored flashlights and batteries: 59.4% o Identified utility shutoffs: 49.7% o Stored medical supplies: 42.1% o Prepared a disaster supply kit: 34.2% o Stored food and water above potential flood levels: 34.2%

Survey question 2 asks: How prepared is your household to deal with a flood

event? 31% of respondents reported that they were “not at all prepared,” 45% reported being “somewhat prepared,”12% reported being “adequately prepared,” and just 5% of respondents reported being “well prepared.” Only a small percentage (7%) said they had prepared by purchasing flood insurance.

Communications

The survey elicited potentially useful feedback and suggestions about what the most effective ways of communicating with the public about flood-related risks might be. 43.6% of respondents reported having been provided with useful information from a government source (federal, state or local emergency management) and 20.5% reported receiving useful information through Community Emergency Response Training (CERT). 28.1% of respondents reported having received no useful information from the sources listed on the survey. Three respondents wrote in that internet searches had yielded useful information, three reported obtaining useful information from Neighborhood Councils, two mentioned learning useful information from their work in the insurance field and two respondents cited social media such as Facebook.

31%

45%

12%

5%3% 4%

How prepared is your household to deal with a flood event?

Not at All Prepared

Somewhat Prepared

Adequately Prepared

Well Prepared

Very Well Prepared

Not Sure

Which of the following have provided you with useful information to help you be prepared for a flood event? (Check all that apply)

Answer Options Response Percent

Response Count

Emergency preparedness information from a government source (for example, federal, state, or local emergency management)

43.6% 149

Personal experience with flood events 12.6% 43 Locally provided news or other media information 33.0% 113 Schools and other academic institutions 5.3% 18 Attended meetings that have dealt with flood preparedness 10.2% 35 Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) 20.5% 70 Faith-based institutions 3.8% 13 None 28.1% 96 Other (please specify) 6.1% 21

answered question 342 skipped question 0

Question 5 on the survey asked respondents about their preferred method of receiving sensitive warning information or instructions for action. A majority indicated a preference to be contacted via text message (61.7%) or cell phone (55.8%).

The survey also asked respondents for feedback and suggestions around how to increase public awareness of and understanding of flood hazards, ways to reduce losses and the role of floodplains in the natural environment. Write-in and open-ended responses yielded suggestions for several different communication strategies. Several respondents asked that flyers and information related to floods be included with utility bills, and with property disclosure forms upon buying a house. Others emphasized communication and distribution of materials at community events, offices of elected officials, schools and door-to-door. Respondents suggested teaching about water and climate change related issues in high school science classes. Respondents recommended improving mapping technology and making it more accessible and disseminating information and PSAs via website, TV, social media, YouTube, Vimeo and direct mail, among other suggestions.

Flood Insurance Survey Question 7 asks if respondents have flood insurance. Of 338 responses to this question, 77.2% reported not having flood insurance, 10.1% reported having flood insurance and 12.7% reported that they did not know. Of the respondents who reported not having flood insurance, most cited a lack of need as the key reason (“my property has never flooded,” “I’m located on high ground”). 12% of non-insurance holding responders to this question said they were not familiar with flood insurance. Of the 11% (or 34 people) who answered “other,” 15 people said they did not have it because they were renters and five answered that they did not live in a flood plain. Of the 37 respondents who do hold flood insurance, 15 of them reported having to purchase it because they were in a flood-prone area and 22 voluntarily chose to purchase it. Of those who voluntarily chose to purchase the insurance, nine reported that it was related to bundling with other

types of needed insurance while about six other respondents gave general answers such as “Caution,” “You never know what will happen, especially with the weather being so unstable,” and “disasters always happen.” New homeowners and renters and flood risk

Survey responses indicate that the period of time in which people are deciding whether to buy or rent a home may be an ideal time in which to communicate with them about flood related risks and issues. Many respondents expressed interest in and receptivity to information about flood risks when making decisions about buying or renting a home. Half of survey respondents reported that the disclosure of a flood hazard would influence their decision to buy or rent a home. According to survey question 12, 28% of 307 respondents to this question considered the impact a flood could have on their home when they moved in.

Respondents were asked how much money they would be willing to spend to retrofit their home to reduce risks associated with flood disasters. Of 307 respondents, 12.4% reported that they would be willing to spend $1,000 to $4,999, 5.5% reported they’d be willing to spend $5,000 to $9,999 and 4.9% reported they’d be willing to spend over $10,000. 32.6% or 100 respondents chose “not sure.” When asked about what incentives would encourage respondents to spend money on retrofits, 45.3% said grant funding, 43.3% said an insurance premium discount, 30.6% said a low interest rate, home-improvement loan and 30.3% said a mortgage discount.

A significant number of survey respondents expressed receptivity to incentives

that would retrofit their homes to protect against flood disasters. 52.7% or 149 respondents, reported that if their property were located in a designated “high flood hazard” area or had received repetitive damages from flood events, they would consider a “buyout” offered by a public agency. Land use regulation

5%5%

12%

9%

18%33%

18%

How much money would you be willing to spend to retrofit your home to reduce risks associated with flood disasters? (for example, by elevating a

home above flood level, flood-proofing, building berms or floodwalls)

$10,000 or above

$5,000 to $9,999

$1,000 to $4,999

Less than $1,000

Nothing

Not Sure

I do not own my home

Survey question 18 asks respondents if they support the regulation (restriction) of land uses within known, high risk, flood hazard areas. Of 299 responses, 76.9% said yes, 5% said no and 18.1% said they were not sure. One person stated that “Land use should be regulated to restrict increase in impervious surfaces in sensitive areas that support natural flood management, in some cases requiring 100% off-set of infiltration areas.”

Survey question 19 asks respondents about what types of projects they believe local, state or federal government agencies should be doing in order to reduce damage and disruption from flooding within Los Angeles. Top responses included:

• Retrofit infrastructure by elevating roads, replacing bridges and improving drainage.

• Strengthen codes and regulations to include higher regulatory standards in flood hazard areas.

• Capital projects such as dams, levees, flood walls and drainage improvements.

• Provide better information about flood risk to the public. • Retrofit and strengthen essential facilities such as police and fire stations,

schools and hospitals.

Conclusion Of 342 respondents, the majority were white, college-educated homeowners.

93.8% of respondents cited English as the primary language spoken at home, while only 2.8% of respondents chose Spanish and two respondents chose “other”. 77.7% of respondents reported having either a college or graduate degree and 77.3% of respondents reported owning their place of residence. The most recent Census data from the 2005-2009 American Community Survey estimates that 47.5% of the population of the City of Los Angeles is Hispanic/Latino, 43.6% speak Spanish, an estimated 29.2% of the City’s total population has a college or graduate degree and an estimated 43% of the City’s population are renters.

Q1:

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness

Which of the following steps has your household taken to prepare for a flood event? (Check all that apply)

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Identified utility shutoffs 49.7% 170 Obtained Sand bags 5.3% 18 Prepared a disaster supply kit 34.2% 117 Identified evacuation routes 26.9% 92 Identified at least 2 methods for receiving emergency notifications and information during emergencies 20.8% 71

Stored food and water above potential flood levels 34.2% 117 Stored flashlights and batteries 59.4% 203 Stored a battery-powered radio 35.7% 122 Stored medical supplies (first aid kit, medications) 42.1% 144 Purchased flood insurance 7.0% 24 None 21.1% 72 Other (please specify) 5.0% 17


0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%70.0%

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1

Q2:


Answer Options

Not at All Prepared

Somewhat Prepared

Adequately Prepared

Well Prepared

Very Well Prepared

Not Sure

Rating Average

Response Count

Check one: 106 155 42 17 10 12 2.14 342 answered question 342

skipped question 0

Q3



Response Count

Emergency preparedness information from a government source (for example, federal, state, or local emergency management)

43.6% 149

Personal experience with flood events 12.6% 43 Locally provided news or other media information 33.0% 113 Schools and other academic institutions 5.3% 18 Attended meetings that have dealt with flood preparedness 10.2% 35 Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) 20.5% 70 Faith-based institutions 3.8% 13 None 28.1% 96 Other (please specify) 6.1% 21


31%

45%

12%

5%3% 4%


Not at All Prepared

Somewhat Prepared

Adequately Prepared

Well Prepared

Very Well Prepared

Not Sure

2

Q4: Which of the following methods do you think are most effective for providing flood hazard and disaster information? (Check all that apply)


Response Count

Newspaper 31.3% 107 Telephone Book 2.9% 10 Informational Brochures 30.7% 105 City Newsletters 24.3% 83 Public Meetings 27.2% 93 Workshops 24.9% 85 Schools 26.0% 89 TV News 52.9% 181 TV Ads 24.9% 85 Radio News 44.4% 152 Radio Ads 21.6% 74 Internet 58.8% 201 Outdoor Advertisements 17.8% 61 Fire Department/Rescue 22.2% 76 Law Enforcement 14.6% 50 Faith-based Institutions 12.0% 41 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Classes 31.0% 106 Public Awareness Campaign (for example, Flood Awareness Week) 45.0% 154

Books 6.1% 21 Chamber of Commerce 7.0% 24 Academic Institutions 10.2% 35 Public Library 19.6% 67 Red Cross Information 25.1% 86 Community Safety Events 32.7% 112 Fair Booths 20.2% 69 Word of Mouth 24.6% 84 Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) 46.2% 158 Other (please specify) 5.0% 17

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Q5: What method is best for you and your family to get time sensitive warning information or instructions for action?


Response Count

Land-line telephone 21.6% 74 Cell phone 55.8% 191 Text messaging 61.7% 211 Email 41.5% 142 Radio 36.0% 123 TV 40.4% 138 Social network (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) 23.4% 80 Other (please specify) 3


0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%70.0%

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Which of the following methods do you think are most effective for providing flood hazard and disaster information? (Check all that apply)

4

Q6:


Answer Options Not Concerned

Somewhat Concerned Concerned Very

Concerned Extremely Concerned

Not Sure

Rating Average

Response Count

Climate Change impacts 76 69 78 50 57 7 2.89 337

Groundwater flooding 142 70 69 23 13 12 2.18 329

Coastal flooding 98 98 65 37 25 9 2.46 332 Tsunami 116 99 58 33 19 8 2.29 333 River/Channel migration 155 85 47 16 10 14 2.03 327

Stream bank erosion 161 72 46 19 12 17 2.08 327

Stormwater flooding 64 87 96 48 31 6 2.74 332

0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%70.0%

Land-linetelephone

Cell phone Textmessaging

Email Radio TV Socialnetwork(Twitter,

Facebook,etc.)

What method is best for you and your family to get time sensitive warning information or instructions for action?

5

Infrastructure failure (pipes, tanks)

25 57 81 86 81 6 3.47 336

Dam failure 127 84 60 26 19 10 2.25 326 Other 32 4 5 5 7 25 3.33 78 (Please specify other flood-related hazard) 19


Q7: Do you have flood insurance?


Response Count

Yes 10.1% 34 No 77.2% 261 Not Sure 12.7% 43


0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00

Climate Change impacts

Groundwater flooding

Coastal flooding

Tsunami

River/Channel migration

Stream bank erosion

Stormwater flooding

Infrastructure failure (pipes,…

Dam failure

Other


6

Q8 If you do not have flood insurance, what is the primary reason?


Response Count

I don't need it/my property has never flooded 23.1% 69 Don't need it/ located on high ground 34.4% 103 It is too expensive 7.4% 22 Not familiar with it/don't know about it. 12.0% 36 Insurance company will not provide coverage 1.3% 4 My existing homeowners insurance provides coverage 1.3% 4 It is not worth it 3.3% 10 I have flooded before, so I did not think I qualified for coverage 0.0% 0

I believe it will affect the value of my property 0.3% 1 I have flood insurance or am not sure if I have flood insurance 5.7% 17

Other 11.0% 33 Other (please specify) 34


Do you have flood insurance?

Yes

No

Not Sure

12.7%

77.2%

10.1%

7

Q9: If you have flood insurance,why did you purchase it?


Response Count

I had to because I'm in a flood prone area 40.5% 15 I voluntarily chose to purchase it 59.5% 22


Q10:

23%

35%8%

12%

1%1% 3%

0%0% 6%

11%

Q8: If you do not have flood insurance, what is the primary reason? I don't need it/my property has never flooded

Don't need it/ located on high ground

It is too expensive

Not familiar with it/don't know about it.

Insurance company will not provide coverage

My existing homeowners insurance provides coverage

It is not worth it

I have flooded before, so I did not think I qualified forcoverageI believe it will affect the value of my property

I have flood insurance or am not sure if I have floodinsuranceOther

40%

60%

Q9: If you have flood insurance why did you purchase it?

I had to because I'm in aflood prone area

I voluntarily chose topurchase it

8

If you answered that you voluntarily chose to purchase flood insurance, please tell us why.

Answer Options Response Count

23 answered question 23

skipped question 319 Q11: Do you or did you have problems getting homeowners/renters insurance due to flood risk?


Response Count

Yes 1.2% 3 No 76.7% 194 Not Sure 22.1% 56


Q12:

1%

77%

22%

Did you or did you have problems getting homeowners/renters insurance due to flood risk?

Yes

No

Not Sure

9

When you moved into your home, did you consider the impact a flood could have on your home?


Response Count

Yes 28.0% 86 No 67.1% 206 Not Sure 4.9% 15


Q13:

28%

67%

5%

When you moved into your home, did you consider the impact a flood could have on your home?

Yes

No

Not Sure

10

Was the presence of a flood hazard disclosed to you by a real estate agent, seller, or landlord before you purchased or moved into your home?


Response Count

Yes 13.0% 40 No 71.0% 218 Not Sure 16.0% 49


Q14: Would the disclosure of the flood hazard have influenced your decision to buy or rent a home?


Response Count

Yes 50.5% 155 No 29.0% 89 Not Sure 20.5% 63


13%

71%

16%

Was the presence of a flood hazard disclosed to you by a real estate agent, seller, or landlord before you purchased or moved into your home?

Yes

No

Not Sure

11

Q15: How much money would you be willing to spend to retrofit your home to reduce risks associated with flood disasters? (for example, by elevating a home above flood level, flood-proofing, building berms or floodwalls)


Response Count

$10,000 or above 4.9% 15 $5,000 to $9,999 5.5% 17 $1,000 to $4,999 12.4% 38 Less than $1,000 8.8% 27 Nothing 18.2% 56 Not Sure 32.6% 100 I do not own my home 17.6% 54


51%

29%

20%

Would the disclosure of the flood hazard have influenced your decision to buy or rent a home?

Yes

No

Not Sure

5%5%

12%

9%

18%33%

18%

How much money would you be willing to spend to retrofit your home to reduce risks associated with flood disasters? (for example, by elevating a home above

flood level, flood-proofing, building berms or floodwalls)

$10,000 or above

$5,000 to $9,999

$1,000 to $4,999

Less than $1,000

Nothing

Not Sure


12

Q16: Which of the following incentives would encourage you to spend money to retrofit your home to protect against flood disasters? (Check all that apply)


Response Count

Insurance premium discount 43.3% 133 Mortgage discount 30.3% 93 Low interest rate, home-improvement loan 30.6% 94 Grant funding 45.3% 139 None 13.7% 42 I do not own my home 17.3% 53 Other (please specify) 4.6% 14


Q17:

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness

If your property were located in a designated “high flood hazard” area or had received repetitive damages from flood events, would you consider a "buyout” offered by a public agency?


Response Count

Yes 52.7% 149 No 11.0% 31 Not Sure 36.4% 103


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Which of the following incentives would encourage you to spend money to retrofit your home to protect against flood disasters? (Check all that apply)

13

Q18: Do you support the regulation (restriction) of land uses within known, high risk, flood hazard areas?


Response Count

Yes 76.9% 230 No 5.0% 15 Not Sure 18.1% 54


53%

11%

36%

If your property were located in a designated “high flood hazard” area or had received repetitive damages from flood events, would you consider a

"buyout” offered by a public agency?

Yes

No

Not Sure

77%

5%

18%

Do you support the regulation (restriction) of land uses within known, high risk, flood hazard areas?

Yes

No

Not Sure

14

Q19: What types of projects do you believe local, state or federal government agencies should be doing in order to reduce damage and disruption from flooding within Los Angeles? Please rank each option as a high, medium or low priority.

Answer Options High Medium Low Rating Average

Response Count

Retrofit and strengthen essential facilities such as police and fire stations, schools and hospitals. 175 73 35 1.51 283

Retrofit infrastructure by elevating roads, replacing bridges and improving drainage. 186 74 27 1.45 287

Increase utility providers' ability to withstand flood events without service disruptions. 175 87 21 1.46 283

Capital projects such as dams, levees, flood walls and drainage improvements. 153 95 38 1.60 286

Strengthen codes and regulations to include higher regulatory standards in flood hazard areas. 144 114 27 1.59 285

Acquire vulnerable properties and maintain as open space. 120 95 65 1.80 280 Assist vulnerable property owners with securing funding for mitigation. 92 130 60 1.89 282

Provide better information about flood risk to the public. 177 87 20 1.45 284 Other 21 12 8 1.68 41 (please specify) 14


Q20:

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00

Retrofit and strengthen essential facilities such as police…

Increase utility providers' ability to withstand flood events…

Strengthen codes and regulations to include higher…

Assist vulnerable property owners with securing funding…

Other

What types of projects do you believe local, state or federal government agencies should be doing in order to reduce damage and disruption from flooding within Los Angeles? Please rank

each option as a high, medium or low priority.

15

Please indicate how you feel about the following statement: It is the responsibility of government (local, state and federal) to provide education and programs that promote citizen actions that will reduce exposure to the risks associated with flood hazards.

Answer Options Strongly Disagree

Somewhat Disagree

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Somewhat Agree

Strongly Agree

Rating Average

Response Count

Choose one: 17 16 36 108 117 3.99 294 answered question 294

skipped question 48

Q21:

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

Strongly Disagree

Somewhat Disagree


Somewhat Agree

Strongly Agree

Indicate how you feel about the following statement: It is the responsibility of government (local, state, federal) to provide education and programs that

promote citizen actions that will reduce exposure to the risks associated with flood hazards.

16

Please indicate how you feel about the following statement: It is my responsibility to educate myself and take actions that will reduce my exposure to the risks associated with flood hazards.

Answer Options Strongly Disagree

Somewhat Disagree


Somewhat Agree

Strongly Agree

Rating Average

Response Count


skipped question 47

Q22: Please indicate how you feel about the following statement: Information about the risks associated with flood hazards is readily available and easy to locate.

Answer Options

Strongly Disagree

Somewhat Disagree


Somewhat Agree

Strongly Agree

Rating Average

Response Count


skipped question 46

15

10

22

107

141

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

Strongly Disagree

Somewhat Disagree


Somewhat Agree

Strongly Agree

Please indicate how you feel about the following statement: It is my responsibility to educate myself and take actions that will reduce my

exposure to the risks associated with flood hazards.

17

Q23:

What recommendations do you have to increase public awareness and understanding of flood hazards, ways to reduce losses, and the role of floodplains in the natural environment?



skipped question 257

17%

19%

37%

20%

7%

Please indicate how you feel about the following statement: Information about the risks associated with flood hazards is readily available and easy to

locate.

Strongly Disagree

Somewhat Disagree


Somewhat Agree

Strongly Agree

1% 0% 4%

17%

40%

38%

0%

Please indicate your highest level of education.

Grade school/No schooling

Some high school

High school graduate/GED

Some college/Trade school

College degree

Graduate degree

Other (please specify)

18

Q24: Are you aware of the current Floodplain Management Plan's programs and policies to reduce flooding hazards?


Response Count

Yes 13.1% 38 No 86.9% 252 Please describe programs and policies of which you are aware 30


Number Response Date Please describe programs and policies of which

you are aware 1 Mar 27, 2015 11:56 PM None whatsoever

2 Mar 26, 2015 3:59 AM The requirements are costly and mandated by the lender

3 Mar 26, 2015 1:46 AM We have FEMA maps that show the 100-year floodplains.

4 Mar 23, 2015 2:55 PM

Restrict or limit construction in flood zones; flood-proof structures; relocate structures outside the flood hazard area

5 Mar 22, 2015 9:11 PM None 6 Mar 20, 2015 10:13 PM None come to mind at the moment. 7 Mar 19, 2015 8:15 PM Meetings 8 Mar 19, 2015 7:06 PM 2715 W. 43rd Place, 90008

9 Mar 19, 2015 6:13 PM I research the flood plans and maps available on the County and City of L.A. websites.

10 Mar 18, 2015 9:11 PM

Only generally aware of Federal programs and restrictions. Have not had contact with local administration.

11 Mar 17, 2015 5:59 PM Again, lets deal with the drought proplem.

13%

87%

Are you aware of the current Floodplain Management Plan's programs and policies to reduce flooding hazards?

Yes

No

19

12 Mar 17, 2015 3:56 PM None 13 Mar 17, 2015 3:34 PM NONE

14 Mar 17, 2015 5:36 AM FEMA Ready America, COPE, ECA-Shakeout, Red Cross, USGS, LAEMD,

15 Mar 13, 2015 11:44 PM California State Land Commission asked all tidal land users to prepare plans for sea level rise

16 Mar 13, 2015 12:00 AM I see tsunami zone signage in my neighborhood. 17 Mar 6, 2015 12:53 AM flood plain management plan

18 Mar 4, 2015 5:01 PM Went to meetings that reinforced info that I already knew of.

19 Mar 4, 2015 3:51 PM LA City FMP

20 Mar 4, 2015 3:33 PM best management practices, low impact development, stormwater protection plans,

21 Mar 4, 2015 8:57 AM

I am only aware of the Lake Balboa floodplain, but not completely informed as well as I would prefer to be.

22 Mar 4, 2015 5:54 AM CERT 23 Mar 4, 2015 5:16 AM None. 24 Mar 3, 2015 10:13 PM NONE 25 Mar 3, 2015 10:10 PM ReadyLA, CA flood insurance 26 Feb 25, 2015 11:19 PM FMP, CRS, NFIP 27 Feb 25, 2015 10:13 PM 2015 FMP update 28 Feb 13, 2015 8:20 PM Washington and Arlington 90018 29 Dec 10, 2014 7:59 PM Colfax and Moorpark 91602 30 Dec 10, 2014 7:41 PM CRS, RLP - 2 times within 10 years

Q25: Where in Los Angeles do you live? Please provide your physical address, zip code, or nearest cross streets.



skipped question 98 Q26: Do you live in a known floodplain or an area that has been subject to flooding?


Response Count

Yes 9.1% 26 No 57.7% 165 Not Sure 33.2% 95 Please describe any experiences you have had with flooding at your current residence: 68


20

Q27: Do you work within the City of Los Angeles?


Response Count

Yes 80.4% 225 No 19.6% 55


9%

58%

33%

Do you live in a known floodplain or an area that has been subject to flooding?

Yes

No

Not Sure

80%

20%

Do you work within the City of Los Angeles?

Yes

No

21

Q28: Do you have any special access or functional needs within your household that would require early warning or specialized response during disasters?


Response Count

Yes 11.0% 31 No 89.0% 250


Q29: Would you like personnel from the City Emergency Management District to contact you regarding your access and functional needs? If yes, please enter your contact information in the following text box.


Response Count

Yes 7.8% 22 No 58.9% 166 Not Applicable 33.3% 94 Contact Information 19


11%

89%

Do you have any special access or functional needs within your household that would require early warning or specialized response during disasters?

Yes

No

22

Q30: Please indicate your age range:


Response Count

Under 18 0.0% 0 18 to 30 6.2% 18 31 to 40 17.3% 50 41 to 50 21.8% 63 51 to 60 23.9% 69 61 or older 30.8% 89


8%

59%

33%

Would you like personnel from the City Emergency Management District to contact you regarding your access and functional needs? If yes, please enter

your contact information in the following text box.

Yes

No

Not Applicable

0%

6%

17%

22%

24%

31%

Please indicate your age range:

Under 18

18 to 30

31 to 40

41 to 50

51 to 60

61 or older

23

Q31: Please indicate the primary language spoken in your household.


Response Count

English 93.8% 271 Spanish 2.8% 8 Other Indo-European Languages 0.0% 0 Asian and Pacific Island Languages 2.1% 6 Other (please specify) 1.4% 4


Q32: Please indicate your gender:


Response Count

Male 49.6% 139 Female 50.4% 141


94%

3%0% 2% 1%

Please indicate the primary language spoken in your household.

English

Spanish

Other Indo-EuropeanLanguages

Asian and Pacific IslandLanguages


24

Q33: Please indicate your highest level of education.


Response Count

Grade school/No schooling 0.4% 1 Some high school 0.4% 1 High school graduate/GED 3.9% 11 Some college/Trade school 17.4% 49 College degree 40.1% 113 Graduate degree 37.6% 106 Other (please specify) 0.4% 1


50%50%

Please indicate your gender:

Male

Female

25

Q34: How long have you lived in Los Angeles?


Response Count

Less than 1 year 0.8% 2 1 to 5 years 4.9% 13 6 to 10 years 5.3% 14 11 to 20 years 13.2% 35 More than 20 years 75.8% 201


1% 0% 4%

17%

40%

38%

0%

Please indicate your highest level of education.


Some high school



College degree

Graduate degree


1%

5%5%

13%

76%

How long have you lived in Los Angeles?

Less than 1 year

1 to 5 years

6 to 10 years

11 to 20 years

More than 20 years

26

Q35: Do you own or rent your place of residence?


Response Count

Own 77.3% 215 Rent 22.7% 63


Q36: How much is your gross household income?


Response Count

$20,000 or less 3.5% 9 $20,001 to $49,999 12.2% 31 $50,000 to $74,999 13.0% 33 $75,000 to $99,999 16.1% 41 $100,000 or more 55.1% 140


77%

23%

Do you own or rent your place of residence?

Own

Rent

27

Q37: Do you have regular access to the Internet?


Response Count

Yes 97.9% 280 No 1.7% 5 Not Sure 0.3% 1


Q38: Comments

4%

12%

13%

16%

55%

How much is your gross household income?

$20,000 or less

$20,001 to $49,999

$50,000 to $74,999

$75,000 to $99,999

$100,000 or more

98%

2%0%

Do you have regular access to the Internet?

Yes

No

Not Sure

28



skipped question 303

29

FLOOD PREPAREDNESS SURVEY

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness

The City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering has embarked on a planning process to reduce the adverse impacts of flood hazards. This effort is being implemented through the Community Rating System (CRS) and will result in an adopted, approved Comprehensive Floodplain Management Plan and Repetitive Loss Areas Analysis. It is also an essential component in maintaining reduced flood insurance rates through the National Flood Insurance Program. This planning process for this effort is being overseen by a Steering Committee made up of stakeholders from within the planning area. The Steering Committee and planning team are seeking input from the residents of Los Angeles on local knowledge of and information on flood related hazards. The information that residents provide will help coordinate activities to help reduce the future flood risk within the City. This survey contains several questions and a space for additional comments at the end. It will take approximately 515 minutes to complete. The City of Los Angeles Floodplain Steering Committee and Planning Team thank you for your contribution to this information gathering process. Questions with an asterisk are required. All other questions and comments opportunities are optional.

1. Which of the following steps has your household taken to prepare for a flood event? (Check all that apply)

2. How prepared is your household to deal with a flood event?

Citizen Preparedness Survey

*

*Not at All Prepared

Somewhat Prepared

Adequately Prepared

Well Prepared Very Well Prepared Not Sure

Check one: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Identified utility shutoffs

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Obtained Sand bags

gfedc

Prepared a disaster supply kit

gfedc

Identified evacuation routes

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Identified at least 2 methods for receiving emergency

notifications and information during emergencies

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Stored food and water above potential flood levels

gfedc

Stored flashlights and batteries

gfedc

Stored a batterypowered radio

gfedc

Stored medical supplies (first aid kit, medications)

gfedc

Purchased flood insurance

gfedc

None

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gfedc

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness3. Which of the following have provided you with useful information to help you be

prepared for a flood event? (Check all that apply)

4. Which of the following methods do you think are most effective for providing flood hazard and disaster information? (Check all that apply)

*

*

Emergency preparedness information from a government source

(for example, federal, state, or local emergency management)

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Personal experience with flood events

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Locally provided news or other media information

gfedc

Schools and other academic institutions

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Attended meetings that have dealt with flood preparedness

gfedc

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)

gfedc

Faithbased institutions

gfedc

None

gfedc


gfedc

Newspaper

gfedc

Telephone Book

gfedc

Informational Brochures

gfedc

City Newsletters

gfedc

Public Meetings

gfedc

Workshops

gfedc

Schools

gfedc

TV News

gfedc

TV Ads

gfedc

Radio News

gfedc

Radio Ads

gfedc

Internet

gfedc

Outdoor Advertisements

gfedc

Fire Department/Rescue

gfedc

Law Enforcement

gfedc

Faithbased Institutions

gfedc

Community Emergency Response Team

(CERT) Classes

gfedc

Public Awareness Campaign (for

example, Flood Awareness Week)

gfedc

Books

gfedc

Chamber of Commerce

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Academic Institutions

gfedc

Public Library

gfedc

Red Cross Information

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Community Safety Events

gfedc

Fair Booths

gfedc

Word of Mouth

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Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)

gfedc


gfedc

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness5. What method is best for you and your family to get time sensitive warning information

or instructions for action?

6. How concerned are you about the following flood related hazards in Los Angeles? (Check one response for each hazard)

The next few questions refer to your current status and views regarding flood insurance. Several questions with asterisks are required, and you must answer before moving on.

7. Do you have flood insurance?

*

*

Not ConcernedSomewhat Concerned

Concerned Very ConcernedExtremely Concerned

Not Sure

Climate Change impacts nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Groundwater flooding nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Coastal flooding nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Tsunami nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

River/Channel migration nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Stream bank erosion nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Stormwater flooding nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Infrastructure failure (pipes, tanks)

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Dam failure nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Other nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Flood Insurance

*

Landline telephone

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Cell phone

gfedc

Text messaging

gfedc

Email

gfedc

Radio

gfedc

TV

gfedc

Social network (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)

gfedc


(Please specify other floodrelated hazard)

Yes

nmlkj No

nmlkj Not Sure

nmlkj

Other

Other

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness

8. If you do not have flood insurance, what is the primary reason?

9. If you have flood insurance,why did you purchase it?

10. If you answered that you voluntarily chose to purchase flood insurance, please tell us why.

11. Do you or did you have problems getting homeowners/renters insurance due to flood risk?

12. When you moved into your home, did you consider the impact a flood could have on your home?

*

55

66

Flood Hazard Mitigation

*

I don't need it/my property has never flooded

nmlkj

Don't need it/ located on high ground

nmlkj

It is too expensive

nmlkj

Not familiar with it/don't know about it.

nmlkj

Insurance company will not provide coverage

nmlkj

My existing homeowners insurance provides coverage

nmlkj

It is not worth it

nmlkj

I have flooded before, so I did not think I qualified for coverage

nmlkj

I believe it will affect the value of my property

nmlkj

I have flood insurance or am not sure if I have flood insurance

nmlkj

Other

nmlkj


I had to because I'm in a flood prone area

gfedc

I voluntarily chose to purchase it

gfedc

Yes

nmlkj

No

nmlkj

Not Sure

nmlkj

Yes

nmlkj No

nmlkj Not Sure

nmlkj

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness13. Was the presence of a flood hazard disclosed to you by a real estate agent, seller, or

landlord before you purchased or moved into your home?

14. Would the disclosure of the flood hazard have influenced your decision to buy or rent a home?

15. How much money would you be willing to spend to retrofit your home to reduce risks associated with flood disasters? (for example, by elevating a home above flood level, floodproofing, building berms or floodwalls)

16. Which of the following incentives would encourage you to spend money to retrofit your home to protect against flood disasters? (Check all that apply)

17. If your property were located in a designated “high flood hazard” area or had received repetitive damages from flood events, would you consider a "buyout” offered by a public agency?

18. Do you support the regulation (restriction) of land uses within known, high risk, flood hazard areas?

*

*

*

*

Yes

nmlkj No

nmlkj Not Sure

nmlkj

Yes

nmlkj No

nmlkj Not Sure

nmlkj

$10,000 or above

nmlkj

$5,000 to $9,999

nmlkj

$1,000 to $4,999

nmlkj

Less than $1,000

nmlkj

Nothing

nmlkj

Not Sure

nmlkj


nmlkj

Insurance premium discount

gfedc

Mortgage discount

gfedc

Low interest rate, homeimprovement loan

gfedc

Grant funding

gfedc

None

gfedc


gfedc


gfedc

Yes

nmlkj No

nmlkj Not Sure

nmlkj

Yes

nmlkj

No

nmlkj

Not Sure

nmlkj

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness19. What types of projects do you believe local, state or federal government agencies should be doing in order to reduce damage and disruption from flooding within Los Angeles? Please rank each option as a high, medium or low priority.

20. Please indicate how you feel about the following statement: It is the responsibility of government (local, state and federal) to provide education and programs that promote citizen actions that will reduce exposure to the risks associated with flood hazards.

21. Please indicate how you feel about the following statement: It is my responsibility to educate myself and take actions that will reduce my exposure to the risks associated with flood hazards.

22. Please indicate how you feel about the following statement: Information about the risks associated with flood hazards is readily available and easy to locate.

High Medium Low

Retrofit and strengthen essential facilities such as police and fire stations, schools and hospitals.

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Retrofit infrastructure by elevating roads, replacing bridges and improving drainage. nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Increase utility providers' ability to withstand flood events without service disruptions. nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Capital projects such as dams, levees, flood walls and drainage improvements. nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Strengthen codes and regulations to include higher regulatory standards in flood hazard areas.

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Acquire vulnerable properties and maintain as open space. nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Assist vulnerable property owners with securing funding for mitigation. nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Provide better information about flood risk to the public. nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Other nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Strongly Disagree Somewhat DisagreeNeither Agree nor

DisagreeSomewhat Agree Strongly Agree

Choose one: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj







(please specify)

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness23. What recommendations do you have to increase public awareness and understanding of flood hazards, ways to reduce losses, and the role of floodplains in the natural environment?

24. Are you aware of the current Floodplain Management Plan's programs and policies to reduce flooding hazards?

The following demographic information will aid in evaluating the responses to this questionnaire. The answers will be used only for the preparation of this plan and will not be provided to any other group or interest.

25. Where in Los Angeles do you live? Please provide your physical address, zip code, or nearest cross streets.

26. Do you live in a known floodplain or an area that has been subject to flooding?

55

66

General Household Information

55

66

Yes

nmlkj

No

nmlkj

Please describe programs and policies of which you are aware

55

66

Yes

nmlkj

No

nmlkj

Not Sure

nmlkj

Please describe any experiences you have had with flooding at your current residence:

55

66

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness27. Do you work within the City of Los Angeles?

28. Do you have any special access or functional needs within your household that would require early warning or specialized response during disasters?

29. Would you like personnel from the City Emergency Management District to contact you regarding your access and functional needs? If yes, please enter your contact information in the following text box.

30. Please indicate your age range:

31. Please indicate the primary language spoken in your household.

32. Please indicate your gender:

Yes

nmlkj No

nmlkj

Yes

nmlkj

No

nmlkj

Yes

nmlkj

No

nmlkj

Not Applicable

nmlkj

Contact Information

55

66

Under 18

nmlkj

18 to 30

nmlkj

31 to 40

nmlkj

41 to 50

nmlkj

51 to 60

nmlkj

61 or older

nmlkj

English

nmlkj

Spanish

nmlkj

Other IndoEuropean Languages

nmlkj

Asian and Pacific Island Languages

nmlkj


nmlkj

Female

nmlkj Male

nmlkj

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness33. Please indicate your highest level of education.

34. How long have you lived in Los Angeles?

35. Do you own or rent your place of residence?

36. How much is your gross household income?

37. Do you have regular access to the Internet?

If you have additional information you would like to share about your knowledge and experience regarding local flood hazards, we invite you to provide your information on this page. Thank you for your time!

Comments


nmlkj

Some high school

nmlkj


nmlkj


nmlkj

College degree

nmlkj

Graduate degree

nmlkj


nmlkj

Less than 1 year

nmlkj

1 to 5 years

nmlkj

6 to 10 years

nmlkj

11 to 20 years

nmlkj

More than 20 years

nmlkj

Own

nmlkj Rent

nmlkj

$20,000 or less

nmlkj

$20,001 to $49,999

nmlkj

$50,000 to $74,999

nmlkj

$75,000 to $99,999

nmlkj

$100,000 or more

nmlkj

Yes

nmlkj No

nmlkj Not Sure

nmlkj

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood PreparednessCity of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness38. Comments

55

66

SURVEY ADVERTISEMENT FLYER

PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY!

The Department of Public Works has begun an update of the Floodplain Management Plan for the City of Los Angeles. Collecting data on public perception of flood risks is a vital component of this process. By taking this survey you are helping to improve the management of floodplains!

SURVEY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED!

Are you prepared for a flood?

SURVEY LINK

www.surveymonkey.com/s/ LACityFloodSurvey

The survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete.

Thank you for participating!

Your perception of

flood risks in Los Angeles.

Your experience

with flood insurance.

Flooding in

your home, neighborhood, or at work.

THE SURVEY WILL ASK ABOUT:

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE, VISIT THE WEBSITE AT HTTP://ENG.LACITY.ORG/PROJECTS/FMP/.

The City of Los Angeles

Department of Public Works

wants to know…

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LACityFloodSurvey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LACityFloodSurvey

summary of public open house...

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