This notice serves as a reminder that hurricane season is here. The notice is one of the many requirements set forth by the National Flood Insurance Program that will entitle all property owners in Long Beach Township a 20% discount on their flood insurance premiums, effective Oct. 1, 2008.

Long Beach Township is participating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the "Community Rating System" which requires us to annually notify all property owners of this program, the flooding potential in this community, and the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA is now part of the new Department of Homeland Security.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has classified Long Beach Township and all Long Beach Island as a special flood hazard area, otherwise known as the 100 Year Flood Plain. As required by FEMA, flood plain maps have been developed for the Township. These maps show flood zones with the predicted flood elevations which could be reached or exceeded during a 100-year period.

Every year the hurricane season, June 1st through November 30th and the winter storm season pose a potential threat to our New Jersey coastline with rising sea levels, wind driven waves and tidal flooding. Because our community is situated between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Barnegat Bay to the west, we are especially vulnerable to the destructive effects of rising flood waters.

Historically, homes located in the low lying bayside sections have experienced severe flood damage, particularly in the bayside sections of North Beach Haven, Beach Haven Terrace, and Beach Haven Crest where older homes were constructed at or near ground level.

Every citizen should be prepared for the eventuality of a hurricane/storm and educate themselves on the local emergency preparedness, evacuation routes, and proper property protection measures.