Flooding

Proximity to water and our topography has made flooding a concern for many township residents. The Little Juniata River has and will flood, impacting properties along its banks.

Township Flood Services

• The first step in protecting your home from flood damage is to assess the flood hazard.
• Flood maps and flood protection references are available at the Antis Township Municipal Building.
• For your safety, Antis Township regulates all construction and development in floodplains to ensure that buildings will be protected from flood damage.

Awareness

Flooding and other surface drainage problems can occur well away from a river, lake, or ocean. Whether you are looking at a property or are concerned about your own property, it is always a good idea to check possible hazards. Be aware:

• The force of moving water or waves can destroy a building.
• Slow-moving flood waters are forceful enough to knock people off their feet or to float a car.
• Water-soaked contents, such as carpeting, clothing, upholstered furniture, and mattresses often suffer irreparable damage and may have to be disposed of after a flood.
• Some items, such as photographs and heirlooms, may never be restored to their original conditions.
• Floodwaters are not clean; floods carry mud, disease, chemicals, road oil, and other noxious substances that cause serious health hazards.
• The impact of a flood (cleaning up, making repairs, suffering personal losses) causes great stress to you, your family, and your finances.

What You Can Do To Help

Several of the Township’s efforts depends on your cooperation and assistance. Here is how you can help:

• Do not dump or throw anything into creeks, ditches, ravines, or streams. Dumping is a violation of several Township Ordinances. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug channels. A plugged channel cannot carry water, causing great danger during rains. Each piece of trash contributes to flooding.
• If your property is next to a creek or ditch, please do your part by keeping the banks clear of brush and debris.
• If you see dumping or debris in the creeks or ditches, contact the Public Works Department.
• Always check with the Planning and Code Officer Department before you build, alter, regrade, or deposit fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties.
• If you see building or filling without a Township permit sign posted, contact the Code Officer at 814-742-7361.
• Help yourself by understanding floodproofing, flood insurance, and flood safety

Floodproofing

There are several different ways to protect a building from flood damage, often at relatively low cost.

• Existing buildings can be protected from shallow waters by regrading your lot or building a small floodwall or earthen berm. Such methods are effective if your lot is both large enough and clear of the floodway. The Planning and Community Development Department can provide this information.
• There are other retrofitting techniques that can protect a building from surface or subsurface water. Waterproofing walls and placing watertight closures over doorways can greatly mitigate the risks of flood damage.

Check Before You Buy