FAQs • Centerville, UT • CivicEngage

I live on a stream. Do I really need to keep my stream banks clear of all debris?: Yes! Branches, grass clippings, leaf piles, firewood, lumber, trash, etc. can all cause serious problems downstream if they get swept away when stream levels rise during storms or spring runoff. Clear debris before stream levels rise, and you can help prevent flooding, severe bank erosion, and property damage.

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Flooding

Contact Centerville City Public Works first - 801-292-8232 . For after-hours call Non-Emergency Dispatch - 801-298-6000

Click Here to report a concern online.

2. Where is flooding likely to occur?: Possible flooding is more likely if your home, residence, or business is located within a FEMA regulated 100-yr floodplain (1% Annual Chance Flood) special flood hazard area (SFHA). We don't know if spring flooding will occur and if it does, how bad it will be. It's all about how slowly or quickly the snowpack melts. But the snowpack will eventually melt, and all the creeks, streams, and rivers will rise.

3. How do I know if my home is susceptible to flooding?: Use the Centerville Floodplain Map provided on this page or visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to see if your property falls within the regulated 100-yr floodplain (1% Annual Chance Flood) special flood hazard area (SFHA).

4. Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?: Flood damage from external sources of water (water entering from outside the home), is not typically covered by standard homeowner insurance policies. Flooding can occur from storms; over-saturated ground; rising ground water; overflowing or surging of natural water bodies such as rivers, creeks, streams, ponds, lakes; or even runoff from your own back yard. You can purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program.

5. Why are residents being asked to clear debris from drains?: If you see small debris (small branches, sticks, leaves, grass clippings, etc.) blocking or clogging roadside storm drain inlets, please help by using a rake and removing and disposing of the debris. This is a quick and easy way to reduce the chances of small nuisance flooding. County and City resources are spread thin and do not have the staff to respond immediately for every storm drain inlet that is blocked and needs to be cleared.

6. I live on a stream. Do I really need to keep my stream banks clear of all debris?: Yes! Branches, grass clippings, leaf piles, firewood, lumber, trash, etc. can all cause serious problems downstream if they get swept away when stream levels rise during storms or spring runoff. Clear debris before stream levels rise, and you can help prevent flooding, severe bank erosion, and property damage.

7. Who do I call if I see a blockage or large debris build up?: If large debris are in a river, creek, stream, or canal, contact Davis County Public Works. If debris are within local roadways or intersections, contact Centerville City Public Works Department.

8. Can Centerville City come to my house to help stack sandbags or assess my needs?: No, our staffing resources are spread thin and we do not have the staffing available to send out to assess or assist on a case-by-case basis. Residents are encouraged to work with their neighbors, family members, church groups, or youth groups if they are available to assist.

9. Where can I get sandbags?: Check this list for local sandbag locations or contact your municipality directly. Centerville City provides free sandbags at the Centerville Public Works yard, 655 N 1250 W
Centerville, UT 84014. Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Call 801-292-8232. Bring a shovel to fill your own sandbags. Residents and businesses can get up to 10 sandbags free of charge.

10. How much should a sandbag be filled?: Fill sandbags a little over ½ full, to leave space to tie bag shut. Sand is preferable if readily available however local soil can be used. How to use sandbags [VIDEO]

11. How long do sandbags last?: Polypropylene sandbags can last approximately 8 months to a year when exposed to direct UV sunlight, and almost indefinitely if protected from UV exposure. Burlap sandbags will eventually rot if they are not covered or protected from the elements.

12. How should I dispose of my sandbags?: Residents are responsible for proper disposal. Used or old sandbags should be disposed of in dumpsters, or in bins provided specifically for cleanup (if provided by your local officials). Do not dump sandbags in rivers, creeks, streams, canals, ditches, roadway gutters, or storm drain inlets.

13. Will Centerville City pick up sandbags I no longer need?: No. Once you get sandbags they are your property, and your responsibility to dispose of properly.