SUMMARY OF PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE MEETINGS

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. How concerned are you about the following flood related hazards in Los Angeles? (Check one response for each hazard) Other Dam failure Infrastructure failure Stormwater flooding Stream bank erosion River/Channel migration Tsunami Coastal flooding Groundwater flooding Climate Change impacts 0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 Throughout the survey, especially in areas in which the public was invited to write in answers, respondents often expressed a lack of urgency around floodrelated 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.

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. How prepared is your household to deal with a flood event? 3% 4% 5% 12% 45% 31% Not at All Prepared Somewhat Prepared Adequately Prepared Well Prepared Very Well Prepared Not Sure 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 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.

Which of the following have provided you with useful information to help you be prepared for a flood event? (Check all that apply) Percent Emergency preparedness information from a government source (for example, federal, state, or local emergency 43.6% 149 management) 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 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 openended 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 floodprone 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. 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) 18% 5% 5% 12% $10,000 or above $5,000 to $9,999 $1,000 to $4,999 33% 18% 9% Less than $1,000 Nothing Not Sure I do not own my home 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

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) Percent 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 answered question 342 skipped question 0 Which of the following steps has your household taken to prepare for a flood event? (Check all that apply) 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Identified utility shutoffs Prepared a disaster Identified at least 2 Stored flashlights Stored medical None 1

Q2: Answer Options 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 Rating Average Check one: 106 155 42 17 10 12 2.14 342 answered question 342 skipped question 0 How prepared is your household to deal with a flood event? 5% 3% 4% Not at All Prepared Somewhat Prepared 12% 31% Adequately Prepared Well Prepared Very Well Prepared 45% Not Sure Q3 Which of the following have provided you with useful information to help you be prepared for a flood event? (Check all that apply) Percent Emergency preparedness information from a government source (for example, federal, state, or local emergency 43.6% 149 management) 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 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 2

Which of the following have provided you with useful information to help you be prepared for a flood event? (Check all that apply) 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Emergency preparedness information Locally provided news or other Attended meetings that have dealt Faith-based institutions Other (please specify) Q4: Which of the following methods do you think are most effective for providing flood hazard and disaster information? (Check all that apply) Percent 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 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 3

answered question 342 skipped question 0 Which of the following methods do you think are most effective for providing flood hazard and disaster information? (Check all that apply) 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Newspaper Informational Public Schools TV Ads Radio Ads Outdoor Law Community Books Academic Red Cross Fair Booths Social Media Q5: What method is best for you and your family to get time sensitive warning information or instructions for action? Percent 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 answered question 342 skipped question 0 4

What method is best for you and your family to get time sensitive warning information or instructions for action? 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Land-line telephone Cell phone Text messaging Email Radio TV Social network (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) Q6: How concerned are you about the following flood related hazards in Los Angeles? (Check one response for each hazard) Not Concerned Somewhat Concerned Concerned Very Concerned Extremely Concerned Not Sure Rating Average 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 5

Infrastructure failure (pipes, 25 57 81 86 81 6 3.47 336 tanks) 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 answered question 342 skipped question 0 How concerned are you about the following flood related hazards in Los Angeles? (Check one response for each hazard) Other Dam failure Infrastructure failure (pipes, Stormwater flooding Stream bank erosion River/Channel migration Tsunami Coastal flooding Groundwater flooding Climate Change impacts 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 Q7: Do you have flood insurance? Percent Yes 10.1% 34 No 77.2% 261 Not Sure 12.7% 43 answered question 338 skipped question 4 6

Do you have flood insurance? 12.7% 10.1% Yes No 77.2% Not Sure Q8 If you do not have flood insurance, what is the primary reason? Percent 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 answered question 299 skipped question 43 7

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 0% 0% 6% 11% 23% It is too expensive Not familiar with it/don't know about it. 1% 3% Insurance company will not provide coverage 1% My existing homeowners insurance provides coverage 12% It is not worth it 8% 35% I have flooded before, so I did not think I qualified for coverage I believe it will affect the value of my property I have flood insurance or am not sure if I have flood insurance Other Q9: If you have flood insurance,why did you purchase it? Percent I had to because I'm in a flood prone area 40.5% 15 I voluntarily chose to purchase it 59.5% 22 answered question 37 skipped question 305 Q9: If you have flood insurance why did you purchase it? 60% 40% I had to because I'm in a flood prone area I voluntarily chose to purchase it Q10: 8

If you answered that you voluntarily chose to purchase flood insurance, please tell us why. Q11: 23 answered question 23 skipped question 319 Do you or did you have problems getting homeowners/renters insurance due to flood risk? Percent Yes 1.2% 3 No 76.7% 194 Not Sure 22.1% 56 answered question 253 skipped question 89 Did you or did you have problems getting homeowners/renters insurance due to flood risk? 1% 22% Yes No 77% Not Sure Q12: 9

When you moved into your home, did you consider the impact a flood could have on your home? Percent Yes 28.0% 86 No 67.1% 206 Not Sure 4.9% 15 answered question 307 skipped question 35 When you moved into your home, did you consider the impact a flood could have on your home? 5% 28% Yes No Not Sure 67% Q13: 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? Percent Yes 13.0% 40 No 71.0% 218 Not Sure 16.0% 49 answered question 307 skipped question 35 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? 16% 13% Yes No Not Sure 71% Q14: Would the disclosure of the flood hazard have influenced your decision to buy or rent a home? Percent Yes 50.5% 155 No 29.0% 89 Not Sure 20.5% 63 answered question 307 skipped question 35 11

Would the disclosure of the flood hazard have influenced your decision to buy or rent a home? 20% Yes No 51% Not Sure 29% 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) Percent $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 answered question 307 skipped question 35 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) 5% 5% 33% 18% 18% 12% 9% $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 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) Percent 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 answered question 307 skipped question 35 Which of the following incentives would encourage you to spend money to retrofit your home to protect against flood disasters? (Check all that apply) 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Insurance premium discount Mortgage discount Low interest rate, homeimprovement loan Grant funding None I do not own my home Other (please specify) 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? Percent Yes 52.7% 149 No 11.0% 31 Not Sure 36.4% 103 answered question 283 skipped question 59 13

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? 36% 53% Yes No Not Sure 11% Q18: Do you support the regulation (restriction) of land uses within known, high risk, flood hazard areas? Percent Yes 76.9% 230 No 5.0% 15 Not Sure 18.1% 54 answered question 299 skipped question 43 Do you support the regulation (restriction) of land uses within known, high risk, flood hazard areas? 18% 5% Yes No Not Sure 77% 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. High Medium Low Rating Average 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 answered question 293 skipped question 49 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. Other Assist vulnerable property owners with securing funding Strengthen codes and regulations to include higher Increase utility providers' ability to withstand flood events Retrofit and strengthen essential facilities such as police 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 Q20: 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. Strongly Disagree Somewhat Disagree Neither Agree nor Disagree Somewhat Agree Strongly Agree Rating Average Choose one: 17 16 36 108 117 3.99 294 answered question 294 skipped question 48 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. Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 Q21: 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. Strongly Disagree Somewhat Disagree Neither Agree nor Disagree Somewhat Agree Strongly Agree Rating Average Choose one: 15 10 22 107 141 4.18 295 answered question 295 skipped question 47 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. Strongly Agree 141 Somewhat Agree 107 Neither Agree nor Disagree 22 Somewhat Disagree 10 Strongly Disagree 15 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 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 Neither Agree nor Disagree Somewhat Agree Strongly Agree Rating Average Choose one: 49 57 110 60 20 2.81 296 answered question 296 skipped question 46 17

Please indicate how you feel about the following statement: Information about the risks associated with flood hazards is readily available and easy to locate. 7% 17% 20% Strongly Disagree Somewhat Disagree 19% Neither Agree nor Disagree Somewhat Agree 37% Strongly Agree 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? 85 answered question 85 skipped question 257 Please indicate your highest level of education. 0% 1% 0% 4% 38% 40% 17% 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? Percent Yes 13.1% 38 No 86.9% 252 Please describe programs and policies of which you are aware 30 answered question 290 skipped question 52 Are you aware of the current Floodplain Management Plan's programs and policies to reduce flooding hazards? 13% 87% Yes No Number 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; floodproof 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 y 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. 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. 244 answered question 244 skipped question 98 Q26: Do you live in a known floodplain or an area that has been subject to flooding? Percent 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 68 residence: answered question 286 skipped question 56 20

Do you live in a known floodplain or an area that has been subject to flooding? 9% 33% Yes No Not Sure 58% Q27: Do you work within the City of Los Angeles? Percent Yes 80.4% 225 No 19.6% 55 answered question 280 skipped question 62 Do you work within the City of Los Angeles? 20% Yes No 80% 21

Q28: Do you have any special access or functional needs within your household that would require early warning or specialized response during disasters? Percent Yes 11.0% 31 No 89.0% 250 answered question 281 skipped question 61 Do you have any special access or functional needs within your household that would require early warning or specialized response during disasters? 11% Yes No 89% 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. Percent Yes 7.8% 22 No 58.9% 166 Not Applicable 33.3% 94 Contact Information 19 answered question 282 skipped question 60 22

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. 8% 33% 59% Yes No Not Applicable Q30: Please indicate your age range: Percent 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 answered question 289 skipped question 53 Please indicate your age range: 0% 6% 31% 24% 17% 22% 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. Percent 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 answered question 289 skipped question 53 Please indicate the primary language spoken in your household. 0% 2% 1% 3% English Spanish 94% Other Indo-European Languages Asian and Pacific Island Languages Other (please specify) Q32: Please indicate your gender: Percent Male 49.6% 139 Female 50.4% 141 answered question 280 skipped question 62 24

Please indicate your gender: 50% 50% Male Female Q33: Please indicate your highest level of education. Percent 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 answered question 282 skipped question 60 25

Please indicate your highest level of education. 0% 1% 0% 4% 38% 40% 17% Grade school/no schooling Some high school High school graduate/ged Some college/trade school College degree Graduate degree Other (please specify) Q34: How long have you lived in Los Angeles? Percent 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 answered question 265 skipped question 77 How long have you lived in Los Angeles? 1% 5% 5% 76% 13% 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? Percent Own 77.3% 215 Rent 22.7% 63 answered question 278 skipped question 64 Do you own or rent your place of residence? 23% Own Rent 77% Q36: How much is your gross household income? Percent $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 answered question 254 skipped question 88 27

How much is your gross household income? 4% 55% 12% 16% 13% $20,000 or less $20,001 to $49,999 $50,000 to $74,999 $75,000 to $99,999 $100,000 or more Q37: Do you have regular access to the Internet? Percent Yes 97.9% 280 No 1.7% 5 Not Sure 0.3% 1 answered question 286 skipped question 56 Do you have regular access to the Internet? 2%0% Yes No Not Sure 98% Q38: Comments 28

39 answered question 39 skipped question 303 29

FLOOD PREPAREDNESS SURVEY

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness Citizen Preparedness Survey 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 5 15 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) Identified utility shutoffs Stored flashlights and batteries Obtained Sand bags Stored a battery powered radio Prepared a disaster supply kit Stored medical supplies (first aid kit, medications) Identified evacuation routes Purchased flood insurance Identified at least 2 methods for receiving emergency notifications and information during emergencies None Stored food and water above potential flood levels Other (please specify) * 2. How prepared is your household to deal with a flood event? Somewhat Adequately Not at All Prepared Well Prepared Very Well Prepared Not Sure Prepared Prepared Check one:

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness * 3. Which of the following have provided you with useful information to help you be prepared for a flood event? (Check all that apply) Emergency preparedness information from a government source (for example, federal, state, or local emergency management) Personal experience with flood events Locally provided news or other media information Schools and other academic institutions Attended meetings that have dealt with flood preparedness Community Emergency Training (CERT) Faith based institutions None Other (please specify) * 4. Which of the following methods do you think are most effective for providing flood hazard and disaster information? (Check all that apply) Newspaper Radio News Books Telephone Book Radio Ads Chamber of Commerce Informational Brochures Internet Academic Institutions City Newsletters Outdoor Advertisements Public Library Public Meetings Fire Department/Rescue Red Cross Information Workshops Law Enforcement Community Safety Events Schools Faith based Institutions Fair Booths TV News Community Emergency Team Word of Mouth TV Ads (CERT) Classes Public Awareness Campaign (for Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) example, Flood Awareness Week) Other (please specify)

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness * 5. What method is best for you and your family to get time sensitive warning information or instructions for action? Land line telephone Cell phone Text messaging Email Radio TV Social network (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) Other (please specify) * 6. How concerned are you about the following flood related hazards in Los Angeles? (Check one response for each hazard) Not Concerned Somewhat Extremely Concerned Very Concerned Concerned Concerned Not Sure Climate Change impacts Groundwater flooding Coastal flooding Tsunami River/Channel migration Stream bank erosion Stormwater flooding Infrastructure failure (pipes, tanks) Dam failure Other (Please specify other flood related hazard) Flood Insurance 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? Yes No Not Sure

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness * 8. 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 for coverage I believe it will affect the value of my property I have flood insurance or am not sure if I have flood insurance Other Other (please specify) 9. If you have flood insurance,why did you purchase it? I had to because I'm in a flood prone area I voluntarily chose to purchase it 10. If you answered that you voluntarily chose to purchase flood insurance, please tell us why. 5 11. Do you or did you have problems getting homeowners/renters insurance due to flood risk? 6 Yes No Not Sure Flood Hazard Mitigation * 12. When you moved into your home, did you consider the impact a flood could have on your home? Yes No Not Sure

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness * 13. 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 * 14. Would the disclosure of the flood hazard have influenced your decision to buy or rent a home? Yes No Not Sure * 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, flood proofing, building berms or floodwalls) $10,000 or above Nothing $5,000 to $9,999 Not Sure $1,000 to $4,999 I do not own my home Less than $1,000 * 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) Insurance premium discount Grant funding Mortgage discount None Low interest rate, home improvement loan I do not own my home Other (please specify) 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? Yes No Not Sure 18. Do you support the regulation (restriction) of land uses within known, high risk, flood hazard areas? Yes No Not Sure

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness 19. 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. High Medium Low Retrofit and strengthen essential facilities such as police and fire stations, schools and hospitals. Retrofit infrastructure by elevating roads, replacing bridges and improving drainage. Increase utility providers' ability to withstand flood events without service disruptions. Capital projects such as dams, levees, flood walls and drainage improvements. Strengthen codes and regulations to include higher regulatory standards in flood hazard areas. Acquire vulnerable properties and maintain as open space. Assist vulnerable property owners with securing funding for mitigation. Provide better information about flood risk to the public. Other (please specify) 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. Strongly Disagree Somewhat Disagree Neither Agree nor Disagree Somewhat Agree Strongly Agree Choose one: 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. Strongly Disagree Somewhat Disagree Neither Agree nor Disagree Somewhat Agree Strongly Agree Choose one: 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. Strongly Disagree Somewhat Disagree Neither Agree nor Disagree Somewhat Agree Strongly Agree Choose one:

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness 23. 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? 5 24. Are you aware of the current Floodplain Management Plan's programs and policies to reduce flooding hazards? 6 Yes No Please describe programs and policies of which you are aware 5 6 General Household Information 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. 5 6 26. Do you live in a known floodplain or an area that has been subject to flooding? Yes No Not Sure Please describe any experiences you have had with flooding at your current residence: 5 6

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness 27. Do you work within the City of Los Angeles? Yes No 28. Do you have any special access or functional needs within your household that would require early warning or specialized response during disasters? Yes No 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. Yes No Not Applicable Contact Information 5 6 30. Please indicate your age range: Under 18 41 to 50 18 to 30 51 to 60 31 to 40 61 or older 31. Please indicate the primary language spoken in your household. English Other Indo European Languages Spanish Asian and Pacific Island Languages Other (please specify) 32. Please indicate your gender: Female Male

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness 33. Please indicate your highest level of education. Grade school/no schooling Some college/trade school Some high school College degree High school graduate/ged Graduate degree Other (please specify) 34. How long have you lived in Los Angeles? Less than 1 year 11 to 20 years 1 to 5 years More than 20 years 6 to 10 years 35. Do you own or rent your place of residence? Own Rent 36. How much is your gross household income? $20,000 or less $75,000 to $99,999 $20,001 to $49,999 $100,000 or more $50,000 to $74,999 37. Do you have regular access to the Internet? Yes No Not Sure Comments 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!

City of Los Angeles Survey: Flood Preparedness 38. Comments 5 6

SURVEY ADVERTISEMENT FLYER

SURVEY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED! The City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works wants to know Are you prepared for a flood? 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! THE SURVEY WILL ASK ABOUT: Your perception of flood risks in Los Angeles. SURVEY LINK www.surveymonkey.com/s/ LACityFloodSurvey Flooding in your home, neighborhood, or at work. Your experience with flood insurance. The survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete. Thank you for participating! FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE, VISIT THE WEBSITE AT HTTP://ENG.LACITY.ORG/PROJECTS/FMP/.