Prince George's County, Maryland, USA

“Be Flood Smart” During Flood Awareness Month

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Press Release

 

For immediate release:
June 7, 2024

 

For more information, contact: 
Britt Garner, Public Information Officer 
Department of the Environment 
(301) 883-5985; bgarner@co.pg.md.us

 

Prince George’s County Encourages Residents to “Be Flood Smart” During Flood Awareness Month
Residents and businesses are encouraged to make a flood plan 

LARGO, MD – June marks the beginning of hurricane season, and severe weather conditions can cause flooding, threaten lives, and damage property. The Department of the Environment (DoE) wants to help County residents and business owners protect their homes, buildings, and personal belongings if flooding occurs and to be flood-ready, flood-smart, and flood-safe. 

The best time to make a flood plan is now. DoE offers flood prevention tips and information, as well as a Flood Awareness poster that provides information on what causes flooding and how to prevent and protect homes and businesses in the case of a flood. View a copy of the proclamation issued by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks recognizing June as Flood Awareness Month.  

DoE, in partnership with the Prince George’s Office of Homeland Security and Maryland Insurance Administration, is hosting “Be Flood Smart: Flood Educational Virtual Sessions” every Thursday in June. This flood education series will equip residents with information and resources to improve their understanding of how and where floods occur, share techniques and practical measures for flood risk reduction, and prepare for disaster response and recovery. Register for the sessions at bit.ly/befloodsmart.

Other flood management resources are available on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website to help residents prepare and provide guidance on making a flood plan. It also includes information on flood insurance premiums, which County residents can save up to 25 percent. Another resource, Alert Prince George’s, is a text message notification service that advises subscribers in the event of significant flooding.

Residents can implement grassroots solutions to prevent and alleviate flooding and should follow these safety tips when encountering flooding:  

  • Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
  • If flash flooding is possible, move immediately to higher ground.
  • If floodwaters rise around your car, but the water is not moving, abandon the car and walk to higher ground. Do not leave the vehicle if you enter moving water.
  • Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

Having flood insurance is one way to prepare for flooding, as coverage helps pay for damage to your home's structure and/or contents. For information on insurance rates and tips, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Risks and Costs webpage.

The County also participates in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) Program. CRS stresses the importance of informing residents of flood hazards and reducing flood risks. The County recently updated its Hazard Mitigation Plan, which FEMA approved in November 2023. This Plan covers the Prince George’s County and the City of Laurel jurisdictions and provides current flood risk information and measures to mitigate the risk.

Visit DoE’s Flood Management page or contact PGC311 for more information.

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