Media release from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency:
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), in partnership with the National Weather Service (NWS), will recognize March 10–14 as Flood Safety Preparedness Week. This initiative encourages all Georgia residents and visitors to educate themselves on how to prepare for potential flooding in advance.
“Last fall, during Hurricane Helene, Georgia saw firsthand the devastating impact of widespread flooding,” said GEMA/HS Director Joshua Lamb. “Flooding is one of the most common and dangerous weather threats we face, which is why it’s critical for everyone in Georgia to be prepared and know how to stay safe before, during, and after a flood.”
Over the past six years, there have been 10 large-scale flooding events which made the list of ‘Billion-Dollar Disasters’ nationwide. Last Fall, nearly 100 river gauges observed flooding conditions across Georgia. FSPW is a great opportunity to learn about the hazards of flooding and how to protect our businesses, families and homes in the event flooding occurs.
Flood Safety Preparedness Week showcases a different theme each dayraising awareness about flooding risks while offering residents the opportunity to discover effective safety strategies.
- Monday, March 10 – Flood Safety and Awareness: Create a plan, build a ready kit and communicate with your household and community so you’re prepared in case of a flood.
- Tuesday, March 11 – Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Never attempt to drive through floodwaters. Two feet of moving water can carry away a full-sized car.
- Wednesday, March 12 – Types of Floods: The most common cause of flooding is water due to rain and/or snowmelt that accumulates faster than can be absorbed by soil or carried away by rivers.
- Thursday, March 13 – NWS Services: Take time to understand the products and services NWS provides to update on changing weather and river conditions, including the new Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) services, which will cover Georgia in Fall 2025.
- Friday, March 14 – NWS Partner Services: Get ahead of the next disaster by knowing the important players before, during and after floods — including flood insurance. Many homeowner’s policies don’t cover floods. Be financially ready for a flood event by visiting fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program and remember, flood insurance takes 30 days to go into effect!
For more information and resources, visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia or https://www.weather.gov/ffc/flood_preparedness_2025.
