Flooding Preparedness | Bryan County

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Atlantic Flood Season: Year-Round Threat

Floods are the most common disaster in the United States and can happen anywhere it rains. They can develop slowly over days or strike suddenly as flash floods with little warning. At BEMA, we help residents prepare before a flood, respond when it happens, and recover after the water recedes. Preparation is key — from knowing your risk to protecting your home and having an evacuation plan. This guide provides practical steps to help you stay safe.

Before Flood Season

Know your flood risk & stay informed
- Use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center and the National Risk Index to learn about hazards near your home and work.
- Remember: if it can rain, it can flood—even outside mapped zones.
- Sign up for local alerts and monitor NOAA Weather Radio for watches and warnings.

Understand alerts — Watch vs. Warning
- Flood Watch: Conditions are favorable for flooding. Review your plan, check supplies, and be ready to act.
- Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or occurring. Move to higher ground and follow official instructions immediately.

Insurance & Important Documents

Get flood insurance early
- Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage.
- Purchase coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); most policies take ~30 days to start.
- Review coverage limits and contents coverage so you’re not surprised after a storm.

Protect your important documents
- Store IDs, insurance papers, medical records, and property documents in a waterproof container.
- Create password-protected digital copies that you can access from anywhere.

Protect Your Home & Property

Plan & Practice Your Response

Make a family & pet plan
- Identify evacuation routes, high-ground meeting spots, and a contact outside the area.
- Include pets: carriers, leashes, vaccination records, and pet-friendly shelter/hotel options.

Gather emergency supplies
- Keep at least three days of water, non-perishable food, medications, hygiene items, flashlights, batteries, and a NOAA Weather Radio.
- Use waterproof containers and prepare a “go bag” for rapid evacuation.

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