Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. Cobb County has experienced multiple flooding events, including the serious flooding event of September 2009 that flooded more than 1,600 homes countywide. The County has developed a strong floodplain management program and is committed to keeping our citizens informed and sharing information regarding measures that can be taken to reduce flood risk. The County participates in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). Through this program, the County earns credit for going beyond the minimum NFIP floodplain management requirements, which results in residents receiving a discount on their flood insurance premiums. The County currently has a CRS classification of 7, meaning residents receive a 15% discount on their flood insurance premiums each year. The County’s participation in the CRS is maintained by the Stormwater Management Division (SWM).
Flood prevention is a core function of the SWM Division. Understanding and managing the quantity of water through planning and maintaining engineering controls (stormwater infrastructure) reduces the potential for damaging flood water. To meet these challenges new development plans are reviewed for channel protection, water quality standards, and to ensure runoff volume doesn’t exceed pre-existing conditions. Additional efforts include maintaining FEMA’s flood insurance discount rating for the community, complying with dam safety programs to ensure downstream protection, and acquiring flood-prone properties.
Due to the significant impact (increased flood depths and higher velocities) associated with any proposed development in a floodway area, careful review of all development activities in the regulatory floodway is necessary.
Homeowners' insurance policies do not include coverage for a flood. One of the best protection measures for a building with a flood problem is National Flood Insurance, which is purchased through any property insurance agent. If the building is in a floodplain, flood insurance will be required by most mortgage lenders. There is typically a 30-day waiting period for your policy to go into effect. Contact your insurance agent or call the National Flood Insurance Program at 877-336-2627.
Cobb County has utilized available state and federal grant programs to successfully acquire flood-prone properties. Since 1999, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Flood Mitigation Assistance Grants (FMA), and Disaster Relief Grants (DR) have allowed the acquisition of multiple flood-prone properties that were subsequently converted to open space.
Click here to view our photo gallery of major floods that occurred in Cobb County.
Cobb County has approximately 23,400 acres (36.6 square miles) of mapped floodplain and has been a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program since 1978. Access to the current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood mapping for the County is available on both the FEMA and Georgia DFIRM websites.
Is your property in an area where flooding is likely to occur? If so, you may be contemplating a project to retrofit your property for flood protection. Always check with the Cobb County Community Development Building Department before you build, fill, alter, or grade on your property. All new developments or any alterations, additions, or modifications to your building or land require a permit. Before you begin construction find out which permits and building standards apply.
Just one inch of water inside the home could cause over $25,000 in damages. In addition to purchasing flood insurance, store your valuables and insurance papers in a waterproof container at an elevated height. There are also structural measures you can take to protect your property. These include installing flood vents, raising machinery and equipment, and elevating your home above flood levels.
Just six inches of moving water can knock down an adult, and a car can be swept away in as little as one foot of water. Avoid walking or driving through flood water, and remember, turn around, don’t drown! When it comes to protecting yourself from a flood event, there are many measures you can take before a flood occurs in order to be prepared.
A stream buffer is an area along a waterway where development is restricted and the removal of vegetation is prohibited. The primary functions of stream buffers are to physically protect and separate a stream, lake, or other waterway from future disturbance or encroachment.