For Release: June 1, 2005
Contact: Evelyn Adams
Public Information Specialist
Prince George’s County Department of Environmental Resources
(301) 883-5958

Prince George's County declares June as "Flood Awareness Month"

LARGO, MD - Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson and the Prince George's County Council have declared June as Flood Awareness Month.

June is the start of a six-month period commonly known as “hurricane season.” While hurricanes are not common occurrences in Prince George's County, the severe weather conditions that occur during hurricane season, such as tropical storms, violent winds and heavy rains, can cause flooding which threatens lives and damages property and structures.

“The safety of County citizens and residents and the protection of property are of the utmost importance to me and my Administration,” Johnson stated. “Increasing public awareness of potential flood threats and the actions we can take to protect life and property are essential.”

As part of its flood management program, the Department of Environmental Resources (DER) has performed floodplain studies covering the majority of the urbanized watersheds within the County. DER has identified approximately 3,800 flood prone structures, most within the inner-beltway communities and along the Route 1 Corridor.

“Citizens and residents, especially those living in the older communities developed prior to the enactment of floodplain regulations, need to be aware of the potential for flooding in their communities,” said Donna M.P. Wilson, Esq., Director of DER. “This program offers an opportunity for them to protect their homes and businesses by taking steps to reduce the impact of major flooding.”

DER's flood management program provides a number of services to local residents and businesses to include identifying flood threats, assisting with general inquiries about Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zones and floodplains, and information on flood insurance programs. DER undertakes capital projects to mitigate for flood events, acquire flood prone structures, and design and construct drainage improvement systems. DER also offers technical assistance to residents with drainage and flooding problems, and reviews development proposals to ensure compliance with relevant floodplain, storm water management and grading ordinances.

Prince George's County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS). The County's flood management activities are documented under CRS. County residents receive a 25% reduction in flood insurance premiums because of the rating assigned under the CRS.

In 2004 there were 1,153 flood insurance policies in effect in Prince George's County. The total savings to these policyholders is approximately $215,265 annually. The savings are expected to grow each year as compliance with the National Flood Insurance Reform Act increases and the CRS rating improves.

For more information on flood prone structures, flood management and safety tips, and how to purchase flood insurance, please call DER’s Environmental Services Division at (301) 883-5874. For information on the National Flood Insurance Program, contact FEMA at 1-800-427-4661.

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