Living in a Floodplain

Everyone lives in a flood zone. Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. If you live on a hill or in an area that has never been flooded, you may still be at some level of risk. Flood zones indicate areas of low, moderate and high risk. In low- and moderate-risk zones flooding can still occur. The risk is reduced but not removed. However, many of the homes and businesses within the City of Athens are in moderate- to high-risk zones.  Structures located on the 100-year floodplain are considered to be at a high-risk of flooding.  Check the FEMA website www.floodsmart.gov to determine the level of risk for your home or business.

Flooding can be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, inadequate drainage systems, failed flood control structures such as levees and dams, as well as tropical storms and hurricanes. It is important to understand the flood risks you face, and it is important to make an informed decision about the purchase of flood insurance.  The fact that a flood hasn't occurred in recent years does not mean that one hasn't happened in the past or that one will not happen in the future. Flood history is only one element used in determining flood risk. Determinations are also based on evaluating rainfall and river-flow data, topography, flood control measures, and building development (existing and planned) for our community.

Safety tips before a flood, when flooding is imminent, during and after flooding, are located on the webpages that can be accessed through the sidebar.  If you live in a high-risk flood zone, please take the time to read these safety tips and prepare your home or business for flooding.

Flooding east of US-33 in January, 2005.