What To Know About Your City’s Flood Risk

Especially if you live on a coastal city, it is important to understand how a major flood could impact your community. While a local civil engineering company is taking steps to further advance flood preparedness and infrastructure, citizens and government officials should also understand what a sudden influx of water would involve. When accessing your local flood risk, be sure to look into the following points.

• Elevation: Communities at or below sea level are at a much higher risk for flooding. If you live at a high elevation, be sure to look into how local rivers and lakes usually react to heavy rains. The location of your home or commercial space will also impact this risk, as any building located in a valley could easily flood.
• Flood Mapping: The Federal Emergency Management Agency has flood mapping tools available for most communities. You can use this feature to search your town or city and analyze which sections of the landscape are most at risk. Civil engineer services can use this information to better plan city infrastructure to protect communities from water threats.
• Infrastructure Strength: Experts estimate that over one third of roads in the United States are in mediocre or poor condition. With proper transportation planning and maintenance, municipalities can make sure that these structures are sound enough to handle natural events. The best prepared cities also have structural design that is able to stand up to flooding, especially in coastal communities. Lidar surveying and photogrammetry can help show which roads are at lower elevation, thus at higher risk.
• Emergency Preparedness: In the event of a severe flood, it is important to know your community’s emergency plan. This could be an evacuation route or certain recommendations for people living in flood-prone areas. Consider having a document in your home about what to do in the event of a flood, keeping you and your family prepared.

Your local civil engineering company is aware of your community’s flood risk. Be sure to keep up to date with what pieces of infrastructure are being repaired and how that will improve flood preparedness. If you have any questions or concerns about these methods, be sure to contact your local officials.