(Atlanta, GA, Tuesday, September 21, 2021) – With peak Atlantic hurricane season running until late October, and severe storms not showing any signs of slowing down, residents in the Atlanta area need to understand their flood risk and take well-informed action to be prepared for the next storm.

Metropolitan flooding, also known as “urban flooding,” poses a significant risk to Atlanta residents. FEMA urges greater Atlanta residents to understand their flood risk and take action to be prepared before the next storm.

Cities like Atlanta have more structural development and fewer places for water to go. The resulting floods may cause severe damage to neighboring homes, including properties that are far from a water source.

Vincent Abril, External Affairs Specialist at FEMA, explains what Atlanta residents can do right now.

SOUNDBITE #1:

IN JUNE, TROPICAL STORM CLAUDETTE BROKE A FIFTY-YEAR RECORD FOR A SINGLE DAY OF RAIN IN ATLANTA. STORMS LIKE THIS ARE BECOMING MORE COMMON AND CAN RESULT IN SEVERE FLOODING FOR ATLANTANS. MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE FINANCIALLY PROTECTED BEFORE THE NEXT STORM BY PURCHASING FLOOD INSURANCE.

SOUNDBITE #2:

AS SEVERE STORMS INTENSIFY ACROSS THE COUNTRY, RESIDENTS IN THE GREATER ATLANTA AREA NEED TO UNDERSTAND THEIR FLOOD RISK AND TAKE ACTION TO BE PREPARED FOR THE NEXT STORM. HEAVY RAIN DURING A SEVERE WEATHER EVENT LIKE THIS CAN OVERWHELM DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND CAUSE FLASH FLOODS. PROTECT THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT WITH FLOOD INSURANCE. VISIT FLOOD-SMART-DOT-GOV TO LEARN MORE.

For more information, visit http://www.floodsmart.gov.