Getting Ready For The Storms
Prince George’s County Marks Flood Awareness Month as Hurricane Season Begins
As hurricane season gets underway across the Atlantic, Prince George’s County officials are urging residents to prepare for one of the region’s most persistent and costly natural threats: flooding.
June has been designated as Flood Awareness Month in Prince George’s County, a public education effort led by the County Department of the Environment (DoE) to increase awareness about flood risks, promote emergency preparedness, and encourage residents to take proactive steps before severe weather strikes.
County officials note that flooding remains among the most common natural hazards facing Prince George’s County. Intense rainstorms, flash flooding, overflowing streams, and tropical weather systems have repeatedly impacted neighborhoods, businesses, roadways, and public infrastructure throughout the county. Climate experts have also warned that increasingly frequent heavy rainfall events are placing greater pressure on local stormwater systems and flood-prone areas.
“Be Flood Smart” is the theme of this year’s awareness campaign, which focuses on helping residents understand flood risks and develop emergency plans before storms arrive. The Department of the Environment is distributing flood-prevention resources, safety guidance, and preparedness tools throughout the month.
The timing is significant. June 1 marks the official beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, a six-month period that historically brings an elevated risk of tropical storms, hurricanes, and heavy rainfall to Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region. While Prince George’s County is not located on the coast, inland flooding caused by intense rain events can create dangerous conditions and significant property damage.
County leaders are encouraging residents to review emergency preparedness plans, secure important documents, evaluate insurance coverage, and stay informed about weather conditions. The County is also promoting enrollment in Alert Prince George’s, its emergency text notification system, which provides real-time updates during severe weather and flooding emergencies.
Flood Awareness Month also highlights financial protections available to residents. Because Prince George’s County participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System program, eligible property owners may qualify for discounts of up to 25 percent on flood insurance premiums. Officials are encouraging residents to review coverage options before storms develop rather than waiting until an emergency occurs.
The Department of the Environment is reinforcing several key safety messages during the campaign. Residents are advised never to walk or drive through floodwaters, to move to higher ground when flash flooding threatens, and to avoid camping or parking near streams, rivers, and creeks during periods of heavy rainfall. Officials emphasize that many flood-related injuries and deaths occur when motorists underestimate the depth or force of moving water.
Beyond public education, the county continues to pursue long-term flood mitigation strategies through its FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan outlines projects and policies designed to reduce flood risks, strengthen infrastructure, and improve community resilience in Prince George’s County and the City of Laurel.
As severe weather patterns continue to challenge communities across Maryland, county leaders say Flood Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that preparation before a storm can make all the difference when floodwaters begin to rise.
