Flooding Plans And Preparedness For Calvert County Residents

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County is no stranger to flooding. Water-adjacent communities all over Southern Maryland know that the waterways affect health and safety. In a summer of storms and deadly flash floods, it’s normal to feel worry and anxiety about flooding — and look for ways to feel more prepared in a disaster.

Approximately 11% of Calvert County is within the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) designated Special Flood Hazard Area. The good news is that despite being surrounded by water, flooding is not as much of an overall risk as people might think compared to other risks. The county keeps a ranked list of hazards that includes dangers residents could face living in the area — the three flooding types (flooding, flash flooding and nuisance flooding) rank 16, 21 and 24, respectively.

Calvert also holds a Class 7 ranking under the FEMA Community Rating System (CRS), which means the county government has gone “above and beyond” what FEMA requires for flood preparedness. (Tip for homeowners: this designation could earn you a homeowners insurance discount.) Environmental Planning Regulator Ronald Marney stressed that Calvert is well aware of the deep connection between the land and water when it comes to livelihood and safety.

With that said, flooding is always a risk, no matter where you live. Some experts say the severity of storms and flooding is only going to increase in the years to come, and funding issues could make it harder to mitigate danger. The best thing to do is to know your risk and take steps for emergency preparedness.

Residents can check flood risk areas on FEMA’s flood hazard map, which allows you to enter your address and check information on your flood risk zone. The map shows areas along creeks and tributaries are at higher risk for flooding. Whether or not an area floods is complex and based on many factors, like building structures, land development and drainage. The map doesn’t have every single property but can give people an idea of where they stand and how to best prepare.

According to Environmental Planner Amalia Pleake-Tamm, older communities near the water are most vulnerable to flooding. They’re close to the water, yes, but also may have been built prior to floodplain regulation plans and have outdated storm drainage infrastructure.

But inland areas aren’t exempt, either. Pleake-Tamm stressed that everyone should have a well-informed plan based on their own risk and needs.

“If it rains where you live, it can flood where you live,” added Marney.

For example, if you live on a hill in a new house with the most up-to-date flood mitigation standards, your flood plan could just be buying a generator, Marney says.

Planning improves your chances for managing the situation safely and gives you peace of mind. Pleake-Tamm also explained that a plan should go beyond the basics — like creating kits with items that can help make kids feel safe and keep them occupied.

One thing is clear: the county has taken steps to ensure the information is there regarding flood safety, and anyone can access both the flood mitigation plans and the emergency plans. “Calvert residents will be taken care of, unequivocally,” Marney said.

The county’s resources are a great place to start — and if there’s an emergency, Marney and Pleake-Tamm agreed that residents should rely on official channels for information rather than social media.

Here are some of the steps Calvert residents can take now:

• Review resources ahead of time. Calvert County, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and FEMA all have great information. Use the flood preparation page and Marney’s recent series of videos.
• Have three days of supplies on hand. Not just food and water — think about what your whole family needs to survive for three days. You might need pet food, medications, wipes, hand sanitizer or comfort objects. Families can also discuss division of labor in emergencies so everyone knows their role. Plan according to your family’s specific needs, and review your kit twice a year.
• Do not attempt to drive during flood conditions.
• Do not go outside in floodwaters. Debris and electrocution pose a risk.
• Know your local radio stations.
• Pick a designated third person to call if you’re ever in a disaster situation. Sometimes it’s easier to get calls or texts to a place that’s unaffected by the disaster. If you’re separated and can’t reach each other, you can check in with your third person.
• Designate a meeting point in case you’re separated.
• Sign up for Calvert Emergency Alerts. It works like an Amber Alert and will go directly to your phone.
• Start using MyCoast Maryland to report flooding. This helps officials identify patterns and gives them better tools to predict when, where and how bad future flooding will be. It also “empowers people to be citizen scientists,” according to Pleake-Tamm.
• Follow floodplain regulations — and help make sure others do the same.

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