Four Steps to Stay Flood Safe

Published on February 24, 2026

Logos for Meck Co., Storm Water Services, EMS and City of Charlotte.

 

Residents encouraged to prepare for weather-related hazards

Mecklenburg County, N.C. — As temperatures rise, so does the risk of severe weather-related hazards. To help residents stay informed and prepared, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office are recognizing March 1-7 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

Flooding is Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s biggest natural threat. Just six inches of rushing water can knock a person over and a foot of rushing water can carry away a car. But there are simple ways residents can proactively protect themselves, their loved ones and their property.

Here are four easy ways residents can stay flood safe:

  1. Know your risk of flooding. Find out if your home is in the floodplain by visiting StormWater.CharMeck.org and clicking the 3D Flood Zone Map. Take action if you are at risk of flooding. Traditional homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flooding. Purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
  2. Make a plan so you and your household know what to do, where to go, and what you need to protect yourselves from flooding. Visit Ready.gov/Plan to create an emergency plan and make sure everyone in your household is informed. If you have pets, consider them in your plan.  
  3. Build a kit for your household so you and your household have what you need if you are sheltering in place or evacuating. Emergency Management has suggestions on what to include in your kit.
  4. Stay safe and informed about weather conditions. Sign up for CharMeck Alerts to receive timely and accurate emergency information, including flood updates. Stay tuned to local media and the National Weather Service for reliable updates.

If told to evacuate, do so immediately. If you encounter rising water outside, turn around, don’t drown. After a flood, if you have experienced significant flood damage, call 311 to ensure the health of your family and your living space.

 “We’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects flooding can have on our area,” said Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services Director Don Ceccarelli. “While we can’t always predict when severe weather will strike, we can take simple steps to protect ourselves when it does.”

Media Advisory: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office staff members will be available for interviews regarding severe weather, flood safety tips, and how to sign up for emergency notifications on Monday, March 2, at 10 a.m. at the Emergency Operations Center, 500 Dalton Ave. in Charlotte. 

Related Links

calendar icon Learn More at Storm Water Services

Tagged as:
Back to top