Floodplain Management

Management of stormwater runoff and any drainage issues have become an increasingly important responsibility for local governments like Garden City.

Stormwater runoff is water that drains off rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, roads, compacted soil, gravel, and other surfaces that prohibit the infiltration of rainfall into the ground. The stormwater runoff then flows into the City drainage system and, eventually, into our local streams and creeks. All developed properties in a community contribute stormwater runoff to the drainage system and, in some cases, to recurring drainage problems. In addition to flooding problems, stormwater runoff washes chemicals, debris, trash and other pollutants into the drainage system and our local surface waters.

Our stormwater management program must undertake various activities including the cleaning of ditches and other stormwater conveyance systems; replacement of aging culverts and drainage structures; and construction of new culvert systems to increase or improve conveyance capacity. Information specific to flood safety and areas where road may potentially be closed due to flooding can be found here:

Potential Road Closures(PDF, 1MB)

The City of Garden City maintains an interactive mapping application that allows people to obtain flood hazard information for properties throughout the community. Information in the online viewer includes; firm panels, flood zones, base flood elevations (BFEs), elevation certificates, choke points, roads likely to be closed during heavy rain events, zoning, evacuation routes, and predicted storm surge. The site also has links to other useful resources such as FEMA, Georgia Flood Map, and the National Flood Insurance Program. Collectively, this resource aims to provide people with information to better understand local flood hazards, which leads to better preparedness and a more resilient community.

Determine Your Flood Hazard Map

Flood Warning System - In Chatham County, the Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) manages the flood warning system. Once CEMA receives a potential dangerous warning, sirens will be activated. The sirens can give as little as fifteen minutes warning time. When you hear the sirens, information can be heard on the television (WTOC, WSAV, or WJCL) or on the radio at WCHY (94.1) on what to do. Information can be heard on the NOAA weather radio broadcast at frequency 162.40. Local evacuation routes can be found in the phone book. For additional information, contact CEMA at 201-4500. Additional information about potential flood conditions can also be obtained by visiting the USGS River Gage Website.

The City's recent Stormwater Master Plan and assessment of the drainage systems throughout the City can be found below.

Flood Safety & Preparedness

For more information on flood risks for your property, visit the Georgia Flood M.A.P. website.

Additionally, the City continues to work with FEMA to expand its involvement in the National Flood Insurance Program as a participant in the Community Rating System (CRS). CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the goals of the CRS.

Each year the City is required to update and post progress reports for the Floodplain Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Floodplain Hazard Mitigation Plan(PDF, 134KB)

If you have any questions, please call the Garden City Department of Planning and Economic Development at 912-963-2749.

For municipal floodplain manager's and area surveyor's contact information please review this handout(PDF, 193KB).

Links

Take just a minute to view this short Survivor Story Clip
With flood insurance, the Tiptons rebuilt their home safer and stronger after Hurricane Matthew. Learn why flood insurance is worth the investment: Hurricane Matthew Survivor Story #FloodSmart