LIVE OAK, FLA., MARCH 8, 2023 – The second week of March is Florida Flood Awareness Week, and the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) wants to remind residents of the dangers of flooding.
Flooding is one of the most common hazards in Florida – from flash floods caused by an afternoon thunderstorm to widespread flooding from rainfall during a tropical storm of hurricane, residents face potential threats from flooding year-round.
“Flooding can happen very quickly, and we always need to be aware of changing conditions and our surroundings,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director of the District. “Residents need to be prepared for all phases of the storm to ensure their safety in the event of a worst-case scenario.”
It’s important for residents to have a plan in place – knowing how to prepare for a flood, how to stay safe during a flood, and then what to do after a flood. Useful links about flooding information can be found on the District’s website.
Additionally, the District advises residents to know their community’s flood risk – flood risk maps are currently being reviewed for the Santa Fe Watershed, which includes a large segment of the District. Residents can assess their property’s flood risk by visiting www.SRWMDfloodreport.com/virtual and submit feedback. The public comment period for this review will conclude on April 30.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. The District holds true to the belief of water for nature, water for people. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
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