County proclaims Flood Awareness Week

MONROE COUNTY — Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln, the Monroe County Commission and Growth Management Director Emily Schemper recently proclaimed March 9-15 as Monroe County Flood Awareness Week.

The week is recognized statewide by the Florida Floodplain Managers Association to encourage residents to learn about flood risks, flood insurance and steps they can take to protect their homes and families.

Flooding can impact homes and buildings across the county. Understanding flood hazards and taking steps to prepare can significantly reduce damage and improve community resilience.

"Flood awareness is especially important in coastal communities like the Florida Keys," Lincoln said. "Staff works year-round to maintain floodplain management standards, help residents understand their flood risk and provide guidance on building and mitigation practices that improve safety and resilience."

Monroe County encourages residents to take simple, important steps, such as checking FEMA flood maps to understand their property's risk, reviewing whether they have flood insurance, creating disaster-preparedness plans and learning ways to reduce potential damage to homes and property.

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, but planning and investing in mitigation measures can reduce impacts.

Residents can learn more about flood risks, preparedness resources and flood insurance at monroecounty-fl.gov/flood, fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program and floridadisaster.org/planprepare.