City of Charleston announces critical Active Flooding Mitigation Plan to enhance emergency management preparedness

Today, Mayor William Cogswell announced a significant flooding initiative to bolster preparedness and response capabilities in the face of severe weather threats. This initiative will provide increased accountability on city government to its residents when it comes to flooding events- establishing a protocol prior to severe weather so citizens can remain safe and informed. The residents of Charleston have demanded accountability with rainy-day flooding, and Mayor Cogswell is leading swiftly and directing to provide action.

The Active Flooding Mitigation Plan consists of proactive steps for the city to adequately prepare and mitigate issues that come with rainy day flooding. Prior to this administration, there was no rainy-day flooding plan or protocol in place- leaving residents uninformed and unprepared to weather daily flooding.

The Active Flooding Mitigation Plan will be initiated 24- 48 hours before a weather event, giving adequate time for city services and residents to prepare. The goal of this plan is to mitigate the effects of flooding on residents as well as alleviate the burden on first responders.

• City parking garages will be opened for free prior to a significant weather event to allow residents plenty of time to park their vehicles on high ground.
• Temporary Pumps will be installed proactively in vulnerable areas before flooding occurs.
• Colonial and Dotterer Lakes will be lowered.
• Flood prone intersections and streets will be closed with barricades before rain begins.
• Storm drains on flood prone streets will be maintained prior to heavy rain activity.
• Residents will be alerted to potential severe weather and the Active Flood Mitigation Plan activation via city website, social media, NotifyMe Text Alerts, and CHS Trash Tracker App. These alerts will include:
  • Road closures
  • City garage openings
  • Storm drains checks and report blockage

  Mayor Cogswell emphasized the urgent need for improved leadership and proactive planning, stating, “It takes all of us as a community to address flooding, but the city is going to do its part to do better. We do need your help. Our city has to live with water in the interim, but we need to be proactive in how we mitigate the risks. My administration has a bias towards action and will always strive to provide residents the high-quality service they deserve.”