Flood Damage Prevention

You can protect a structure from flood damage by guarding it with a small flood wall or earthen berm. Another approach is to make your walls waterproof and place watertight closures over the doorways. A third approach is to raise the house above flood levels. 

Many houses also have sewers that back up during heavy rains. A plug or standpipe can prevent this if the water doesn’t get deeper than 2 feet. Talk to a plumber about overhead sewers or a backup valve for deeper sewer backup flooding.

Drainage Maintenance

Drainage maintenance is everyone’s responsibility to ensure we are protecting our community from the flood damages. Dumping in ditches and streams is a violation of City Code of Ordinances Part II, Chapter 6 (Drainage, Soil Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution Control). Here is what you can do to help:
  • Do not dump or throw anything into ditches or streams as this can plug the channels that carry water away. Any amount of debris can contribute to flooding.
  • If your property is next to a ditch or stream, keep the banks clear of brush and debris.
  • If you see someone dumping into a ditch or stream, contact Hinesville Code Enforcement at (912) 876-4147. 
  • Report any blockages such as downed trees you may see in a ditch or stream to Public Works.
  • Always check with the Inspections Department before you build, alter, regrade, or fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems and contributed to flooding.
  • Learn more about flood-proofing, flood insurance, the local flood warning system, and flood safety.