But that doesn’t mean building a boat.
Build an “ARK” is Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s theme for National Flood Safety Awareness Week, which runs March 12 through 16.

  Building an “ARK” should not be a task of  
  biblical proportions. Instead, it’s simple
  preparedness.

Awareness:
 Pay attention to flood watches and flood warnings. 
Find out how common, costly and deadly flooding is in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
 Understand why it floods.

Responsibility:
 Maintain the storm drains near your property.
 Turn around, don’t drown.
Learn about the flood risks at your house and the streets you drive on.

Knowledge:
 Know that regular insurance does not cover flood damage.
Know that floodplain maps only show certain types of flood risks. Flooding can and does happen outside of mapped floodplains.
 Know what to do during a flood, such as when to call 911 and when to call 311.

“In the past 20 years, Charlotte-Mecklenburg has had more than 70 flood events,” said Dave Canaan, director of the County staff of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services. “Those local floods claimed seven lives. And they caused more than $30 million in damage to property. Floods happen nearly every year in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and can have devastating results.

“By asking local residents to ‘build an ARK,’ we asking them to be Aware, take Responsibility and be Knowledgeable about flooding,” said Canaan. “’Building an ARK’ can save lives and property.”

In-depth news story suggestions for ARK Week:

• Local Flood Notification System, new Floodplain Maps, Maintain your Drain campaign– Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services. Contact: Sharon Foote 704-336-3735
• Flooding history in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Flood Watches and Warnings – National Weather Service. Contact: Pat Tanner 864-848-3859
• Swift Water Rescue, Turn Around/Don’t Drown – Charlotte Fire Department. Contact: Rob Brisley 704-336-8742
• Emergency Kit, Family Preparedness –Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management. Contact: Michael Tobin 704-336-2413

Media Contact: Sharon Foote   Office: 704-336-3735     Cell: 980-721-8259   sharon.foote@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov