Flood Information

Floodplain Management

Flooding hazards exist in areas adjacent to the county’s major water basins, including the North Edisto River, Savannah River, South Edisto River, Horse Creek, Hollow Creek, Mortar Creek, Shaw Creek, Town Creek, and Upper Three Runs Creek, along with their smaller tributaries. This page provides information about the flood hazards related to Aiken County’s drainage systems, the county’s floodplain management program, and the measures you can take to protect your life and property.

Flood Hazard Areas

The 100-year floodplain, or Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), is the area defined by FEMA that has a 1% chance of being flooded in any given year. Less severe floods have a higher probability of occurring in any given year, posing a significant flood hazard to properties located near a stream's channel. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) that define the SFHA are available for inspection at the Aiken County Planning & Development Department.

Information available from the Planning & Development Department includes:

• Whether a property is located in the SFHA
• Whether a property includes a mapped floodway or an area with a 0.25% chance of flooding.
• FIRM information - community number, panel number with suffix, effective date, base flood elevation, regulatory zone, and elevation datum.

The available information may also encompass the extent of flooding above a building’s first floor, historical flood events in the area, and copies of elevation certificates for newly constructed or improved buildings within the floodplain.

Aiken County Planning & Development is available to provide flood information for all unincorporated areas of the county, as well as for the municipalities of Burnettown, Jackson, and New Ellenton. Inquiries regarding areas in the City of Aiken or the City of North Augusta should be directed to those municipalities.

Development in the Floodplain

Protect Natural Floodplain Functions:  Floodplains play a valuable role in providing a wide array of benefits to both human and natural systems. By nature, floodplains are periodically flooded at various times. Open floodplains act as natural catchment basins, collecting and retaining runoff to lessen the intensity of floods while replenishing groundwater levels. They also offer educational opportunities for studying biological processes. Furthermore, floodplains offer recreational services, including parks and boating opportunities. Additionally, floodplains are critical habitats for waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife. It is essential that dedicated open spaces within floodplains remain accessible to allow these benefits to occur naturally.

Build Responsibly:  Most development in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) requires a Floodplain Development Permit from Aiken County. Types of development that require a permit include:

• New residential construction or installation of manufactured homes.
• New commercial or industrial construction.
• Installation or replacement of electrical, gas, and heating and air appliances.
• Substantial improvements to an existing structure. Substantially improved residential structures must be elevated to at least one foot above the base flood elevation. Commercial properties may be flood-proofed or elevated to one foot above the base flood elevation.
• Alterations to the natural terrain, including filling or excavating, and any modifications to drainage ways or streams.

Please consult the Planning & Development Department or the county’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance for complete information regarding development in the SFHA.

Improper or unpermitted development in the floodplain should be reported to the Planning Department immediately. Such modifications or developments may lead to increased flooding hazards and property damage.

Flood Resources and Safety

Flood Insurance:  Homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover losses from flooding. The only flood insurance policy available to property owners in the United States is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Since 1980, Aiken County Government has participated in the NFIP. Aiken County’s participation makes flood insurance accessible to any homeowner or renter in the unincorporated areas of the county. Five of the county’s municipal governments—Aiken, Burnettown, Jackson, New Ellenton, and North Augusta—also participate in the program.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers this program, and insurance coverage is sold through licensed agents. Information about flood insurance may be obtained from your local insurance agent, by visiting www.floodsmart.gov, or by contacting the Aiken County Planning & Development Department. You do not have to live in a designated or regulated flood zone to purchase flood insurance. Flood insurance is available for all areas of the county.

A thirty (30) day waiting period exists before a new flood insurance policy goes into effect. No flood losses will be covered during the waiting period.

Protect People:  Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other storm-related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous floodwater. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near floodwaters. People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn them the road is flooded. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into floodwaters.

• Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Do not drive through a flooded area. Two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles.
• Turn off gas and electricity at the main switch.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical lines.
• Be alert for gas leaks.

Safeguard Your Property:  Flooding along the county’s rivers can often be predicted up to a week in advance, providing ample time for preparation and evacuation. However, in the event of a flash flood due to a large rain event, you may be the first to notice the oncoming situation and have a short time to act. Advance planning and proactive improvements can reduce the flood risk to home and property. Potential improvements include:

• Install a floor drain plug, standpipe, sewer backup- valve, or other mechanism to prevent sewer backup flooding into your building.
• Check your building for water entry points often at basement windows, doors, and dryer vents.
• Elevate utilities such as washer, dryer, furnace, water heaters, and HVAC equipment above the flood risk.
• Elevate or remove contents from basements or levels below grade to prevent floodwaters from damaging them.
• Elevate the building to prevent floodwaters from entering and causing damage.

Be Alert:  The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service have developed a flood warning system. Warnings will be disseminated via internet and cellular-based systems, as well as through multiple media outlets, including radio, TV, and weather radio. The flood warning system aims to provide up to a one-hour warning of a flood hazard. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH indicates that conditions are favorable for flash flooding in the watch area. A FLASH FLOOD WARNING signifies that flash flooding is imminent or has been reported in the warning area. Learn more about flood safety by visiting ready.gov/floods.