Flood Safety Information

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The dams in our community are safe and well maintained, but we ask that you take a few moments to review the information below in the event of an emergency at one of our dams.

PREPARING FOR A DAM EMERGENCY

BEFORE

• Use the interactive tool below to see if you live downstream of a high-hazard dam or in a dam inundation zone.
• Purchase flood insurance, as most homeowner's and renter's insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
• Store your valuables and insurance papers upstairs and/or in a waterproof container
• Sign up for PWC Alerts
• Don't dump in waterways, storm drains, or low-lying areas; this keeps channels clear to allow for proper drainage and healthy waterways

DURING

• Pay attention to local authorities and alerts; monitor the Emergency Information Portal
• If you are told to evacuate, please do so immediately
• If you encounter a flooded roadway, please remember to turn around; don't drown!

AFTER

• Do not return to your property until authorities say it is safe.
• Take pictures of your damaged property.
• If your home is damaged by floodwater, remember to get a permit before rebuilding

IF YOU SEE SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY AROUND A DAM, CALL 911

To find out if your home or business could be impacted by flash flooding from a dam failure, type your address in the interactive lookup tool below.

TERMINOLOGY

• Dam Inundation Zone- a dam inundation zone is the area downstream of a dam that would be flooded if there was a dam failure or an uncontrolled release of water.
• Dam Failure- Prince William County dams are very safe, and dams failures are low probability events. While infrequent, impacts of a dam failure can be catastrophic. Dam failure is often cause by structural, mechanical or hydraulic failure. Storm events do not usually cause dam failures