Georgetown purchases new software to provide public information about flood potential

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (CNN) – The city of Georgetown has recently invested in a cutting-edge software system called Forerunner, designed to provide the public with crucial information about flood zones, flood risks, and elevation requirements. Launched just a month ago, the system boasts data dating back to the 1970s for properties in Georgetown.

Peter Gaytan, the Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Georgetown, emphasized the value of Forerunner for individuals looking to purchase property in the area. “It’s just easier for when the person comes in to actually buy those homes,” Gaytan explained. “They know that everything has been built to the regulation so that way there’s no future potential damage from a flood event, and so you know everything has been elevated properly.”

Realtors like Phillip Brady of ReMax Reality in Georgetown also see the benefits of Forerunner for their clients. Brady noted, “A lot of folks new to the area don’t realize that not only is there a flood risk when you’re near a body of water, but you also have flood risk from accumulating water. So you don’t necessarily need to be on a pond or a river to have risk, and this tool for the public is gonna be very helpful.”

Prior to the implementation of Forerunner, flood damage assessments and reports in Georgetown were conducted manually on paper, requiring multiple agencies to visit affected properties. With the adoption of this new system, all relevant information can now be managed digitally, streamlining the process and reducing the burden on homeowners.

Gaytan highlighted that the Forerunner software includes the most current flood zone maps, approved just last May. “It just gives a better bird’s eye view of what’s going on, in a digital format too, and it’s just a lot quicker and easier to have a digital format rather than the old school paper maps,” Gaytan stated.

Drawing parallels to Horry County’s Map Your Move tool, which offers residents and potential residents access to flood zone and hurricane evacuation zone data, Georgetown’s adoption of Forerunner underscores a growing trend towards utilizing technology to enhance public safety and awareness regarding natural disasters.

As the city of Georgetown continues to prioritize flood preparedness and mitigation efforts, the integration of Forerunner represents a significant step forward in providing residents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their properties. Stay tuned for further updates on this innovative initiative.

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Written by staticwire