Rome Water Damage and Flood Cleanup Where Three Rivers Meet

A City Built at the Confluence of the Etowah and Oostanaula

Downtown Rome sits where the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers join to form the Coosa, at roughly 614 feet in the Appalachian foothills. Floyd County drains in three directions: the north toward the Oostanaula, the east toward the Etowah, and the west toward the Upper Coosa. That makes river levels a constant part of life here.

The city's history shows why. In the flood of 1886, the water rose so high that a steamboat traveled down Broad Street. Afterward, the Georgia legislature amended Rome's charter to create a commission to build river levees. Upstream on the Etowah, Allatoona Dam, completed in 1949, also lists flood control among its purposes.

Levees and dams reduce risk, but they do not remove it. Rome averages a little over 55 inches of precipitation a year, and north Georgia is the wettest part of the state. Heavy rain can still back up creeks, overwhelm storm drains and push water into low-lying buildings near the rivers.

Seven Hills, Fast Runoff and Wet Basements

Rome was named for its seven hills: Blossom, Jackson, Lumpkin, Mount Aventine, Myrtle, Old Shorter and Neely. Sloped lots move rainwater quickly, and that water has to go somewhere, which is one reason water damage in Rome often shows up below grade. Homes at the bottom of a grade, or with basements and crawlspaces cut into a hillside, often take on water during long soaking rains.

• Watch for damp walls or standing water in basements after storms.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear so roof water is carried away from the foundation.
• Check crawlspaces for pooled water and wet insulation, which can lead to musty odors and mold.

When water has already collected, water extraction and structural drying are the core of the job. Call (888) 817-5061 to reach a local restoration company that can pump out the space and set up drying equipment.

Tornadoes and Severe Storms Across Floyd County

Wind can do as much harm as rising water. On February 22, 2012, an EF1 tornado with winds near 95 mph began inside the city just west of the Maplewood Subdivision and moved east. Near Kingston Highway and Freeman Ferry, a small store lost much of its roof and a manufactured home lost its roof entirely. In April 2014, the National Weather Service also documented flooding in Floyd County during a round of 2 to 4 inches of rain across north Georgia.

After a storm, rain coming through damaged shingles or a tree-punctured roof can soak attics, ceilings and walls in hours. Professional storm damage cleanup in Rome usually starts with tarping and debris removal, then moves to drying. Floyd County is recognized by the National Weather Service as a StormReady community and uses CodeRED for weather alerts, so signing up through the county is worth a few minutes.

What to Do Before Help Arrives

1. Put safety first. Never wade into water near outlets or appliances, and stay off flooded roads. Turn off power to wet rooms only if the breaker panel is in a dry spot.
2. Shut off the water. If a pipe has split or the water heater is leaking, turn the main valve off at the meter or where the line enters the house.
3. Know what kind of water it is. River or creek floodwater (Category 3) can carry sewage, fuel and debris and should be treated as contaminated. Clean supply-line water (Category 1) can become more hazardous if it sits.
4. Take pictures. Photograph each room, the water line on walls and damaged items before cleanup starts.
5. Protect belongings. Move valuables, papers and electronics upstairs or to a dry room.
6. Call for help. Dial (888) 817-5061 and we will connect you with a local restoration professional.

From Floodwater to Finished Walls: How Restoration Works

Assessment and cleanup

Water damage restoration in Rome begins the same way most places do: a restoration crew identifies the water source and category, then removes standing water. After river or creek flooding, flood cleanup includes hauling out soaked carpet, pad and porous materials that cannot be safely cleaned.

Drying and monitoring

Air movers and dehumidifiers run while technicians track moisture readings in floors, walls and framing. Basements and crawlspaces often need extra attention because they dry slowly.

Repairs

Once materials test dry, water damage repair restores drywall, flooring, trim and cabinets. If reconstruction is involved, Georgia licenses residential and general contractors through the State Licensing Board under the Secretary of State, and you can look up a license at verify.sos.ga.gov.

Historic Districts, Campuses and Commercial Buildings

Rome has many National Register districts, including Between the Rivers, East Rome, Jackson Hill, Lower and Upper Avenue A, Mt. Aventine and South Broad Street. Older houses in these areas often have plaster, original hardwood and pier foundations. A careful drying plan can save materials that might otherwise be torn out, so ask about it up front.

The city is also home to Berry College and Shorter University, along with plenty of rental housing and downtown storefronts. Landlords, tenants and business owners should agree early on who calls the restoration company and who contacts the insurer. Commercial property managers can call (888) 817-5061 for help finding a local provider.

Mold, Moisture and Georgia's Licensing Gap

Wet materials can start growing mold within 24 to 48 hours, according to EPA guidance, and humid north Georgia summers speed that along. Damp basements and crawlspaces in hillside homes are common trouble spots for mold cleanup in Rome.

Georgia, per a trade-publication summary of state requirements, does not issue a dedicated license for mold assessment or mold remediation work in Rome or anywhere else in the state. No official Georgia agency has confirmed that in anything we located, so treat it as unconfirmed by the state. Look for third-party certifications such as IICRC, ask for written moisture readings before and after the job, and learn more about mold removal.

Flood Policies and Claims for Rome Property Owners

Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood, so damage from rising river or creek water is usually covered only by an NFIP or private flood policy. Because NFIP policies typically have a 30-day waiting period, it pays to buy before the rainy months, not during them.

Look up your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, and keep photos, receipts and drying logs together for your claim. WaterQ cannot promise any claim outcome, but good documentation makes the process smoother.

Rome Neighborhoods and Floyd County Communities We Connect

WaterQ's free referral line connects callers across Rome and nearby Floyd County and northwest Georgia communities with independent local restoration providers.

Neighborhoods

• Downtown Rome / Broad Street
• Between the Rivers Historic District
• East Rome
• Jackson Hill
• Lower Avenue A
• Upper Avenue A
• Mt. Aventine
• South Broad Street
• Blossom Hill
• Myrtle Hill
• Lumpkin Hill
• Neely Hill
• Old Shorter Hill
• Maplewood
• West Rome
• North Rome
• Mount Berry (Berry College area)

Nearby communities

• Cave Spring
• Lindale
• Armuchee
• Shannon
• Silver Creek
• Coosa
• Cedartown
• Calhoun
• Cartersville
• Adairsville
• Kingston
• Summerville

Local emergency and flood resources

Official sources for alerts, flood maps and preparedness in and around Rome:

• Floyd County Emergency Management Agency (CodeRED alerts)
• Floyd County E-911
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center