Understanding Community Flood Communication Pathways across Maryland: Town of Edmonston and Town of Bladensburg

Abstract

This report examines flood communication, preparedness, and community experiences in the Towns of Edmonston and Bladensburg, Maryland, through a partnership with the University of Maryland's PALS initiative and Maryland Sea Grant. Using community profiles based on demographic and environmental data, alongside with bilingual resident surveys, the study explores how residents receive, interpret, and respond to flooding and flood-related information in a mixed-methods approach. Findings show that flooding remains a recurring challenge in both communities due to their proximity to the Northeast Branch of the Anacostia River, extensive impervious surfaces, and outdated stormwater infrastructure. Many residents reported experiencing flood-related impacts and identified local government alerts, news media, social media, and community networks as their primary sources of information. Despite these communication channels, residents often reported receiving warnings with limited time to prepare and identified barriers to taking protective action. Based on survey responses and community feedback, the report recommends strengthening multilingual outreach, expanding real-time flood alert systems, improving public education on flood risks and preparedness, and continuing investments in stormwater infrastructure and green infrastructure solutions. Together, these strategies can help improve community preparedness and support more effective responses to future flood events.