Settled in 1838 and incorporated as a city in 1976, Pooler has turned into one of the fastest-growing cities in Georgia, roughly tripling its population between 2000 and 2010 and reaching about 25,700 residents in 2020. That boom means a large share of the housing is relatively new. The city borders Savannah, Garden City, Port Wentworth and Bloomingdale, and its shopping hubs include Godley Station and the Mosaic Center.
For leaks, flooding, storm damage or a fire, call (866) 937-3230. Fire & Water Energy is a referral service that attempts to link you with an independent restoration contractor working in Pooler; the contractor, not us, quotes, schedules and completes the job. Read the how it works overview and our referral disclosure.
Low elevation and a busy hurricane record in Chatham County
FEMA major disaster declarations covering Chatham County include Hurricane Matthew (2016), Hurricane Irma (2017), Tropical Storm Debby (2024) and Hurricane Helene (2024). During Helene, Savannah recorded a 76 mph gust, and three people in the county died from carbon monoxide after running generators improperly.
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency, which serves Pooler, lists hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and extreme heat among the area's main hazards and publishes hurricane evacuation zones. At around 20 feet of elevation, heavy tropical rainfall can pool quickly on flat ground and in retention areas.
Why newer Pooler homes still get water damage
New construction has its own weak points: failed supply-line fittings, water heater leaks, second-floor laundry overflows and air conditioning condensate lines that clog during a cooling season that runs for much of the year. Wind-driven rain during tropical storms can also push water past windows, doors and roof flashing.
A reputable contractor offering water damage restoration in Pooler will locate the source, remove water, test drywall and subfloors with meters, and dry before reinstalling finishes. The water damage restoration and water extraction guides describe each stage, including why drying logs matter for an insurance claim.
Federal disaster declarations that included Chatham County
FEMA records show Chatham County was included in 4 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (3 hurricane, 1 tropical storm, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Pooler was affected. The most recent:
- 2024 – Hurricane Helene (DR-4830)
- 2024 – Tropical Storm Debby (DR-4821)
- 2017 – Hurricane Irma (DR-4338)
- 2016 – Hurricane Matthew (DR-4284)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Pooler?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Pooler property.
Fire, smoke and generator hazards
Cooking, electrical faults and dryer vents cause many home fires. After hurricanes, portable generators add both fire and carbon monoxide risks, as Helene's toll in Chatham County showed.
Restoration contractors commonly secure the house, remove burned materials, clean soot from surfaces and contents, and deodorize. For more, see fire damage cleanup and smoke damage cleanup.
Hurricane, tropical storm and flood cleanup
Tropical systems like Debby can bring days of heavy rain, while hurricanes add damaging wind and fallen trees. On low, flat terrain, runoff can reach garages and ground floors when drainage is overwhelmed.
For hurricane damage cleanup and flood cleanup, contractors typically tarp roofs, remove soaked drywall, insulation and flooring, disinfect and dry. Floodwater should always be treated as contaminated.
Coastal humidity and mold growth
Near the coast, warm, humid air keeps materials from drying on their own, so mold can appear within a day or two after a leak or flood. Closets, wall cavities behind cabinets and attic decking are frequent hiding places.
EPA guidance advises trained professionals for areas larger than about 10 square feet. Effective mold remediation uses containment and dehumidification and fixes the source of moisture.
Before and after a storm in Pooler
- Call 911 for fire, injuries, gas odors or anyone trapped by water.
- Register for CEMA Alerts through Smart911 and know your evacuation zone; details are on the Chatham Emergency Management Agency site.
- Run generators outdoors only, far from doors and windows.
- Do not drive through flooded roads, and stay away from downed lines.
- Photograph damage before cleanup and call your insurer; coverage depends on your policy, and flood generally needs a separate policy.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Pooler):
- Savannah · 9 mi
- Richmond Hill · 13 mi
- Wilmington Island · 18 mi
- Bluffton, SC · 24 mi
- Hinesville · 28 mi
- Hilton Head Island, SC · 30 mi
Pooler restoration FAQs
How do I get emergency alerts in Pooler?
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency serves Pooler and offers CEMA Alerts through Smart911 registration. The agency also operates a warning siren system and publishes evacuation zone information.
Which storms have brought disaster declarations to Chatham County recently?
Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricane Irma in 2017, and both Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene in 2024. Each of those carried a mix of wind and heavy rain.
My house is new. Do I need flood insurance?
New construction does not remove flood risk, especially at low elevations near the coast. Check FEMA's flood map for your lot and ask your agent, because standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood.
Should I worry about storm damage after I return from an evacuation?
Yes. Wind-driven rain can soak insulation and drywall even when the roof looks intact, and the house may have been closed up without air conditioning for days. Check ceilings, closets and baseboards for staining or musty odors, and follow CEMA's re-entry guidance before going back.
Are you the company that will dry out my home?
No. Fire & Water Energy refers callers to independent restoration contractors. If one is available near Pooler, that contractor handles the inspection, estimate and work.
Restoration guides
- Hurricane Damage Cleanup
- Flood Cleanup
- Water Damage Restoration
- Water Extraction
- Fire Damage Cleanup
- Mold Remediation