Scottdale is not a city but an unincorporated community and census-designated place in DeKalb County. It covers about 3.3 square miles at an elevation near 1,030 feet, bounded by the Stone Mountain Freeway, Interstate 285, roughly DeKalb Industrial Way, and the Avondale Estates city limits. Downtown Atlanta is about 7 miles west.
For a burst pipe, a storm leak or a fire, call (866) 937-3230. Fire & Water Energy offers referrals only: we try to put Scottdale residents in touch with an independent restoration contractor in the area. Contractors set their own hours and charges, and we cannot guarantee that one is free. Read how this works and our referral disclosure.
Metro Atlanta weather hazards on DeKalb County's record
FEMA major disaster declarations covering DeKalb County since 2000 include the Severe Winter Storm of 2000, Hurricane Ivan in 2004, severe storms and tornadoes in 2008, severe storms and flooding in 2009, and Hurricane Irma in 2017. Together they show the range of threats in this part of the Piedmont: ice and freezing temperatures, tornado-producing thunderstorms, flash flooding and the inland reach of tropical systems.
Because Scottdale is unincorporated, residents generally look to DeKalb County agencies for public warnings and infrastructure, including the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency and the county's Watershed Management and Roads and Drainage departments.
Leak sources in a former mill community
The Scottdale Cotton Mill, founded by Colonel George Washington Scott, included housing for its workers, and the mill ran until 1982. Older houses here, along with apartment complexes and newer infill, each bring their own leak patterns: worn galvanized or cast iron lines in older homes, failed water heaters and washing machine hoses, and in multi-unit buildings, water traveling from one unit into the ceiling below.
For water damage restoration in Scottdale, a contractor typically isolates the source, extracts standing water, checks walls and subfloors with meters, and dries before any rebuilding. Read more about emergency water removal and water damage repair.
Federal disaster declarations that included DeKalb County
FEMA records show DeKalb County was included in 5 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (3 severe storm, 2 hurricane, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Scottdale was affected. The most recent:
- 2017 – Hurricane Irma (DR-4338)
- 2009 – Severe Storms and Flooding (DR-1858)
- 2008 – Severe Storms and Tornadoes (DR-1750)
- 2004 – Hurricane Ivan (DR-1554)
- 2000 – Severe Winter Storm (DR-1311)
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 Scottdale?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Scottdale property.
Fire and smoke damage in older and shared buildings
Fires in older homes often trace to aging wiring, space heaters during cold snaps, or cooking. In apartments and attached buildings, smoke and soot can drift into neighboring units even when the fire is confined to one.
Contractors commonly secure openings, remove burned debris, clean soot from surfaces and contents, and deodorize the air handling system. See our pages on fire damage restoration and smoke odor removal.
Storm runoff, flash flooding and fallen limbs
Dense development, freeways and paved commercial corridors mean heavy rain runs off quickly instead of soaking in. Water can collect at low spots, back up through floor drains or seep into crawlspaces and lower levels, and wind from thunderstorms or tropical remnants can bring down large trees onto roofs.
Crews providing storm water damage restoration and sewage cleanup usually remove contaminated materials, disinfect and dry the structure. Outdoor floodwater and sewer backups should both be treated as Category 3 contamination.
Controlling mold after water gets in
Atlanta-area summers are hot and humid, so damp drywall, carpet and framing can support mold within a day or two. Crawlspaces and closets on exterior walls are common trouble spots after a leak.
EPA guidance recommends trained professionals for mold patches beyond about 10 square feet. A capable mold remediation contractor will contain the area, remove damaged material, and make sure the moisture source is corrected.
Safety steps for Scottdale residents
- Call 911 for fire, injuries, gas odors or downed power lines.
- Stay out of flooded rooms where water may touch outlets, cords or appliances.
- Sign up for county weather and emergency notices through DeKalbAlert, described on the DeKalb County website.
- Renters should notify the landlord or property manager right away, in writing if possible.
- Document damage with photos before cleanup. Coverage depends on your policy, so contact your insurer or agent to confirm what applies.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Scottdale that callers often mention include:
- Tobie Grant
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Scottdale):
- Clarkston · 2 mi
- Decatur · 2 mi
- North Decatur · 2 mi
- Belvedere Park · 2 mi
- North Druid Hills · 3 mi
- Candler-McAfee · 4 mi
Scottdale restoration FAQs
Scottdale isn't a city. Who handles emergency alerts?
As an unincorporated community, Scottdale falls under DeKalb County services. The county offers DeKalbAlert notifications for weather and emergencies, and its emergency management agency coordinates disaster response.
What storms have hit the area hardest?
FEMA disaster declarations for DeKalb County since 2000 include a severe winter storm in 2000, Hurricane Ivan in 2004, tornadoes in 2008, flooding in 2009 and Hurricane Irma in 2017.
I rent an apartment in Scottdale. Can I call you?
Yes, though your landlord or property manager usually controls repairs to the building. We can try to connect you with an independent contractor, and you should coordinate with the owner and your renter's insurance.
Is sewage backup common after storms here?
Heavy rain can overload drains in any developed area. If wastewater enters your home, avoid contact, keep children and pets away and have it cleaned by a contractor equipped for Category 3 water.
Restoration guides
- Emergency Water Removal
- Water Damage Repair
- Storm Water Damage Restoration
- Sewage Cleanup
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation