Jeffries Creek, a tributary of the Great Pee Dee, winds south of downtown Florence and has a flood record going back more than a century. Because the land is so level, heavy rain can pool across streets and yards well away from the creek, especially during summer and fall when tropical systems are most likely.
Fire & Water Energy is a referral service rather than a restoration firm. Call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to connect you with an independent contractor working in Florence; availability depends on local providers. You can review how it works and the referral disclosure first.
Jeffries Creek, flat land and a Pee Dee flood record
The city's emergency preparedness office lists severe flooding along Jeffries Creek in 1916 and 1945, with later flood periods in the winters of 1994 and 1998, the summer of 2004 and the falls of 2015 and 2016. Jeffries Creek Park, Timrod Park and the Pettigrew Millpond all sit in floodplain areas, and live creek levels can be followed on the USGS National Water Dashboard.
Since 2000, Florence County has been part of ten FEMA major disaster declarations, including Tropical Storm Debby (DR-4835) in 2024, Hurricane Ian in 2022, Hurricane Florence in 2018, Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, the 2015 Severe Storms and Flooding, plus ice and winter storms in 2000, 2004 and 2014.
Typical water damage repair calls in the Pee Dee
The climate is humid subtropical, with about 48 inches of precipitation a year and summers that are very hot and sticky. That means long AC seasons, so clogged condensate lines, rusted drain pans and sweating ducts are common sources of ceiling stains. Freezing nights are occasional, and the record low of 1°F shows pipes can still split in a cold snap.
When you look for water damage restoration in Florence, expect a contractor to trace the leak, use moisture meters to find wet framing and set up drying equipment before any rebuilding. If water came through a ceiling, ask about ceiling water damage repair once the attic is dry.
Federal disaster declarations that included Florence County
FEMA records show Florence County was included in 10 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (5 hurricane, 2 severe ice storm, 1 tropical storm, 1 flood, 1 severe storm, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Florence was affected. The most recent:
- 2024 – Tropical Storm Debby (DR-4835)
- 2022 – Hurricane Ian (DR-4677)
- 2018 – Hurricane Florence (DR-4394)
- 2017 – Hurricane Irma (DR-4346)
- 2016 – Hurricane Matthew (DR-4286)
- 2015 – Severe Storms and Flooding (DR-4241)
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 Florence?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Florence property.
Smoke and soot after a house fire
Fires leave more than burned rooms. Smoke residue settles on walls, furniture and inside HVAC ducts, and the water used to put out the flames soaks floors and drywall. In Florence's humid summers, that wet debris needs attention quickly.
Companies offering fire damage restoration typically board up the house, remove debris, clean surfaces with methods suited to the type of soot and treat lingering smell. Ask whether they follow IICRC S700 and how they will document contents for your claim.
Flash flooding, tropical rain and cleanup
The city warns that debris in ditches and drains can push water onto streets and properties during heavy rain, and that summer and fall bring the greatest risk of hurricane rainfall. Its long-term advice includes raising outdoor heat pumps on platforms.
Water that came from outdoors should be treated as contaminated. Flood cleanup usually means pumping and extraction, cutting out soaked drywall and insulation, and disinfecting. Trees and roof damage from storms fall under storm damage cleanup.
Heat, humidity and mold growth
With long, muggy summers, mold can show up on wet drywall, carpet pad and crawl-space framing within days. Drying things out quickly and keeping indoor humidity down do more to stop it than any cleaner.
EPA guidance suggests homeowners can usually clean up mold patches of about 10 square feet or less. For bigger areas, mold in ductwork or growth after floodwater, look for mold remediation with containment and a moisture check when the job is done.
Safety steps for Florence residents
- Call 911 for fires, injuries, gas leaks or anyone stuck in rising water.
- Turn around at flooded roads; the city notes that about 24 inches of water can float a car.
- Sign up for the city's text alerts and keep a NOAA weather radio handy.
- If you must evacuate, shut off electricity and gas if it is safe, and move valuables upstairs.
- Photograph all damage and keep receipts. How much is covered turns on your specific policy, so walk through the loss with your agent.
Other Pee Dee towns are on our South Carolina page.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Florence that callers often mention include:
- Downtown
- Timrod Park area
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Florence):
- Hartsville · 22 mi
- Lake City · 22 mi
- Bennettsville · 29 mi
- Red Hill · 32 mi
- Sumter · 38 mi
- Laurinburg, NC · 43 mi
Florence restoration FAQs
Do I need flood insurance if I'm not near Jeffries Creek?
The city points out that Florence's flat terrain puts many areas at risk even far from streams, and that about a quarter of national flood claims come from outside mapped floodplains. Homeowners insurance does not cover flood, so ask an agent about a National Flood Insurance Program policy.
Is there a flood insurance discount for city residents?
Florence participates in FEMA's Community Rating System, which the city says can lower flood insurance premiums for residents by up to 20 percent. Your agent can tell you how that applies to your property.
How long before a new flood policy takes effect?
There is generally a 30-day waiting period, so a policy bought as a storm approaches usually won't help for that storm. Structure and contents are covered separately, so review both when you buy.
When is flood season in Florence?
The city identifies summer and fall as the main flood season, which is also when hurricane rainfall risk peaks. Past floods have happened in other seasons too, including the winters of 1994 and 1998.
Does Fire & Water Energy have a crew in Florence?
No. We are a referral service only. We try to connect callers with independent restoration contractors, and availability depends on companies serving the area.
Restoration guides
- Flood Cleanup
- Water Damage Restoration
- Ceiling Water Damage Repair
- Storm Damage Cleanup
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation