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? <br /> The CWCB is working with the Colorado Division of Emergency Management (CDEM) to make sure <br />that emergency management officials are aware of the situation and prepared to react. While the <br />CWCB's primary contact is the central (Denver) office of CDEM, the CWCB is requesting that the <br />central office disseminate information to its local representatives, and the CWCB will communicate <br />directly with the local representatives as needed. <br /> <br />? <br /> The CWCB is chairing the Colorado Flood Task Force, made up of engineers, meteorologists, local <br />officials, emergency management officials, and other interested parties. This Task Force works <br />proactively to identify flood threats and prepare the state to react to problems if and when they do occur. <br /> <br />? <br /> The CWCB Flood Response Program will be placed on full active status providing CWCB access to <br />additional assistance through technical contracts. <br /> <br />? <br /> A number of meetings and workshops have already been scheduled, and more will continue to be <br />scheduled as necessary. At this point, certain communities in Rio Grande, Gunnison, and Archuleta <br />counties have been identified for visits and the delivery of flood insurance workshops. This list will be <br />modified and updated if the specific flood information changes. These visits will focus on flood <br />preparedness and flood insurance availability. <br /> <br />Local Level <br />It is not entirely possible to make general statements regarding all local actions since various communities are in <br />different stages of risk and preparedness. However, local communities should generally consider the following: <br /> <br />? <br /> Participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Participation in this program makes federally- <br />backed flood insurance available to its residents. <br /> <br />? <br />30-day <br /> Promote the purchase of flood insurance for those at risk. It is critical to convey the fact that a <br />waiting period <br /> is required for flood insurance. It is impossible to time or fully predict the occurrence of <br />a flood, so the purchase of flood insurance policies is recommended as soon as possible. <br /> <br />? <br /> Be aware of the flood threats. The most basic level of awareness is familiarity with the floodplain maps <br />supplied by FEMA, the CWCB, or other sources. However, communities should be aware that just <br />because a stream is not shown on a floodplain map does not mean that a flood threat does not exist. <br />Flood threats should be evaluated based on all known local conditions, whether or not they correspond <br />precisely with a regulatory flood map. Communities are also encouraged to remind their residents that <br />floodplain maps general portray a 1% chance flood (commonly referred to as a 100-year flood), but <br />flooding can and does exceed this on occasion. <br /> <br />? <br /> Develop an emergency action plan. Fortunately, snowmelt flooding (as opposed to rain-induced flash <br />flooding) allows for some amount of warning time that is usually available. This allows for some level <br />of preparation activities to take place. It should be clearly stated in this emergency plan what the <br />specific roles and responsibilities are, and what protocol is used for communications. It is also <br />recommended that activities identified in this emergency action plan be exercised and practiced prior to <br />the actual event. If supplies are needed, such as sandbags, these should be stockpiled well before the <br />event occurs. <br /> <br />? <br /> Maintain contact with the CWCB, FEMA, USGS, CDEM, and other agencies that are monitoring the <br />flood threat so that current information can be obtained. <br /> <br />