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[7 <br />• The CWCB is working w: <br />that emergency managem~ <br />CWCB's primary contact <br />central office disseminate <br />directly with the local rep: <br />~ the Colorado Division of Emergency Management (CDEM) to make sure <br />t officials are awaze of the situation and prepazed to react. While the <br />the central (Denver) office of CDEM, the CWCB is requFSting that the <br />formation to its local representatives, and the CWCB will. communicate <br />>entatives as needed. <br />• The CWCB is chairing the~Colorado Flood Task Force, made up of engineers, meteorologists, local <br />officials, emergency mans ement officials, and other interested parties. This Task Farce works <br />proactively to identify flood threats and prepaze the state to react to problems if and when they do occur. <br />• The CWCB Flood Response Program will be placed on full active status providing CWCB access to <br />additional assistance throu~h technical contracts. <br />• A number of meetings and'workshops have already been scheduled, and more will continue to be <br />scheduled as necessary. A~ 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 th ~~j specific flood information changes. These visits will focus on flood <br />preparedness and flood insurance availability. <br />Local Level <br />It is not entirely possible to make g~' neral 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 />• Participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Participation in this program makes federally- <br />backed flood insurance available to its residents. <br />• Promote the purchase of flood insurance for those at risk It is critical to convey the fact that a 30-day <br />waiting period is required ~'or 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 />• Be aware of the flood threats. The most basic level of awareness is familiarity with the floodplain maps <br />supplied by FEMA, the CW~B, 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 aze also encouraged to remind their residents that <br />floodplain maps general portray a 1 % chance flood (commonly referred to as a 100-yeaz flood), but <br />flooding can and does exceed this on occasion. <br />i <br />• Develop an emergency action plan. Fortunately, snowmelt flooding (as opposed to rain-induced flash <br />flooding) allows for some mount 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 aze, and what protocol is used for communications. It is also <br />recommended that activities sdentified 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 v~rell before the <br />event occurs. <br />• Maintain contact with the CWCB, FEMA, USGS, CDEM, and other agencies that aze rnonitoring the <br />flood threat so that current information can be obtained. <br />I <br />