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· The administration and oversight of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program should eventually be turned over to qualified states (see discussion in section on State and Local Capability, above.) FLOOD FIGHTING Independent flood fighting activities on the levees during the 1993 flood led to sandbagging that caused damage at other sites along the river, and to sabotage, Flood fighting either saves or damages property, depending on one's perspective, · Leveed rivers touching multiple states-like the Mississippi-should have a flood fighting plan in place, with federal oversight for implementation, and a National Guard presence for enforcement. INTERPRETATION OF FORECASTS River forecasts are increasingly being made available to the general public. These forecasts should explicitly state the variability of estimates so that individuals do not get a false sense of security, but instead pursue appropriate protective actions, just in case. The 1997 floods in Grand Forks, North Dakota, taught a valuable lesson. The National Weather Service has undertaken a demonstration project in Iowa to test the feasibility of issuing forecasts with variability stated, The ASFPM, while supportive of this, urges caution in releasing wanlings that are confusing or may have the effect of delaying appropriate action-like evacuation, It is extremely important that federal agencies speak with one voice in the issuance of such forecasts and warnings, · Better ways need to be found to convey to the public the uncertainties associated with weather and flood forecasts, and to help people understand their risk and take appropriate action to prepare for and avoid such hazards, ACTING ON FLOOD WARNINGS Many local governments are developing flood warning and monitoring systems. Despite vast differences in program components, there is one common frustration: the difficulty of progressing beyond collecting and monitoring data to actually evacuating people and property during a flood threat. · The National Weather Service, in partnership with state and local governments and other federal agencies, needs to find ways to better integrate and utilize this data and develop better ways to disseminate information to people at risk in a way that causes them to understand their risk, personalize it, and then take appropriate and timely action. · The ASFPM should incorporate the issue of flood warnings into its organizational structure and committee work. Association of State Floodplain Managers -38- National Flood Programs in Review 2000