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I l obtained through negotiation, tion, tax delinquency dedica tion or dona tion. assistance for acquiring lands is sometimes available and federal programs. condemna- default , Financial floodplain from 5tate J Communities also occasionally acquire land for parks or other open space uses that would not be seriously affected by floods. A policy of acquir- ing floodplain lands for such purposes will gradually protect larger flood- plain areas from intensive development. In some cases, land can be acquired by allowing a developer to cluster develop- ment away from the floodplain in exchange for dedicating the flood-prone portions of a property for public use as a greenbelt or open space. . Flood losses can be reduced through community redevelopment and other programs that provide for relocating floodplain structures to a safe area or demolishing those which are substandard. Redevelopment programs can also be undertaken to correct existing problems. These can include relocating existing buildings to safe sites or demolishing undesirably located struc- tures and providing replacements in a flood-free site. Areas vacated in ei ther way are usually converted to a sui table open space use. Remaining structures may be modified to make them more resistent to flood damage. The direct costs of encouraging proper use of undeveloped floodplains are small compared to the community's potential flood losses if the flood- prone areas are developed. Redevelop- ment is often expensive, but a careful analysis may show it to be a good investment, especially over the long term and when combining multiple goals such as recreation and restoration of natural values with flood loss reduction. Warning and Preparedness The National Weather Service makes flood forecasts for about 2,500 locations, mostly along major streams. The availability of specific flood warnings for other locations depends on the development of flood warning systems by local authorities. Assis- tance in developing warning systems is available from the National Weather Service. In local flood warning systems, measurements of precipitation or stream levels upstream of an area are used to predict whether flooding will occur, when it will arrive and its severity. Local flood warning programs must provide for collecting data, making flood predictions, and disseminating warnings. Warning systems are normally established on a community, county or watershed basis. Rainfall measurements can be used as a basis for early warning of possible flooding in downstream areas. 41