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It is important to note that a local flood warning and response system should be only one part of a comprehensive effort to mitigate the hazards of flooding. A warning and response system is effective primarily in reducing loss of life and providing limited protection to existing flood-prone property, but it does not necessarily promote significant long-term mitigation. The most cost-effective and significant mitigation opportunities occur either before development or before reconstruction after a flood and require a strong local flood plain management program. This report focuses on the reduction of flood losses through the use of local flood warning and response systems. The topics covered are the need for local flood warning systems; the types of systems; the need for community response; the institutional action required to implement and sustain the systems; and sources of information, assistance, and coordination. . Chapter II lists the factors community officials should consider when evaluating the feasibility of establishing a local flood warning system. These factors are: the hydrologic characteristics of the watershed; the frequency of flooding; the flood loss potential; the warning time in relationship to the benefits; community interest and awareness; and the need for other hydrologic-related capabilities. The need for a response system is also discussed, with information on community interest and awareness, emergency action plans, and selection and maintenance of a response system. Chapter III presents detailed technical information on the methods and equipment available to forecast a flood and issue a warning. To be effective, a local flood warning system must be coupled with a community response system; this is the subject of Chapter IV. - 7