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<br />.1 <br /> <br />'. <br /> <br />~ \ <br /> <br />D.4. Community Interest and Awareness <br /> <br />A vital factor in assessing the usefulness of a local flood warning system is <br /> <br />the interest and awareness of the local population. If a local system is to <br /> <br />function properly, community interest must be active and sustained. All types <br /> <br />of local flood warning systems require a network of knowledgeable and trained <br /> <br />individuals dedicated to the well-being of the community. Operation of these <br />systems requires extensive coordination and preparation of key personnel at <br /> <br />the community, county, State, Federal, and private-sector levels. Failure to <br /> <br />maintain a high level of community awareness and interest in flood problems <br /> <br />not only limits the effectiveness of a local flood warning system but usually <br /> <br />leads to its failure. <br /> <br />An information program should be started and maintained to acquaint flood <br /> <br />plain residents with actions to take when a warning is given. The information <br /> <br />should be site-specific for each resident. Some flood plain residents would <br /> <br />have to evacuate immediately, while others may have time to take steps to <br /> <br />protect their personal property. All residents must be continually reminded <br /> <br />of evacuation routes and centers where they can seek aid. <br /> <br />E. Selection of a Response System <br /> <br />The type of response system and the level of involvement will vary greatly <br /> <br />from community to community, depending on local conditions. A community <br /> <br />response system designed for other hazards may require major adjustment to <br /> <br />accomodate flood warnings. These adjustments may consist of redefining the <br /> <br />organizational structure, redefining the roles of response officials, adding <br /> <br />23 <br />