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<br />Wet Flood Proofing <br />This type of flood proofing allows the structure to flood inside, while ensuring that there is minimal <br />damage to the building and contents. Utilities and appliances may be moved permanently or <br />temporarily to a place in the building higher than the expected flood level. This technique, <br />however, may not work very will in areas such as Buffalo Creek that are subject to flash flooding. <br /> <br />3. Non- Structural Mitigation <br />Mitigation can and should also include equally effective non-structural measures such as flood <br />insurance, emergency preparedness, public education and awareness, and acquisition and relocation <br />of structures. These measures are briefly described below. There are numerous mitigation <br />documents available, and the CWCB can provide further information and assistance to interested <br />parties. The Colorado Office of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management <br />Agency have information and expertise in these areas as well. <br /> <br />Flood Insurance <br />The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federally subsidized program that is available to <br />any property owner whether or not the building is in a floodplain. Insurance is sold through a <br />private insurance agent who wants to sell it in a community who has joined the program. As of <br />August 5, 1986, Jefferson County has been participating in this program. The NFIP is based on an <br />agreement between local communities and the federal government which states that if a community <br />will implement measures to reduce future flood risks to new construction or substantial re- <br />construction, the federal government will make flood insurance available within the community as <br />financial protection against flood losses which do occur. It is very important to know that most <br />homeowner's insurance policies do not cover losses from flooding. The only way to get <br />federally-backed flood coverage is through the NFIP. It is interesting to note that about one <br />third of all flood insurance claims come from outside of the mapped regulatory floodplain areas <br />(IOO-year floodplains). Homeowners may check with their local insurance agent to find out more <br />about flood insurance coverages and costs. <br /> <br />Emergencv Preparedness <br />Sometimes there is no substitute for the motto "Be Prepared." By taking some simple and low-cost <br />precautionary measures at home, individuals and families can help to minimize the devastation <br />caused by a flood event, and they may even save their own lives. Appendix A presents tips to <br />minimize loss of life and property in the event of a flood. These tips should be studied and <br />discussed by family members before a flood event occurs. <br /> <br />Public Education and Awareness <br />Residents of the community, emergency personnel, hikers, campers, roadway users, and anyone <br />else who visits Buffalo Creek needs to be made aware or reminded of the flash-flood hazards in the <br />area. Community members, the volunteer fire department, the Jefferson County Sheriffs <br />Department, and the Jefferson County emergency management personnel will need to serve as the <br />key players in public education and awareness. <br /> <br />23 <br />