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<br /> <br />) <br /> <br />A flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service <br />normally triggers a full response. But the level of that response <br />will be dictated by the threat outlined in the flood forecast. Critical <br />elements of the flood warning and forecast include: the amount of <br />time before the expected river crest(s), height of expected river <br />crest(s), and duration of the crest(s). Local officials should <br />convene and evaluate their response actions at this point and take <br />the required actions. These response actions can include: <br />evacuating the public from the threat, conducting a limited or full <br />flood fight, or a combination of these elements. <br /> <br />Notes <br /> <br />There may be times when it is not possible to mount an <br />effective full-scale flood fight. This may be due to a rapidly <br />approaching crest, and unusually high crest, or a lack of resources <br />to mount an effective flood fight within the available time frame. <br /> <br />) <br /> <br />Depending on the expected water levels, it may be possible to <br />move personal property to higher floors or elevations. Items which <br />can be moved include washers and dryers, furnace motors, hand <br />tools, clothing, furniture, refrigerators, freezers and virtually <br />anything that isn't attached to the building. These actions can <br />greatly reduce flood losses and can be supported by volunteer <br />efforts. <br /> <br />People can be evacuated from areas of danger. However, there <br />are always a few residents that refuse to leave and may require <br />later rescue. Provisions should be made to monitor flood areas by <br />boat or aircraft for persons in need of rescue or emergency medical <br />care. Planners should be alert that this can be an emotionally <br />charged topic that is subject to media attention. <br /> <br />Evacuation routes ana the location of congregate care centers <br />should be regularly broadcast over local media outlets. It is <br />important to keep traffic flowing along evacuation routes. <br />"Gapers" blocks should be avoided by quickly removing disabled <br />vehicles and by having authorities monitor traffic conditions from <br />inconspicuous locations. <br /> <br />While many evacuees seek refuge with friends, family, or in <br />hotels and motels, approximately 30% of the evacuated population <br />will require space in congregate care centers. The Red Cross and <br />other relief agencies commonly use schools, churches, and <br />recreational centers out of the threatened area to house and feed <br />evacuees. Planners dealing with congregate center housing should <br />not forget that parking spaces must be provided for arriving <br />evacuees. Consideration should also be given to other community <br />disruptions that may be caused by converting from school use to an <br /> <br />Page3-9 <br />