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<br />.'- <br /> <br />.- <br /> <br />.- <br /> <br />In recent years a number of disasters of significant <br />magnitude have occurred in Colorado; six have received <br />Presidential declarations since 1965, State declared <br />disasters have also occurred in significant numbers; (see <br />Annex "E" for federal and state disasters declared in <br />Colorado) , <br /> <br />The State's ability to provide assistance to local <br />entities has grown significantly in the last two years. <br />Better understanding, awareness, measurement of weather <br />phenomena as well as more effective warning systems are <br />available and being utilized, A strongly improved emergency <br />communications capabil i ty is developing so that redundant <br />systems can extend across the State. A computer system has <br />been installed in DODES. Statewide exercises have improved <br />critical response capabilities. State agencies have disaster <br />coordinators and internal disaster plans oriented on the <br />State Plan. Much greater emphasis is placed on inter- <br />government coordination: local - state - federal. In- <br />creasing concern for emphasis on mitigation has been <br />developed. <br /> <br />Thus far, positive changes can be identified, But <br />overseeing the additional planning, training, operational <br />and resource management effort across the State will require <br />greater effort at the local and State level to match growing <br />vulnerabilities and needs. Expenditures for preparedness in <br />the near term will be inexpensive compared to the longer <br />term costs to the State which will inevitably occur if the <br />State is not fully prepared to deal with its very high risk <br />hazards. Colorado should continue to raise its own pre- <br />paredness now to save lives, property and money later, <br /> <br />31 <br />