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<br />26 <br /> <br />station then returns to regular programming, it is simple for the viewer <br />to ignore the warning on the grounds that the station would not have <br />returned to normal broadcasting if there were real danger. People neutralize <br />warnings because of rumors, inability to confirm a warning, lack of specific <br />information, and ignorance of appropriate adaptive actions (Drabek, 1977). <br />Extensive public education might lessen the tendency to ignore or neutralize <br />a warning message. <br />4. Flood-prone communities should conduct emergency drills; train <br />officials in the kinds of situations which may arise prior to, during and <br />after a flash flood; distribute brochures to the population-at-risk; hold <br />public discussions among officials and residents regarding the flood hazard; , <br />and require realty companies to disclose that property lies in the flood <br />plain before it is sold. <br />5. If time permits, it is useful for canyon entrances to be closed <br />off as soon as a warning message is issued. The highest risk population in <br />the Big Thompson Flood were those driving alone. Closing a canyon is an <br />immediate emergency action which should be taken by officials. This would <br />insure that there is no increase in the population-at-risk from canyon <br />entrances. <br />6. Though this study reveals no specific warning characteristic <br />which would assure adaptive action, the suggestion that a warning system <br />be adopted is one that consistently was mentioned by officials and residents <br />throughout the Big Thompson Canyon. A warning system will not assure <br />that no lives are lost, but it is one relatively inexpensive means of <br />helping to lower the number of fatalities. If the warning system is <br />properly maintained, if officials know the operations and the citizenry is <br />educated to the hazard, more people are likely to respond quickly and ef- <br />fectively in the event of a flash flood. Whether the system selected is <br />