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<br />~ ! . <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />Introduction <br /> <br />This annex describes an interactive approach to flood mitigation and recovery. <br /> <br />Over 22,000 communities in the United States are subject to flooding from rivers and <br />streams_ Year in and year out, floods cosl the federal government more money in disaster <br />assislance than all other types of disasters put together_ Flooding in lhe Mississippi River <br />system in ] 993 caused almost $20 billion in damage_ Riverine flooding is a serious <br />problem throughout the nation_ <br /> <br />Local police, fire departments and emergency managers know the value of preparing for <br />potential disasters_ Time and training have prepared them to handle extraordinary <br />circumstances, make decisions under pressure, and contain the impacts of a disaster to the <br />extent possible. Experience demonstrates that preparing in advance improves <br />performance when disaster strikes. <br /> <br />Weeks after a damaging flood, circumstances are still extraordinary, decisions are made <br />under extreme pressure, and the impacts continue rippling through the community. As the <br />need for emergency responders decreases, a new group oflocal staff people- managers, <br />planners, building officials, finance officers, and engineers- face mounting responsibilities <br /> <br />This annex is designed to guide this "second wave" of responders whose actions will play <br />an important role in shaping the rebuilt community. It is designed to provide them with a <br />preview of the issues and problems they will face in the hopes that, like the emergency <br />responders, they will be better prepared to serve their community effectively after a flood. <br />The common links are that all the tasks must be done by local government and all <br />potenlially affect options for repairs and rebuilding_ <br /> <br />After floods, local governments enjoy a period of cooperation for a common goal. <br />Distinctions between the responsibilities of public and private agencies, federal, state, and <br />local governments, and city and county government departments may blur. Every <br />organization and person \ViII be working together to address their common needs_ <br /> <br />Time is an important post-flood issue The public may perceive that repairs and rebuilding <br />are taking too long. Anger and frustration stemming from feelings of helplessness will <br />often be vented at local public officials, particularly planners and building officials, whose <br />approvals may stand between people and their abilily to repair or rebuild damaged homes <br />and businesses_ <br />