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Facilitator's Instructions Overview of Exercise Design This exercise on mitigation and recovery after floods is organized into a series of tasks that are to be completed in sequence. Each task, labeled by a letter (A-L), has a time limit ranging from 20 to 75 minutes. The tasks are in rough chronological order, but in reality, many would be occurring simultaneously. Each task covers, at least partially, an issue related to recovery that typically arises after a flood. The exercise starts with a flood warning. Task A asks players to respond to the warning and determine areas to evacuate. They begin to record information on a base map of the community that is used throughout the exercise. Then in Task B, they open emergency shelters. The flood arrives in Task C during which the players create a damage scenario based on their best judgment of the impacts of a real flood, considering that flood control structures may fail and debris carried by floodwaters may cause additional damage. The next tasks, usually part of emergency response, concern the rerouting of traffic in Task D and restoring essential community services in Task E. Then, more information is collected about the damage in Task F. These actions set the stage for early recovery- finding temporary locations for displaced businesses and residents in Tasks G and H, adopting policies for repair of damaged buildings in Task I, and adopting procedures to process permits for repairs and rebuilding in Task J. The emphasis then turns to planning for reconstruction with Task K to identify planning opportunities and develop a plan for reconstruction of the floodplain. Finally, the exercise ends with Task L to define mitigation actions that can be taken beforehand to avert flood damage and prepare for long-term recovery and rebuilding. All the tasks can be accomplished using typical local government background documents, such as the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance, supplemented by handouts provided in this manual. A specific product or products will emerge from each task, often providing input to subsequent tasks. Throughout, it is important to remember that the primary value of the exercise is in the process, rather than in the products. It is designed to educate staff members about their likely tasks after a damaging flood. They will be able to apply this basic knowledge to floods varying in size and impacts. As with any exercise, it is a first step. Having learned something of the process and problems, players will need to take further actions to reduce potential damage and prepare for the inevitable tasks of rebuilding.