Floods

Citation

(2002), "Floods", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 11 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.2002.07311eae.003

Floods

An Evaluation of the Boulder Creek Local Flood Warning System

Eve Gruntfest, Kim Carsell and Tom Plush2002100 pp.

Copies of this report are available from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, PO Box 7150, Colorado Springs, CO 80933; E-mail: ecg@uccs.edu

Boulder Creek in Boulder, Colorado, poses a high flash flood danger not only because of its physical characteristics, but also because so many people work and live along its floodplain. Even if all aspects of the warning system set up to protect citizens worked perfectly, a flash flood might take many lives. This study, conducted to improve flood warnings, reviews the flood warning literature, provides a brief overview of the nationally recognized flash flood warning system in Boulder, reviews detection and warning practices in other communities with innovative flash flood warning operations, presents a survey of local emergency planning officials, describes an in-depth survey of floodplain residents along Boulder Creek, and reviews flash flood plans for several non-residential Boulder floodplain occupants. Recommendations from those conducting the study relate to public education, use of new technologies and education techniques, and the involvement of local businesses and schools in the warning system.

Mitigation Success Stories in theUnited States (4th ed.) 2002102 pp.Free

Copies can be downloaded from the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Web site: www.floods.org

Since the 1980s, mitigation activities have been implemented throughout the USA to save lives and reduce property damage. In many cases, mitigation success has been achieved following devastating disasters, when local officials and the general public have realized the need to effect change in their community. Major recent efforts to reduce flood damage include programs such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. Mitigation Success Stories IV, a joint effort between FEMA and the ASFPM, showcases mitigation activities, demonstrating the benefits of mitigation in 39 communities in 24 states. The examples presented in this document can be used by other communities and can provide decision makers with valuable information about how to achieve natural hazard reduction. Topics include flood control projects, elevation issues, acquisition efforts, floodproofing, and watershed management.