Laserfiche WebLink
The potential for flooding, and even significant flooding in our low lying areas, this upcoming spring <br />cannot be ignored, however. The challenge with preparing for and responding to weather events is that <br />they are difficult to predict and cannot be stopped. It is prudent for all parties to prepare, not just at a city <br />level but for our residents as well. <br />Local Preparation <br />Preparing for potential flooding should be a multi-level approach, with the most critical step being at the <br />community level. <br />Community Preparation <br />As with any potential natural weather threat (flooding, tornados, snow, ice, or wind), it is important that <br />homeowners, businesses, and citizens adequately prepare. Homeowners that are concerned about <br />potential flooding should begin taking preparatory steps as soon as possible -waiting until flooding is <br />imminent or occurring is too late. City staff has begun taking measures to educate the public on the <br />measures that they can take to better prepare for any flooding. One important note is that residents <br />interested in purchasing flood insurance must do so at least 30 days in advance. <br />City Preparation <br />The city is taking amulti-step approach to preparing for potential flooding, including: <br />1. Planning: In addition to monitoring the latest flood potential and impact models, city staff has <br />had meetings to discuss historical events, current predictions, sand-bag inventory, and response <br />guidelines. <br />2. Education: Emergency management will be launching a multifaceted educational campaign to <br />better educate the public on the steps they can do to prepare for any potential flooding, including: <br />a. Website: Information to be posted and updated regularly on the city's website, including <br />links to external resources (FEMA, DNR, etc.) <br />b. Printed Material: Printed educational material will be made available at the City Hall, <br />Public Safety Complex, and the street division. Residents will be able to pick-up hand-outs <br />that have information on preparing for flooding. <br />c. ERtV: Information will be provided on the city's local cable network. <br />d. Mailing and/or Direct Dial: Emergency Management is looking at options to send out <br />informational material and/or messages to residents located within the "100 year" flood <br />area. With the new GIS system, we can mail out postcards or letters with educational <br />material. We are also exploring the option of using the County's new direct dial <br />emergency notification system to provide an informational message to residents. <br />3. Preparation: City departments have begun preparing for any potential flooding. An inventory of <br />approximately 20,000 sandbags is currently stockpiled and available for distribution if needed. We <br />axe also working closely with our County and State partners to share information and to request <br />resources, if required. <br />Given the dynamic nature of weather events, we will continue to monitor and adjust our planning <br />activities accordingly. <br />If/when flooding begins to become an issue in the city limits, our attention will turn to public safety with <br />attention to health/safety concerns, rescue, evacuations (if required), and critical infrastructure protection <br />(flooded roadways, etc.) <br />N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\03-07-2011\2011-03-07%20Spring%20Flooding%20Update[1].docx <br />