1999-12-16 Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Emergency Management FLASH FLOODS: More Than Just A Threat. ..Even in Maplewood • Most areas in Minnesota are prone to • MOVE PERSONAL BELONGINGS, if time the effects of flash flooding which can permits,to higher ground and turn off utilities. 440% " occur any time heavy rainfall results in DO NOT TOUCH ELECTRICAL ^,:=`4`;' excessive runoff.Every year,7 to 10 SWITCHES if they are wet or if you are 1, flash flood events occur throughout our standing in water. State. •EVACUATE YOUR HOME if told to do so by The most notable storms have been in 1978 officials and do not reoccupy your home until when"back-to-back"thunderstorms dumped 9"of you've been advised it is safe. rain over Rochester and southeastern Minnesota •HAVE PROPER INSURANCE COVERAGE, killing 5 and causing$28 million in property a standard homeowners insurance policy does I damage. In July 1987"back-to-back" not cover flood losses. Flood insurance is thunderstorms again dumped as much as 16"of available through the Federal government's rain on parts of the Twin Cities killing 2 and National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP)and causing over$50 million in property damage.In can be purchased through any licensed 1988,8"-10"of rain fell north of Grand Rapids, property/casualty insurance agent if you live in resulting in over 75 flood-damaged homes. a participating community.You do not need to Of the thousands of flood victims in Minnesota, be in a floodplain to buy flood insurance.For only a small fraction had adequate flood insurance. more information,call your insurance agent or A standard homeowner's insurance policy will not the NFIP toll-free at 1-800-638-6620. cover flood damages. Additional flash flood insurance facts: Urban areas are especially prone to flash •Flood insurance is available for property in flooding because of the potential for rapid runoff communities that have agreed to adopt and from heavy rainfall due to the high concentration of enforce sound floodplain management roadways,parking lots and buildings. practices.Maplewood is a participating • Over half the people killed during flash floods community. were trying to cross fast-flowing streams,even •While there are more than 2 million flood with some type of vehicle.Campers are also at risk insurance policyholders,estimates are that 6-8 if they place their campsites near a stream bank or million buildings in the U.S.are exposed to the an area that could easily flood with heavy rainfall. risk of flooding. Loss of life from flash flooding is tragic yet often •Over a third of all flood insurance claims have preventable.Those who have higher risks of come from outside special flood hazard areas. flooding should develop flash flood action plans in •Almost any building with at least 2 walls and a advance to protect life and property.Here are a few roof may be insured if it is mainly above ground safety tips: and in a participating community.Coverage •Keep a weather alert radio near to hear weather may also be obtained for buildings under forecasts and emergency information. HEED construction,for renters and for businesses. ALL WARNINGS:A Flash Flood Watch •There is normally a 5-day waiting period means flash flooding is possible.A Flash Flood between the time flood insurance is purchased Warning means a flash flood is imminent— and the time coverage is in force. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY! •The purchase of flood insurance may be •PLAN AN EVACUATION ROUTE.Don't required as a condition of a mortgage. count on roads that may be underwater or Maplewood has one floodplain located in the washed away as an evacuation route.Know Battle Creek area on McKnight Road,however, where high ground is and how to get there flooding has occurred throughout the City.For quickly. example,after the storm in July 1987,nine •ABANDON STALLED VEHICLES,they can Maplewood residents requested assistance from the Federal government for flood damage.These easily be swept away in rapidly rising water. residents were spread throughout Maplewood and • none of them lived in the floodplain area. 0