Udall Urges Coloradans to Prepare for Dangerous Flooding Before Spring Runoff

Press Release

Mark Udall, who has led the effort to ensure Coloradans have the resources they need to recover from last September's historic floods, urged families living in disaster areas to take proactive steps before the upcoming spring runoff -- including quickly signing up for flood insurance, which may have a waiting period before it goes into effect. Udall said Colorado's heavy winter snowpack, warming temperatures, and potential rain in April and May could lead to a new round of dangerous flooding in communities still grappling with the effects of last September's rain.

"While communities are still struggling to rebuild and families continue to get back on their feet in the wake of historic flooding only six months ago, Coloradans are already having to prepare for new flooding this spring," Udall said. "We cannot afford to be caught off guard, and it is essential that we take every necessary step to ensure that communities are prepared. Coloradans should take every precaution this spring to secure flood insurance and plan for emergencies connected to spring runoff."

The Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers suggests homeowners take the following steps to mitigate their risk:

Purchase flood insurance at www.Floodsmart.gov;
Subscribe to local emergency alerts through the Colorado Office of Emergency Management; and,
Create an emergency evacuation plan for your family.

Udall has championed Colorado's flood recovery efforts in Washington and successfully secured $450 million in mid-October 2013 for emergency road, bridge and highway repairs. He recently urged the USDA and U.S. Forest Service to make immediate repairs to washed-out roads and address debris issues on public lands. He also met with Front Range leaders at Stream Crest Site in Boulder to highlight the urgent need for debris removal and flood mitigation work before the spring runoff.
By: Jamie Trafficanda

Source