Pacific NW Flash Flood Risk
California/Arizona Foul Weather is Fair Warning on Flash Flood Danger
Release Date: July 16, 1999
Release Number: R10-99-38
Salem, Ore. -- This last week's dangerous flash flooding in southern California and Arizona sends a sobering reminder for Pacific Northwesterners: all flood risks aren't seasonal; all floods aren't driven by weeks of rain; and, not all flooding occurs in mapped flood plains. According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deputy regional director Ray Williams, this is particularly true for central and eastern Oregon, eastern Washington and Idaho.
"We can't predict thunderstorms, and we can't prevent flooding. We can, and must take prudent, 'pre-emptive' action to mitigate the hurt--to reduce the loss of life and property from natural disasters," said Williams. "Weather radios should be part of every disaster kit and we all need to take special care to be aware of our surroundings. Buildings can be 'flood-proofed,' and in more flood-prone areas, elevated or even relocated. And when flood waters rise against all precautions, flood insurance available through the National Flood Insurance Program is the best possible 'safety net.'"
For FEMA's free 63-page booklet: "Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program," and information on how to protect your home or business from flood damage, call toll-free: 1-800-480-2520.
Last Modified: Friday, 09-Jan-2004 15:14:03