Corps of Engineers recognizes Flood Safety Awareness Week

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is promoting National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 18-22, to improve public awareness and preparedness for flooding.

Floods are the most common hazard in the United States, but not all floods are the same. Floods typically occur when excessive rain falls or when snow melts too quickly. Chunks of ice, called an ice dam, can block a river or stream’s normal flow and force water out of its banks. While some floods develop slowly, flash floods develop suddenly from severe localized rainfall.

There are a few simple steps to assist you with the preparation for potential flooding. Make sure your flood insurance policy for your home or business is up-to-date and correct. Develop an emergency “fly-away” kit in case of evacuation. Study and learn about the flood risks in your neighborhood and develop a family emergency plan.

More information can be found at the following websites:

·         http://ready.gov/floods

·         http://www.nws.noaa.gov/floodsafety/floodsafe.shtml

·         http://floodsmart.gov/spring

·         http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Missions/EmergencyManagement.aspx

The nearly 700 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, employees working at more than 40 sites in five upper-Midwest states serve the American public in the areas of environmental enhancement, navigation, flood damage reduction, water and wetlands regulation, recreation sites and disaster response. Through the Corps’ Fiscal Year 2011 $175 million budget, nearly 2,800 non-Corps jobs were added to the regional economy as well as $271 million to the national economy. For more information, see www.mvp.usace.army.mil.

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