Do Something About It!

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other severe weather related event, an average of $4.6 billion a year in the past 20 years (1984-2003). What would you do if you couldn't get coverage under flood insurance?

The NWS posted the following question and answer on its website devoted to flood safety:
Q: Is there anything I can do to prepare for a flood?
How to reduce potential flood damage and what to include in a family disaster plan can be obtained from the American Red Cross.

The NWS works with and relies on strategic partners involved in floodplain management, flood hazard mitigation, flood preparedness, and flood warnings to reduce the loss of life and property due to floods. Key partners include the U.S. Geological Survey, FEMA, the National Hydrologic Warning Council, the Association of State Floodplain Managers, the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, The Weather Channel, and other media outlets, and many other government and private sector organizations.

The government seems to be the only organization with the power and money to actively help people prepare for and respond to flood emergencies. It can partner with other organizations to bring about action. However, this is the only response they have to the desperate cry for help. When the public asks, “What can I do?” the response from the most capable source should not be vague and uninformative, displacing responsibility elsewhere.

It is up to risk communicators to build upon existing resources and to make sure people are aware of them. In order for more effective communications to be developed, more research must be done to understand the target demographic. The previously mentioned government and nonprofit organizations must effectively combine their resources to create effective communication efforts.