Effecting Timely Responses to Urban Flash Floods

by Kevin G. Stewart, Urban Drainage and Flood Control, District, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Computerized Decision Support Systems for Water Managers

Abstract:

Problem identification and decision aid development are important first steps in putting together an effective flood warning plan. Until adequate data exists to allow refinement of runoff models, simplified procedures can be applied with reasonable confidence. These procedures focus on identifying critical rainfall thresholds keyed to specific problem areas. Proper management of real-time data can help reduce false alarms and provide the means for better estimating flood arrival times and peaks. The ALERT base station, commonly used for data collection and display, can also be used as an electronic bulletin board for relaying critical information quickly. By taking steps to insure that accurate, timely and understandable communications occur during a flood emergency, the odds are increased that planned emergency responses will be successful at saving lives.

Subject Headings: Floods | Emergency management | Rainfall | Hydrologic data | Flash floods | Data collection | Data analysis

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search