Situation-Specific Flood and Flash Flood Call-to-Action Statements

This presentation describes the methodology used to develop situation-specific flood and flash flood call-to-action statements. The 18-23 September 2009 flood event in southeast Tennessee resulted in one fatality and over $450,000 in damage in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area. The seriousness of the flooding that occurred resulted in a need to develop more specific and urgent call-to-action statements to get the public's attention, especially during heightened flooding situations.

Specific examples of flood and flash flood call-to-action statements that were used during the 18-23 September 2009 flood event to highlight the seriousness of the flooding will be presented. These were mentioned in the National Service Assessment report as a best practice.

The objective of this project was to develop, evaluate and share with other offices enhanced call-to-action statements. Such locally developed statements that highlight significant, life-threatening flood emergency situations, reference historical benchmark floods, and incorporate strongly worded statements can increase the public's and local partners' awareness during serious flooding situations. We expect these statements will improve the response to existing flood and flash flood warning call-to-actions and mitigate the loss of life and property.