Flood preparation, response, and recovery

Disaster roles of local officials videos

Learn about local official responsibilities for preparation, response and recovery. Useful resources are also discussed and examples are shown.

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Summary of resources and links noted in the disaster roles of local officials videos

Preparation - planning and coordination:

• HSEM Regional Program Coordinators Directory
• Minnesota Department of Labor Disaster Preparedness Manual for Building Officials
• US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) St Paul District Emergency Management page
• USACOE Emergency Action Plan Guidebook
• USACOE Community Resource Toolbox page (for flood response resources)
• USACOE Flood Fight Handbook (2019)
• Minnesota Hazard Mitigation Planning (Homeland Security and Emergency Management page about state and local plans)

Latest FEMA map resources:

• Find FEMA Maps
• County Data and Map Viewers

River gages (for current readings, forecasts and historical information):

• National Weather Service:
  • Northwest Minnesota
  • Northeast Minnesota
  • Central and South Central Minnesota
  • Southwest Minnesota
  • Southeast Minnesota
• DNR/MPCA: Cooperative Stream Gaging Program
• USGS: Minnesota River Gage (map with links)

Example inundation maps:

• National Weather Service St Paul, MN inundation map
• City of Moorhead  Flood Stages Interactive Map

Post-flood assistance:

• Minnesota Disaster Preparedness Volunteers site (Department of Labor and Industry)

Substantial damage determinations:

• FEMA Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference

Mitigation grants:

• DNR Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
• Minnesota’s Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) Hazard Mitigation Programs

Before the flood

There are a number of things you can do to prepare your community or property for floods. Below are some very useful resources. Additionally, there are a number of guidance materials for floodproofing and retrofitting on our Technical Resources page.

• DNR Flood Hazard Mitigation Program
• Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management administers a number of grants to mitigate flood losses
• Minnesota Department of Labor Disaster Preparedness Manual for Building Officials
• Flood Resilience Checklist – The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created a tool to help communities prepare for, deal with, and recover from floods. This checklist offers strategies communities can consider to manage stormwater.
• Understanding and Managing Flood Risk: A Guide for Elected Officials – Association of State Floodplain Managers
• What can (and should) I do about fluctuating water levels on my property?

During the flood

Current flood forecasts and stream flow conditions from the National Weather Service:

• National Water Prediction Service

Current Minnesota stream flow conditions:

• Cooperative Stream Gaging Program (DNR/MPCA)
• USGS WaterWatch

Temporary Closures:

• Closure Information for State Parks, State Trails, State Forest Roads, and State Water Accesses

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Response and Recovery

Post-flood information

• Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management – State & Federal Resources for Homeowners and Renters
• Substantial Damage Determinations
• North Dakota State University - Flood Information for Property Owners – contains many useful tips for post-flood cleanup
• DNR General Permit 2001-1172: Repair of Flood Damages in Public Waters

Additional resources

• Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Spring Flooding Page
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency – Flood guidance for wastewater treatment
• Roles of the DNR Before, During, and After Floods
• Minnesota Department of Health Flood Information
• For Seniors
  • FEMA's Seniors|Ready
  • Senior Living's disaster preparedness

Floodplain Management Minnesota: Past, Present and Future