Press Releases

For Immediate Release • June 14, 2011
Staff Contact: Rigo Leal, Public Information Officer, 303-651-8840
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Flood Information Meetings Scheduled for June 20 and 23

JUNE 14, 2011 - Although there is no imminent danger of flooding in the city, City of Longmont officials are hosting two flood information meetings on Monday, June 20 and Thursday, June 23 to discuss

changes to the city's 100-year St. Vrain River floodplain
what is likely to happen during a flood
flood insurance
flood safety tips for all resident, and
how to sign up for emergency notifications.

These public meetings will be held on

Monday, June 20, 6:30 pm at the St. Vrain Village Manager's Office located at 446 S. Francis Street, and
Thursday, June 23, 2 pm at the St. Vrain Schools Administration Building located at 395 S. Pratt Parkway.

The City of Longmont is updating the floodplain map for the St. Vrain River corridor for the first time in 30 years. Surveying and computer modeling have improved tremendously since the current map was completed in 1981, and the new map will provide the most accurate depiction of which structures and properties will be affected in the event of a flood.

As a result of the new floodplain map some structures not previously located in the floodplain are now included in the new floodplain, some structures are no longer included in the floodplain and a majority of structures in the floodplain are unchanged. The public meetings will help those property owners and residents understand the implications of a new floodplain, which could include things like property/flood insurance, property values and evacuation strategies.

On June 3 and 4, 2011, City of Longmont employees went on a door-to-door information campaign to provide flood information and advice to Longmont residents and businesses who live in areas most vulnerable to flooding - mostly areas in and around the St. Vrain River and Lefthand Creek. Approximately 850 households and businesses were contacted during the two-day campaign and all were invited to the public meetings for more information. During this effort, many residents signed up for City's emergency notification system called Everbridge.

The Everbridge system alerts people of emergencies in a number of ways including traditional recorded phone messages, text alerts and email messages. Anyone can sign up for the system by visiting www.ci.longmont.co.us/police/massnotification.htm.

Unlike the traditional reverse 9-1-1 style system used by Boulder County and other jurisdictions that only dials home numbers, the Everbridge system automatically dials land and cell phone lines, leaving a voice message, test message or email message based on the users preferences. An emergency message can be left with a subscriber advising them on the nature of the emergency and information on appropriate actions. In an era where home land lines are being replaced by cell phones, this is a notification option that all Longmont residents can use.

During the door-to-door notification, crews handed out an updated floodplain map and flood safety tips, which included

Prepare an emergency evacuation kit. A gallon sized plastic bag should hold your prescription medications, copies of important documents like your driver’s license, insurance and financial information. A thumbdrive full of important family photos could also be included.
Get to know your neighbors. You could have neighbors close by that may need some additional help during an emergency.
Make your family plan. Talk to children about what to do, where to meet, and how to contact each other during an emergency.
If you rent your home, buy renters insurance.
The City will notify residents of disasters using the Everbridge notification system. This system can contact you via text message, email or voice making it very versatile. Register at www.ci.longmont.co.us/police/massnotification.htm.
A Flood Watch means weather conditions make flooding likely – be alert and tune in to local media for details.
A Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or will occur. Seek higher ground immediately!

For more information about the city's new St. Vrain River floodplain call David Hollingsworth at 303-651-8328.

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