BAER Team Progress to Date and Options for Private Property Are Primary Topics
El Paso County Office of Emergency Management and El Paso County Public Services will be hosting a meeting, Wednesday evening September 12th in Manitou Springs for citizens concerned about post fire flooding problems to learn more about the watersheds, the ongoing danger as well as programs and procedures to mitigate risk.
Representatives of the U.S. Forest Service BAER Team (Burn Area Emergency Response) and NRCS (National Resources Conservation Services) will provide an update on the status of the watersheds after the fire and on mitigation efforts to date. They will explain the limitations of the current response programs; discuss the responsibilities of private land owners and available to assistance as well as demonstrate online tools available to help residents determine which watershed affects their homes and possible flood risk for their neighborhoods.
The El Paso County Office of Emergency Management will discuss efforts to expand monitoring early warning systems as well as steps residents should take to prepare in advance for possible flood related evacuations.
The National Weather Service will provide a review of its policies on issuing watches and warnings in the burn scar area and offer basic public safety training for residents living downstream from burn scar.
Representatives of the National Flood Insurance Program will also answer questions.
Residents of Colorado Springs, Manitou and the Ute Pass area are encouraged to attend this informative meeting :
When: Wednesday evening September 12, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Manitou Springs Elementary School at 110 Pawnee Avenue
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com