The source of potential flooding in the City can be traced to rainfall, snowmelt, or dam failure.  Flooding of significant magnitude can be expected to result in individuals being isolated by flood waters, disruption of utilities, extensive property damage, disruption of transportation and communication systems and various health hazards associated with the contamination of drinking water and the disruption of sewage treatment facilities.

Response

• Since advanced warning of flooding conditions can generally be expected, the Emergency Operations Center will be activated, if conditions warrant, to determine necessary actions to be taken.
• When indicated, all students and non-essential employees will be released.  If possible, prior to the release, freeway and street conditions, including safe exit routes, will be ascertained and announced to the university community by all available means, including local media.
• Facilities Services operations shutdown procedures will be followed in areas that may be affected by flood-caused fires, explosions, or electrical hazards and is of critical importance.
• Once personnel safety and life saving issues have been addressed, attention should be immediately directed to minimizing property and equipment damage.  When available and if time permits, sand bags will be used where feasible to protect against floodwaters.
• When feasible, teams will be organized to re-locate vital equipment and records to unthreatened areas (on upper floors of buildings or off-campus).
• If anticipated flooding is the result of the failure of Don Pedro Dam, the University would have a minimum five hour warning before floodwaters reached University property.  Immediate notice to the University community would be implemented, followed by evacuation to the south and west by all means of transportation available.