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Show SECTION 13 STATE WATER PLAN - JORDAN RIVER BASIN DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE Reacting to a disaster or emergency after it has already occurred is not as efficient as pre- disaster activities, such as floodplain management, hazard mitigation and planning. 13.1 Introduction This section discusses flood hazard mitigation and drought response. It also briefly discusses programs now in place and additional programs that could be beneficial in dealing with flooding and drought problems. The Division of Comprehensive Emergency Management ( CEM) is responsible for disaster and emergency response at the state level. Many types of emergency situations are water- related, varying from disastrous flooding to extreme drought. Most disasters are naturally caused. A few, such as chemical or oil spills, are man- caused. Some situations, such as a dam failure, can have a complex combination of natural and man- made causes. When any emergency situation arises, a prearranged response plan provides a quick and effective coordinated response. Generally, the response plan emphasizes prevention of an emergency and, therefore, prevention of damages. The state maintains a hazard mitigation team to provide coordination with local governmental authority to establish measures and to lessen or eliminate the impact of a disaster. This team represents state agencies in hazard mitigation matters. The following paragraphs attempt to define the organizational responsibilities for emergency response in the Jordan River Basin, concentrating mainly on the two most common water- related emergencies: floods and drought. 13.2 Background The history of water- related natural disasters in the Jordan River Basin includes a number of significant floods and drought events. The floods of the mid- 1980s resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in property damages to homes, businesses, public utilities and infrastructure. The extended drought years of the late 1980s significantly lowered reservoir storage levels and threatened restrictions for outdoor water use. Recent flooding and drought events experienced in the Jordan River Basin have been classified as 100- year events. Despite the tendency to believe the basin has experienced the worst case scenario, an event of equal or greater magnitude is possible. Dams and other large public utility structures are designed to withstand natural disasters that are 500- to 1,000- year events. 1983 flooding on State Street in Salt Lake City 13- 1 |