• Real Time Flood Inundation Mapping:
  Weekly meetings continue. Details of specific design features are being finalized, and the contract with a major vendor (Merrick) is forthcoming.

• Web Site:
  Larimer County was one of the counties declared a federal disaster area as a result of the flooding on April 30th. During the event, the OEM utilized our Webmaster/Photographer in the field to capture digital images of the flooding. The images were periodically brought to the EOC for immediate review throughout the event. Information and photos were posted on the website within hours of the event on our new "Breaking News" page. We had over 200 visitors within the first 2 days, and nearly 1,000 the first week. More project overviews, Project Impact information, and OEM activities have also been added to our site.

• Stream and Precipitation Gages:
  More gage installations have taken place this month, the radio repeater has been installed, and real time data is now coming in. Alarms will alpha page stormwater and OEM personnel if the water limits go higher than set parameters. Glenn, Blair, Iola, and Marsha attended STORM Watch training, which is the software that provides us with the instant information.

• 1999 National Flood Conference:
  Iola Fleischer and Marsha Hilmes attended the National Flood Conference (NFIP) in Denver. Marsha sat on 2 panels, "Planning for a Safer Tomorrow" on May 18th, and "Community Compliance" on May 17th. Iola prepared a flood presentation for former Mayor Ann Azari, who gave the keynote address for the conference on the 18th.

• Auto-Dialer:
  The top 2 vendors have been selected, and demonstration and vendor interviews will take place on June 2nd.

• Hail Brochure:
  Meteorologist John Weaver of NOAA and Blue Knight Graphics prepared a brochure on Hail Safety in partnership with OEM. The brochure can be found on our website on the "Hail" page in Adobe PDF format. Feel free to download and print this brochure if you would like.
  http://www.ci.fort-collins.co.us/c_safety/oem/pdf/hail_brochure.pdf

• New Partner:
  WaterWall Inc. manufactures flood control barriers, such as the Watergate, which is a portable gate used to block water from entering a doorway or opening. A representative joined us at our Flood Awareness Week promotions on May 2nd and, as a Project Impact partner, offered the product to the public at a special price. (519) 751-3599

• Community Education:
  Blair Leist represented OEM at a community Y2K, disaster preparedness meeting on May 5th, and Iola Fleischer conducted the meeting on May 15th.

• Emergency AM Radio Station:
  The tower site has been selected and the equipment has been ordered. This project is moving along nicely and should be up and running soon.

  
  
  Iola M. Fleischer
  OEM Associate Director
  May 19, 1999

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