City of Fort Collins Begins Flood Recovery Efforts

Posted on: Sep-16-2013

City of Fort Collins Begins Flood Recovery Efforts

FORT COLLINS, CO – The most recent information regarding flooding status in the City follows:
Flood Updates:
• Poudre River flows at the mouth of the canyon peaked at 3,800 cubic feet per second (cfs) this morning and are at 3,370 in late afternoon. In Fort Collins, the river is at 2,790 cfs.
• There are no flood warnings on the Poudre River in Larimer County at this time as favorable weather moves into the area.
• The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts scattered showers this afternoon and evening that could produce up to an inch of rain in less than 30 minutes. A flash flood watch remains in effect for smaller drainage areas until 7 p.m. Stormwater staff will continue to monitor the river.
• The following bridges remain closed:
o Overland Trail
o Shields Street
o Lincoln Street
o Linden Street

Resources / Recovery Assistance:
• Anyone impacted by the flood may register with FEMA at 800-621-FEMA or at www.disasterassistance.gov
o Once registered, individuals can access all federal programs
o The Small Business Administration (SBA) will work with some homeowners and renters as well as businesses – providing short term loans where possible
o FEMA has grants for those unable to pay back loans
o For farm-related assistance (crop loss, etc.), farmers can contact Farm Services Agency (part of USDA)
o FEMA expects to have funds available now for recovery efforts, through the Disaster Recovery Fund. FEMA’s first priority is debris removal.
• If there is damage to river bank properties, call 970-221-6700 prior to any work for assistance with documentation and permitting.
• Residents should contact their trash hauling company to arrange for special pick-up of wastes that have been generated from flooding.
• Those returning home should go to the following resources for key information on how to manage conditions at home, begin the clean-up process, file insurance claims, etc.:
o www.fcgov.com/streets/pdf/2013_Flood_Indoor_air_quality_fact_sheet.pdf
o www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/preparation_recovery/after_a_flood.jsp
o www.floodsmart.gov/toolkits/flood/downloads/AfterFloodFactSheet-08-2010.pdf
o www.ready.gov/floods
• Residents who need help with disaster assistance resources should call 211 (United Way).

Safety:
• The City continues to advise the public to avoid unnecessary contact with river and other water bodies as they are likely contaminated with sewage from breached septic systems, etc. Bacteria (e.g., E-coli) levels are up significantly in the flood waters and can pose serious health issues. Visit fcgov.com/utilities/safety-and-security/2013-flood - the warning also is posted in Spanish – to view more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the risks associated with flood and standing water.
• To learn more about health issues and flooding, visit www.larimer.org.
• Fort Collins Utilities’ Water Treatment Facility reports that City drinking water remains safe.
• Fort Collins Utilities has begun a systematic damage assessment process with other City departments.
o Utilities and City Engineering staff continue to inspect the structural integrity of bridges, which are reported to be holding well. Other infrastructure checks also are reported to be stable at this time.
o Stormwater and Building Inspection staffs are conducting structural assessments of buildings damaged in the flood.
• Debris management currently is focused on removing blockages to public facilities and addressing public safety issues.


Ongoing updates will be provided until further notice. Detailed information can be found at www.fcgov.com/oem.
For more information, call 970-221-6700, email utilities@fcgov.com or TDD 970-224-6003.

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• Lisa Rosintoski, Customer Connections Manager

• 970.416.2432
• bHJvc2ludG9za2lAZmNnb3YuY29t

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