As the University campus lies generally on a higher ground, the danger of direct flooding due to high river crest or prolonged heavy rains is minimal. The Plan for Floods requires personnel in low-lying areas to evacuate to safe areas immediately upon being alerted of flood danger.

GENERAL SITUATION
(City of Riverside Emergency Operations Plan (CREOP))
“Floods are generally classed as either slow-rise or flash floods. Slow-rise floods may be preceded by a waning time lasting from hours to days, to possibly weeks. Evacuation and sandbagging for a slow rise flood may lessen flood related damage. Conversely, flash floods are the most difficult to prepare for due to the extremely short warning time, if available at all. Flash flood warnings usually require immediate evacuation within the hour.”

SPECIFIC SITUATION (CREOP)
Areas subject to flooding in Riverside are adjacent to the Santa Ana River that borders the city on the north. The Riverside County Flood Control District monitors this river and most likely will afford a degree of advanced warning for emergency responders. Power outages due to flooding will occur. In the 1969 flood, Riverside Public Utilities lost major facilities along the Santa Ana Rivers. In other urban flooding situations, the City will most definitely lose underground facilities. The topography of the City varies. Areas subject to flooding drain either naturally into flood controls, rivers, washes or creeks. Most can handle normal flows.

EMERGENCY READINESS STAGES (CREOP)
Flood in the special risk areas can occur rapidly or slowly depending on the heaviness and severity of rainfall. Emergency preparedness will be based on four stags or response actions.

Stage I (Watch Stage)—Light to moderate rain for indefinite period. All fields units (Public Works, Police, Fire Dept, Etc) are to review their procedures for flood incidents.

Stage II—Moderate to heavy rain expected for next four (4) to six (6) hours. Public Words notified to post flooding warnings in affected areas. Public information on location of sand bags, sand and flood clean –up kits to be prepared and distributed to appropriate departments.

Stage III—Continuation of heavy rain over the next six (6) to twelve (12) hours. Identified risk areas (streets) should be closed to traffic. Public information to be distributed to residents and businesses in affected areas by all available field units.

Stage IV—Threat to private property and persons. Ares should be evacuated should flooding constitute a safety or health hazard.

EVACUATION ROUTES (CREOP)
It is expected that most streets will remain open. Should it become necessary, evacuations should be easily facilitated.

DAM FAILURE
Dam inundation is defined as the flooding, which occurs as the result of structural failure of a dam. Structural failure may be caused by seismic activity. Seismic activity may also cause inundation by the action of a seismically induced wave, which overtops the dam without also causing dam failure. This action is referred to as a seiche. Landslides flowing into a reservoir are also a source of potential dam failure or overtopping. See Appendix F for Dam Failure for Lake Matthews, Dike 1 and 2.

LSU CENTRAL COMMAND POST
The Central Command Post will alert the Safety Building Coordinators to prepare for the flood as instructed by the Central Command Post.

What To Do:

Before a flood

1. Photos: Take pictures of your office, belongings, important documents, and keep them safe for insurance purposes.
2. Disaster supply kit. As with earthquakes, "Be Prepared" by packing clothes and other important supplies ahead of time in case you need to head for higher ground. Identify where you will go if told to evacuate--friend’s, motel, Red Cross shelter.
3. Leaking building. Report any leakage around windows, ceilings, basements, pool to Physical Plant Services as soon as you detect a problem. However, following rain, work will be delayed until the area dries out.

When a flood occurs

• Valuables: Make sure that valuables are elevated to a level higher than the forecasted flood level.
• Stay away from dangerous area, e.g., contaminated floodwaters, unstable structures, electrical hazards, etc.
• Enter a building with caution. Snakes and other animals may have entered the building. Electrical hazards may exist. Use protective equipment.
• Make sure that electrical service is safe before turning on the power.
• Campus Closure: If we are receiving a tremendous amount of rain at one time during the work day, only a Presidential declaration will allow for a campus closure.
• Plan alternative Routes: Since there is a chance that streets may be flooded, plan alternate routes and to arrive home late.
• Flood Waters: Try not to drive through water of unknown depth covering a street. If you are caught and stall in rapidly rising water, and it is safe to leave your vehicle, abandon it and get to higher ground.

Following the flood

1. Food and water. Don’t eat food that has come in contact with flood waters and drinking water should be tested before using.
2. Be cautious when driving. Chances are we will all return to work the day following a heavy rain. Try and avoid flooded areas.

CARRY YOUR BELONGINGS—PURSE, WALLET, KEYS--WITH YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR OFFICE FOR ANOTHER BUILDING TO ATTEND A MEETING OR TEACH A CLASS. IF THERE IS DAMAGE TO A BUILDING FROM EITHER NATURAL OR TECHNOLOGICAL CAUSES, YOU MAY NOT BE ALLOWED BACK TO YOUR OFFICE FOR HOURS OR EVEN DAYS