The Flood Risk Communication Toolkit was developed to help community officials begin and maintain an open channel for communication. The Toolkit includes templates and guides for designing a communication plan, effective public meetings, and a social media strategy for addressing flood risk.
It is supported by story maps and videos that visually communicate the objectives of updating flood risk data and maps. The resources showcase the benefits of the mapping program and its connection to risk reduction and resilience. The YouTube video series includes eight 2- to 5-minute videos that tell personal stories from around the country that communicate technical information in a relatable manner.
Here you can find media resources to help you tell the story of flood risk and drive policy sales. Resources can be used for a variety of purposes, including marketing and social media. Resources include informational videos to post-disaster photography, customizable post cards, ready-to-use fact sheets, and more. Visit FEMA.gov to order NFIP print materials free of charge or for information on photo and video usage guidelines.
When flood maps change to reflect current flood risks, flood insurance agents are crucial community messengers. Equipped with the right technical knowledge and marketing resources, you can help clients understand their current flood risk, maintain or increase their flood insurance coverage, and take advantage of possible cost savings options.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has high water mark signs available for distribution. They would be happy to work with anyone interested in posting one in their community.
For more information contact Danae Olsen at Danae.M.Olsen@usace.army.mil
Additional Resources: High Water Mark Project Tool Kit
Watershed University provides free education and networking opportunities for California professionals in floodplain management, water management, emergency management and related fields.
The Silver Jackets' webinars and presentations library hosts a wealth of information a large variety of topics, including flood preparedness, hazard mitigation, community resilience, inundation mapping, and more.
The DWR Flood Model is a fantastic interactive tool for flood risk education. It is stored at the Joint Operations Center Annex facility located in Sacramento, CA. The DWR Flood Model is available for display at your event, with staffing by the DWR CFPW team.
WARD's Stormwater Floodplain Simulation System Youtube video shows all the components of this flood model and what it looks like in operation.
If you are interested in having the DWR Flood Model at your event, contact us at CFPW@water.ca.gov.
The USACE Flood Risk Communication Toolbox provides resources for communicating with sponsors, stakeholders, and the public about flood risk and flood risk management projects. It features information about the principles and best practices of risk communication, as well as materials that can be distributed directly to the public.
The Toolbox is broken down into three sections: (1) How to Communicate Risk, (2) Flood Risk Outreach, and (3) Case Studies and Testimonials.
This study assessed outreach programs of ten communities to understand common challenges of risk communication, and where possible, identify potential solutions to overcoming these challenges.
This study surveyed residents of a recently constructed subdivision in Stockton, CA to assess their awareness of flood risk. Despite the high level of education and income of respondents, they did not understand the risk of being flooded.
The Tribal Nations Community of Practice has written this booklet to Tribal partners with a better understanding of how best to work with the USACE and explains the USACE project partnership process. USACE has a Tribal Policy based on six principles:
Recognize Tribal sovereignty
Honor the Trust responsibility
Engage in government-to-government relationships
Engage in pre-decisional consultation
Protect natural and cultural resources when possible
Promote economic capacity building and growth.