Minot, N.D., July 26, 2011 -- A contractor removes debris from a storm drain during a rain storm in a Minot neighborhood. North Dakota, Montana and Utah are still seeing high water levels, as frequent heavy rain storms historically affect Colorado this time of year.

July is known for hot summer days, barbeques and picnics and outdoor activities with friends and family.

It also can be known as the monsoonal flow season in Colorado. It is the time of the summer where you can almost time those afternoon thunderstorms and showers rolling across the state. Recently Colorado has been experiencing strong thunderstorms laced with heavy rains, and strong lightning. These storms also bring localized street flooding and are a reminder to all in Colorado that flooding can happen very quickly.

Some of Colorado's costliest and deadliest disasters have happened during the last week of July and were flooding related. On July 31, it will have been 35 years since the "Big Thompson" flood. Tragically, 144 people died that day as a result of the flood – both Colorado residents as well as visitors to the state. A total of 418 homes were destroyed. Twenty-one years later, another devastating flood occurred in Colorado - this time in Ft. Collins. On July 27-28, 1997, 14.5 inches of heavy rain fell in 31 hours, resulting in five deaths in Spring Creek.

Colorado isn’t the only state in Region VIII to experience heavy monsoonal rains and flooding during the month of July. Last week we saw loss of life in Wyoming due to flooding, North and South Dakota have had flood warnings, and we continue to see high water in North Dakota, Montana and Utah. The flood danger in Region VIII is not over.

As citizens, we can't predict or change the weather patterns that bring flooding. However, we can be prepared and be aware of our surroundings. Stay connected to news sources that will alert you to dangerous weather conditions. If you are in an area prone to flash flooding (low-lying, or next to a stream/river or drain), be aware that skies could be clear overhead, but heavy rains 20 miles away could be headed downstream and in your direction.

Valuable information on preparedness for all disaster types including flooding can be found at www.Ready.gov. Key preparedness strategies include:

• Having a preparedness plan and kit,
• Making sure everyone in your household knows the plan,
• Following the instructions of local officials, evacuate if told to do so,
• Avoiding moving water when you’re walking or driving and remember that flash floods are appropriately named since they can happen in a flash.

As we approach the midpoint of summer, continue enjoying the outdoors, time with friends and family, and all that our states have to offer. We can honor those who have lost their lives due to flooding by preparing ourselves and our loved ones for the potential of dangerous weather.

Editor’s Note – Read some of Robin’s other blog posts: 
- Midwest and Upper Midwest Flood Fight Continues – Our Role 
- Floodwaters Swamp Minot, But Don’t Dampen Resolve in the “Magic City”

Editor's Note: As of 4 p.m. EDT, the storm system has further organized and intensified into tropical storm Don, with the current forecast track projecting landfall in southern Texas.  The National Hurricane Center website has the latest information, and we will continue to provide updates on this blog about our role.

A wave of tropical thunderstorms is currently developing near the Yucatan Channel, between the coasts of Cuba and Mexico. According to the National Hurricane Center, this system is continuing to become better organized and if current trends continue, could become a tropical depression in the next 48 hours. We’re closely monitoring the situation through our regional offices in Denton, Texas and Atlanta, Ga., while coordinating with our partners at the National Hurricane Center forecast offices.

Here's the latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center:



Although it is too soon to know how quickly this storm could develop and what its potential impact may be on the U.S., current forecast models do show that the storm could impact parts of Mexico and southern Texas. Since before the start of hurricane season, we’ve been encouraging residents in hurricane-prone areas to get prepared, whether you live on the coast or further inland. History has taught us that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly – and it’s critical that all members of the public areas get prepared.

If you haven't already, now is a good time to visit http://www.ready.gov/ and learn a few simple steps every family should take to get prepared before disaster strikes. And remember when it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms, listen to the direction of local officials. Be sure to know your evacuation route in case evacuation orders are given.

You can also visit http://www.hurricanes.gov/ or http://hurricanes.gov/mobile on your phone for the latest forecasts for severe tropical weather. If you’re on Twitter and Facebook, you can follow the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center for the Atlantic basin at twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic and www.facebook.com/US.NOAA.NationalHurricaneCenter.gov.

As we often say at FEMA, getting neighborhoods prepared and making them a safer place is a team effort, at the federal, state, local, and community level. That’s why I’m proud the U.S. Fire Administration is working with the National Association of Town Watch to encourage fire and emergency medical service (EMS) personnel to partner with law enforcement and participate in the National Night Out.

National Night Out is a program to promote neighborhood spirit and public safety-community partnerships, and over 15,000 communities are expected to host local events across the country.

I wanted to encourage you and your department to participate in National Night Out and host a local community event.

It’s a natural fit.

Fire and EMS are part of the community, and what a great way to reach out to the very people you serve by sharing important fire prevention and life safety information. There are so many things you could do to enhance a local event:

• Fire apparatus and ambulances could serve as a backdrop for your educational booth while your department shares home fire safety checklists,
• You could encourage residents to schedule smoke alarm installations, and answer questions about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and other fire safety topics,
• EMS personnel could perform free blood pressure screenings,
• You could provide information on CPR training.

For more information on National Night Out or to register, visit www.NationalNightOut.org or contact your local law enforcement agency and learn how your fire department or EMS can get involved. Time is running out, but it’s not too late to become actively involved this year. This is a great way to get important fire safety information into our communities.

And while you're at it, National Preparedness Month (September) is right around the corner, so sign up to be a coalition member today to get resources and tips on spreading the preparedness message in your community.

Every Friday, we do a “What We’re Watching” blog as we look ahead to the weekend. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

Extreme Heat Conditions
Most of the nation has been under a heat advisory over the past week. The National Weather Service expects excessive and dangerous heat and humidity to continue throughout the weekend across much of the central and eastern U.S. The highest heat index values are expected across parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic.

The following are tips to stay cool and safe:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.

• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

September: National Preparedness Month
Earlier this week we launched new web tools so you and your organization can join the National Preparedness Month coalition and pledge your support to help prepare your families, businesses and communities for emergencies.

Once you register, you’ll have access to:

• a toolkit that includes suggestions for activities and events, templates, articles, banners and customizable materials,

• an events calendar allowing where you can post and promote preparedness events,

• discussion forums to share success stories to engage with fellow coalition members and FEMA representatives.

Reminder: Survivors should stay in contact with FEMA
Disaster survivors who registered with FEMA for assistance need to keep their contact information up to date to avoid delays processing their application. If your address or telephone changes you can update this information through DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free helpline operates daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.

Applicants generally receive a response from FEMA within 10 days after registering. Anyone who has not received mail from FEMA more than 10 days after registration should call 800-621-3362.

Video: Recap of DHS Secretary visit Minot, N.D.
We recently blogged on Secretary Janet Napolitano’s tour to flood damaged Minot, North Dakota. Here is a video of the Secretary’s promise of FEMA's continued support in the recovery of Minot.