SHOKAN – The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program (AWSMP) has released a new Flood Emergency Preparedness Guide to help Catskills residents better understand flood risks and take steps to protect themselves, their property, and their communities.
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in New York and a leading cause of weather-related fatalities each year. In the Catskills region, steep terrain and frequent precipitation can cause water levels to rise quickly, creating dangerous conditions in low-lying areas, along stream corridors, and near culverts and bridges. The new Stream Guide was developed by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County to answer common questions about flooding and provide practical information that residents can use to prepare before an emergency occurs.
The guide covers a range of topics including understanding flood risk, the meaning of a “100-year flood,” differences between flood types, and whether flood insurance is appropriate. It also provides step-by-step guidance on how to prepare for a flood, what actions to take during an event, and how to safely recover afterward. Additional sections introduce flood hazard mitigation concepts and direct readers to further resources.
Emergency preparedness is especially important in rural areas where road access can be limited and response times may be delayed during severe weather events. Bridges and culverts can become damaged or impassable during floods, sometimes leaving residents temporarily isolated. For this reason, federal guidance recommends that households be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days, with access to food, water, shelter, and essential supplies.
The Flood Emergency Preparedness Guide will be distributed at AWSMP flood-related events and trainings, made available at municipal offices throughout the Ashokan Reservoir watershed, and offered at the AWSMP office in Shokan. A digital version is available on the AWSMP website.
AWSMP staff developed this guide as part of ongoing efforts to increase awareness of flood hazards and support informed decision-making by residents and local officials. By improving understanding of risk and preparedness strategies, the program aims to reduce impacts from future flood events and strengthen community resilience.
As part of the AWSMP, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County routinely offers stream and floodplain education to landowners and municipal officials within the Ashokan Reservoir watershed. Trainings and workshops related to flood preparedness and floodplain management are offered throughout the year.
The AWSMP is a partnership between Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District, and NYC Department of Environmental Protection.
For information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s community programs and events go to CCE.Cornell.edu/Ulster. Stay connected to CCE Ulster − friend us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.
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Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact our office in advance with any accommodation requests at (845) 340-3990 or Ulster [at] Cornell.edu.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County (CCEUC) is a 501(c) 3 subordinate government agency of the State of New York under Article 5, 224(b) of the NYS County Laws organization that utilizes research-based knowledge through their partnership with Cornell University. This information is disseminated through their on-going community programming in the areas of Agriculture, Horticulture, 4-H Youth Development, Family and Consumer Science and Environmental programs held throughout Ulster County.
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