33 U.S.C. § 709c — Emergency communication of risk

(a) Definitions In this section: (1) Affected government The term “affected government” means a State, local, or tribal government with jurisdiction over an area that will be affected by a flood. (2) Annual operating plan The term “annual operating plan” means a plan prepared by the Secretary that describes potential water condition scenarios for a river basin for a year. (b) Communication In any river basin where the Secretary carries out flood risk management activities subject to an annual operating plan, the Secretary shall establish procedures for providing the public and affected governments, including Indian tribes, in the river basin with— (1) timely information regarding expected water levels; (2) advice regarding appropriate preparedness actions; (3) technical assistance; and (4) any other information or assistance determined appropriate by the Secretary. (c) Public availability of information To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary, in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall make the information required under subsection (b) available to the public through widely used and readily available means, including on the Internet. (d) Procedures The Secretary shall use the procedures established under subsection (b) only when precipitation or runoff exceeds those calculations considered as the lowest risk to life and property contemplated by the annual operating plan.