| May 31 is National Dam Safety Awareness Day, on this day we commemorate the tragic failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania that occurred on May 31, 1889. This was the worst dam failure in United States history and resulted in the loss of more than 2,200 lives, leaving thousands homeless. The theme for this year's National Dam Safety Awareness Day is "Dam Safety is shared responsibility. Know your risk, know your role, know the benefits of dams, and take action". Most recently in May 2020, there were major dam failures at Michigan's Edenville Dam and Sanford Dam. Both dam failures put thousands of lives at risk and forced the evacuation of nearly 10,000 residents. These recent events made major headlines, highlighting the poor condition of many of the nation's dams. Proper maintenance, routine inspection, necessary upgrades, and implementation of an Emergency Action Plan can ensure optimal conditions, protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Dams are a critical part of the nation's infrastructure and are present in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Dams provide many benefits to Americans including bringing water, power, flood risk reduction, recreation, and economic opportunities to communities. However, there are large risks associated with dams. We encourage the public to understand the continued interest in dam safety, the roles various parties play, current issues, and why the investment in this infrastructure is urgently needed. National Dam Safety Awareness Day seeks to promote individual and community responsibility and best practices for dam safety, raise awareness of the benefits dams to offer, and highlight steps that can be taken to prevent future catastrophic dam failures. FEMA is asking communities and dam owners across the nation to help promote dam safety and raise awareness on this day. We have prepared template materials, as well as background information on National Dam Safety Awareness Day to assist efforts here. For over 30 years, the federal government has been working to protect Americans from dam failure through the National Dam Safety Program. Led by FEMA, the program is a partnership of states, federal agencies and other stakeholders to encourage individual and community responsibility for dam safety. National Dam Safety Awareness Day not only commemorates the past. It calls us to action. Dam Safety is a shared responsibility. Know your risk, know your role, know the benefits of dams and take action. Make a difference in your community and join FEMA in support of National Dam Safety Awareness Day on May 31. |
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