Dam Safety in Warren County

Missouri is home to over 5,000 regulated dams, with 33 located in Warren County. While dam failures are rare, when they occur, the consequences can be severe. Common causes include:

  • Piping (internal erosion from leakage)

  • Erosion (overtopping due to inadequate spillways)

  • Structural Failure (earthquakes, instability, or construction defects)

Dam owners are responsible for proper maintenance, early warning of potential issues, and developing Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) in coordination with local officials. An EAP outlines steps to notify authorities and the public if a failure becomes imminent.

If you live downstream of a dam, it’s important to:

  • Determine if the dam is classified as high- or significant-hazard.

  • Identify the owner and regulatory agency.

  • Confirm whether an up-to-date EAP is in place.

Visit the National Inventory of Dams (NID) or ASDSO for more information, or contact Warren County Emergency Management at (636) 456-3786.

Stay Informed with CodeRED

Sign up for CodeRED to receive real-time emergency notifications, including dam-related alerts. CodeRED delivers critical updates by text, voice, and email—helping you act quickly during evacuations or emergencies. Visit WarrenCountyEMA.com to register.

Flood Safety & Evacuation Tips

Before a Flood:

  • Know your evacuation route and destination.

  • Create a family emergency plan.

  • Secure your home and important items.

  • Shut off utilities if instructed.

During a Flood:

  • Never walk or drive through floodwaters.

  • Move to higher ground immediately.

  • Stay tuned to news or official alerts.

After a Flood:

  • Avoid contaminated or moving water.

  • Watch for road or building damage.

  • Return home only when officials declare it safe.

  • Clean and disinfect all flood-exposed items.

Recovery Assistance

If you have unmet needs following a flood or dam failure:

  • Call 211 or reach out to:

    • American Red Cross – St. Louis Area

    • Salvation Army

    • Local faith-based and volunteer organizations

Additional Resources