The primary goal of the state’s Dam Safety Program is to reduce the risk to lives and property from the consequences of dam failure. Although most dam owners have a high level of confidence in the structures they own and are certain their dams will not fail, history has shown that on occasion dams do fail and that often these failures cause extensive property damage—and sometimes death. A dam owner is responsible for keeping these threats to a minimum. A carefully conceived and implemented emergency action plan (EAP) is one positive step you, the dam owner, can take to accomplish dam safety objectives, protect your investment, a nd reduce potential liability. An emergency action plan is not a substitute for proper maintenance or remedial construction, but it facilitates the recognition of dam safety problems as they develop and establishes nonstructural means to minimize the risk of loss of life and reduce property damage. These guidelines define the requirements of an acceptable EAP and facilitate its preparation, distribution, annual testing, and update.