How to Stay Safe When There Is a Threat of Severe Flooding

 Paul Davis Emergency Services of Norman and SW Oklahoma City points out that recent flooding highlights the need to know how to stay safe when there is a threat of severe weather. When severe weather does strike and causes property damage, the team of professionals at Paul Davis Emergency Services is ready to step in and serve in a moment’s notice.

Recent flooding in Oklahoma City

A July 28, 2020 headline reads, “Flooding wreaks havoc on Oklahoma City metro.” According to the story, “Heavy rain wreaked havoc across the Oklahoma City metro, leaving some residents’ homes flooded and cars stranded in water. Crews around the metro have responded to multiple water rescues and reports of flooding most of early Tuesday morning. So far, 11 people had to be rescued after driving into high water, officials say. According to KFOR meteorologist Emily Sutton, some parts of the metro saw about eight inches of rain overnight.”

Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries. However, two people had to be rescued from their vehicles when they drove around the barriers that the first responders had set up to stop traffic while they were saving eleven people stranded in their cars due to floodwaters. The news article cited above included these words of wisdom: “You should never drive into high water. Turn around, don’t drown.”

No stranger to severe weather

A government document entitled, “Tornadoes in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Area Since 1890,” notes that “Oklahoma City (OKC), by virtue of its large area and location near the heart of “tornado alley,” has earned a reputation over the years as one of the more tornado-prone cities in the United States.”

Since 1893, at least 171 tornadoes have hit the metro Oklahoma City area, forty-three since 2000. Three times (1974, 1981, 1986), Oklahoma City has experienced five tornadoes in one day. The longest stretch without a tornado was five years (October 1992 to June 1998). Then, from Jun 13, 1998, until May 4, 1999, Oklahoma City experienced 12 tornadoes in 11 months. The greater metro Oklahoma City area, including Norman, is no stranger to severe weather.

Paul Davis Emergency Services of Norman and SW Oklahoma City offers these severe weather survival tips for residents of Norman and metro Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Tip #1: Stay informed and know the key definitions.

Tornado watch: Be prepared. Tornadoes are possible in and near the area. Review plans, check supplies. Inspect the safe room. Acting early saves lives.

Tornado warning: Take action. A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, and people should relocate to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows. Mobile homes and vehicles afford little protection. Move to the closest substantial shelter and find protection from flying debris.

Flood watch: Watch out because the conditions are right for flooding to occur in the area.

Flood warning: Flooding is either in progress or will start immediately.

Tip #2: Follow these flash flood action steps.

• Before the flooding or severe weather, put together a Survival Supply Kit with food, water, and basic medical supplies. Include a communication plan and a reconnection plan in case family members are separated.
• Get informed and remain alert by turning on the radio, TV, or weather alert app.
• Plan an escape route to higher ground by both vehicle and by foot.
• Prepare the home for the possibility of flooding: Move important indoor items to the highest point in the home or building. Unplug electronics and appliances. Avoid touching electrical equipment when wet or standing in water.
• Turn off the gas and electricity at the main switch or valve to prevent fires and explosions if directed by emergency personnel.

Tip #3: Know the flood history of the surrounding area.

Know the risk of flooding for the nearby area. What areas and roads will be the most dangerous? Know local emergency plans and evacuation routes. When the flooding starts, relocate to higher ground if needed and if possible. Evacuate if directed by emergency workers. Do not walk or drive through floodwaters.

Tip #4: Turn around, don’t drown!

Follow vehicle safety rules during severe weather. Six inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet, and one foot of water can sweep a vehicle away.

Tip # 5: Return home only when travel is safe.

Wait until safety personnel give the go-ahead to enter damaged areas.

Tip #6: Begin the property damage restoration process.

Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash flooding can wreak havoc on a home, business, or other structure, such as a church, school, workshop, or warehouse. These administrative tips can facilitate flash flood and other property damage recovery. Call a water and flood damage restoration company as soon as possible should a home or business sustain flood damage. Waiting could lead to advanced secondary water damage that could add thousands to the cost of the water and flood damage restoration. Delay could affect the acceptance of the claim by the insurance company. Photograph property damage for insurance purposes.

In the present but for the future

Contact a fire, water, flood, and mold damage restoration specialist about creating a home or business continuity plan in the case of a flash flood, tornado, fire, water, or other property damage event. Think about buying flood insurance if available for the area.

Conclusion

Having served the people of the Norman and OKC Metro with restoration and reconstruction services for over ten years, Paul Davis Emergency Services understands how stressful a flood, fire, leak, or other accident is. The team promises to provide a free estimate within four hours of the customer’s call requesting emergency services. Available 24/7 to handle home and commercial restoration and reconstruction needs, they have a team of experts that provide a comprehensive menu of services.

For more information about property damage restoration, visit the Paul Davis Emergency Services of Norman and SW OKC website at southwest-oklahoma-city.pauldavis.com.Contact the office by phone at (405) 802-5405 or email brent.orr@pauldavis.com.