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OKLAHOMA CITY – During May, Oklahoma's "Flood Awareness Month," the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), the Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association, and Governor Kevin Stitt are calling on all Oklahomans to be flood prepared.
Before a flood, Oklahomans should determine if they live in or near a floodplain, check their flood insurance status, learn the flood warning system in their community, and find the safest route from their home to higher ground. Other preparations include the following:
- Make a list of your possessions. You should itemize your personal property, such as clothing, furnishings, and other valuables. Photos of your property are also helpful. Make copies of important documents.
- Keep a battery-operated radio and flashlight ready and in good working order.
- Have emergency food, water, and medical supplies on hand.
- Keep valuables, legal documents, and insurance policies safe.
During a flood, water levels and flow can quickly change. Remain aware and monitor local radio and television outlets. Avoid flood waters on foot or by vehicle at all costs. Evacuate immediately when water starts to rise. Other factors to be considered during a flood include the following:
- Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. Floodwaters may hide submerged electric lines, waste/chemicals, or other harmful debris.
- If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911.
- Turn Around Don’t Drown! Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade. 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV, and 18 inches can carry away large vehicles.
- Know where flooding occurs in your community so that you can be aware of high water areas on roadways.
- Have a planned alternative route home in case your usual route home has a flooded road, and becomes unsafe to drive through.
After a flood, Oklahomans should stay tuned to local news for updated information on road conditions, water quality issues, and other public directives regarding the flood disaster area. Here are some additional things to consider following a flood:
- Ensure water is safe to drink, cook, or clean with after a flood. Authorities may ask you to boil water for a while after a flood. If you have a domestic water use well that was flooded, a water quality test is strongly encouraged.
- Heed “Road Closed” signs and other traffic control measures and do not visit disaster areas. Your presence may hamper rescue and other emergency operations.
- Do not enter a flood damaged home or building until you are given the “all clear” by authorities. Before entering, make sure the electrical system has been turned off.
Have the power company or a qualified electrician fix wires. Contact your insurance agent to discuss property damage. If you have a generator, follow proper safety procedures.
For more information, visit: http://www.oklahoma.gov/owrb OR https://www.floodsmart.gov/.
 The photo above is of the Proclamation for May as Flood Awareness Month for the State of Oklahoma.
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