Floods

A 500-year flood.  As a banker, I know about 100-year flood plains.  We require insurance for loans that sit in these designated areas.  But frankly, I had never heard the term “500-year flood,” until Monday, June 14^th. 

On June 14^th, Edmond faced the consequences of a 500-year flood.  In thirteen hours, parts of Edmond received more than 12 inches of rain.   Edmond’s Public Works director explained to me that this was a 500-year flood.   In layman’s terms, this was a flood that occurs once every 500 years. 

To our knowledge, we did not have any fatalities or injuries.  Our police and fire departments spent the day rescuing people, animals, and safeguarding property, while our emergency communications fielded the calls.  Hats off to a job well done. 

Edmond’s roads, bridges, drainage and detention were designed to handle large quantities of water.  While it would be extravagantly expensive to design for a 500 year flood, Edmond clearly was designed to handle flood waters of the 100-year magnitude – as are most cities.  As our public works director explained to me, Edmond’s systems, for the most part, exemplified good design and city planning.

We have several roads and bridges that suffered significant damage that need repair.  But our new downtown water detention area worked, our storm water drainage systems worked, and all of our newer bridges held.  Standing water drained within a couple of hours to let roads re-open.  

At this point, there were isolated events reported of water in homes inside the Edmond city limits.  We have all seen the reports of the homes that were sitting just outside our city boundaries, and have seen the devastation they faced.   Many Edmond citizens, churches and service organizations  have shown up to help these neighborhoods as they clean up, tear out, and rebuild. 

As for funds, our city will be filing all the necessary paperwork to get disaster relief funds.   City employees are working now to assess and document the damage caused by floods.  Federal agencies have already toured Edmond to see the damage.

In the meantime, you can find updated information on road closings on our city website, edmondok.com.  We will be working to repair roads and bridges, and to remove debris.   Some repairs will be done in a couple of days, but some will take considerably longer.  If you are outside the Edmond city limits, be sure to check the website of your city for updates about debris removal and assistance. 

As a word of caution, pay attention to signs warning of road and bridge repair.  The damage may not be apparent from a few feet away – but it is there.  Don’t drive, walk, or bicycle near these signs.  Keep your children away from them.  There are dangerous conditions being blocked by barricades and signage.  Take heed of it. 

Thanks to all our city personnel who did an outstanding job.  And thanks once again to the hundreds of you that showed up to help your neighbors. 

Patrice Douglas

Mayor

Posted: June 22, 2010