EDMOND —
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 June 14.
On June 14, Edmond faced the consequences of a 500-year flood. In 13 hours, parts of Edmond received more than 12 inches of rain. Edmond’s Public Works director explained to me that 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 residents, 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 file 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 already have toured Edmond to see the damage.
In the meantime, you can find updated information on road closings on our city Web site, 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 Web site 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 who showed up to help your neighbors.
PATRICE DOUGLAS is mayor of Edmond. She may be reached via e-mail at patrice.douglas@edmondok.com.
Opinion
City withstands 500-year flood fairly well
- Opinion
-
-
Aerospace tax credits ensure viability of industry
April 15, 1953. Tax day again. It also marked the last time the U.S. lost a soldier from an enemy air attack.
-
Tax outrage stems from moral distaste
A study published this week in the journal Symbolic Interaction revisits the relationship between taxation and morality.
-
Suddenly, Asperger’s Syndrome is cured
My 11-year-old grandson just took his first trip off the diving board.
-
Book recalls Anastasia's story
In February of 1916 a young woman was pulled from the icy waters of a canal in Berlin, Germany.
-
iRead, you read, we all win
I’m thrilled to be able to announce the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s iRead initiative. Check out our iRead page on our website, http://ok.gov/sde/newsblogs/iRead.
With iRead, our goal is to ensure literacy for all Oklahomans from birth to 12th grade. Literacy is more than just reading. Being literate encompasses listening, speaking, reading, and writing — really all of communication. -
Growth revenue should go back to taxpayers
Over the next few days, the Legislature will consider a proposal to reduce Oklahoma’s income tax.
-
Thunder Up for Oklahoma
The Thunder basketball team has a big impact on the state of Oklahoma. Not just because we are excelling in the NBA playoffs.
-
Growth revenue should go back to taxpayers
Over the next few days, the Legislature will consider a proposal to reduce Oklahoma’s income tax. This year, Oklahoma state government will have more than $200 million of new growth revenue to spend. I believe it is vital for this revenue to go back to the taxpayers who overfinanced state government. This is important, because if the money is not returned, it will almost certainly be used to grow the size of government.
-
Tax cuts don’t make the grade
When is not big enough also too big?
-
Tax plan means keeping more of what you earn
The discussion about cutting Oklahoma’s income tax started before the legislative session.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Aerospace tax credits ensure viability of industry
