In light of recent catastrophic flooding events across the United States, Seminole City Manager Steve Saxon is urging citizens to get a weather radio.

Saxon made the plea during last week’s regular meeting of the Seminole City Council, as part of his scheduled report and comments portion of the meeting.

“I think with what’s going on in Texas, it’s a good time to talk about NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radios,” referencing the July 4 flood in Kerrville, Texas that left over 130 people dead and over 100 missing.

“Our outdoor warning systems are just that – outdoor. If you’re outdoors, it’s supposed to warn you. If you’re indoors, you won’t be notified. Now is the time to get a NOAA weather radio,” Saxon said.

There has been a swarm of flash flooding incidents in several parts of the U.S. in recent weeks, including Oklahoma. Heavy rainfall led to flooding over the weekend especially in the Oklahoma City metro area. Much of the state, including Seminole County, was under a flood watch on Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13. Accu-Weather meteorologists warned this week that the threat is far from over.

“High humidity levels, summer heat and long days will combine to produce conditions favorable for drenching thunderstorms leading to additional flash flooding in the coming days in the eastern, central and southwestern United States,” Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist, wrote Tuesday. “Anytime there is a great amount of moisture in the atmosphere and a front, storm, or jet stream fluctuation occurs, tremendous rainfall can be released.”

Though Seminole was spared during the most recent heavy rainfall event that affected other parts of the state, the city has seen its share of devastation. In late April, widespread flooding resulted in multiple water rescues, dozens of washed-out rural roads and the evacuation of the Shoppes on the Creek shopping center and the Taco Bell on Milt Phillips. A casualty occurred in August 2007 when a 67-year-old Seminole woman was swept away in her car as travelled on Milt Phillips.

⬤ Radio

In addition to staying informed via a NOAA radio, citizens should heed the following flood preparedness tips: 1. 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.

2. Keep a battery-operated radio and flashlight ready and in good working order.

3. Have emergency food, water, and medical supplies on hand.

4. 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: 1. 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.

2. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911.

3. 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.

4. Know where flooding occurs in your community so that you can be aware of high water areas on roadways.

5. Have a planned alternative route home in case your usual route home has a flooded road, and becomes unsafe to drive through.

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