One rescue boat with a team of three inside sank as it attempted to rescue a seventeen year old girl trying clinging to life hanging from a tree branch. All four were able to climb onto tree branches wherein they were brought to safety by another rescue boat that moved in to help. In Oklahoma City, all nineteen of the government buildings have been damaged to some degree or another by flood water. The damage ranged from minor leaks in roofs to electrical systems that were fully submerged in water. It is estimated that it will take several days before it will be known how much money it will cost to get things back to normal.

Oklahoma governor Brad Henry has declared a state of emergency in fifty-nine counties in the state. The governor’s office is urging everyone in the affected area to be cautious as thunderstorms continue to move across the state. Once a state of emergency has been declared local governments can ask for assistance money to help pay for repairs through the state’s disaster public assistance program if conditions warrant it. Flood damage cleanup efforts will take some time, and it was too early to gauge the full extent of property damages. What is for certain is that wet basements will probably be in the vocabulary off all residents in the county for near future.

The flash flooding in the Oklahoma City area has prompted homeowners to prepare their homes in case water approaches. Sandbagging efforts are continuing and families are making alternative living plans in case they are asked to evacuate. In Edmond, rescue teams brought in boats to assist people who were trapped in their homes. Arcadia Lake was closed because the water level is eight feet over its normal level. No new campers are being allowed to come into the lake area. Those people camping at Central State Park are being re-located to higher ground.

In Lawton, one person has been confirmed killed. Witnesses say they saw the victim attempting to push his taxi out of a flooded canal when he was swept away in the strong current. The National Weather Service has reported that nine inches of rain fell across the region in just a matter of a few short hours. Lightning knocked out power to many areas and the forecast calls for more bad weather as another large system is inching its way into Oklahoma.

Step 1: Assessing the Situation

The actions you need to take will very much depend on the extent of the water damage and where it has occurred. Some floors and furniture can be water resistant while other things can be easily damaged by coming into contact with it. After you have assessed the water damage you will need to make a few choices. Is it serious enough to get your insurance company involved? Is the job beyond your capability to manage? If the water damage is not too serious then you may decide that it is appropriate for you to handle it yourself.

Step 2; Preparing the Area
If there is a flood and there is any possibility that it could compromise your safety then you will need to take action in regards to this first of all. Turn off the power supply to the area and if necessary the water supply as well. If there are items that have not yet been touched by the flood but could be at risk you should now move these to a safe area. Make sure that pets and children are kept well clear. Make sure you have rectified the problem that has caused the flood in the first place otherwise your attempts to combat the water damage might be fruitless.

Step 3; Remove the water
Your ability to do this will depend on the amount of water involved. If it is only a modest amount then you might be able to just use a mop and bucket. With larger amounts you may have to use a pump or call in the professionals.

Step 4; avoiding further water damage
A big risk after any sort of flood damage is the arrival of mold which can cause even more harm than the water. Make sure that you clean everything with disinfectant and throw out anything that is damaged beyond salvage.
Water damage can sometimes be difficult to deal with without help and if you are not sure it is better to call in the professionals.