Floodplain Management

The results of short, intense thunderstorms cause the majority of the flooding in Enid. There has been a long and plentiful history of storm water events. Storm events that have caused flooding have occurred in 1923, 1924, 1950, 1957, 1973, 1986 and 1992. Property damage from these storms has been in the multi-million dollars and 12 fatalities have been recorded. The greatest storm was the 1973 event with over 18 inches of rainfall. Twelve inches fell within a 3 hour period. It does not necessarily require a large storm to cause damage. In September 1992 a fatality occurred in Enid due to flood waters overtopping a roadway on the North Boggy Creek drainage channel. This was caused by a storm of less than a 3-inch recorded rainfall. Road overtopping is one of the major dangers of flooding in Enid due to the relatively flat terrain and the overflow of the storm sewer system.

Homes that are located in the 100-year flood zone are near one of the five main drainage basins; West Boggy Creek, Boggy Creek, North Boggy Creek, Phillips Tributary, and Skeleton Creek or a related creek that flows through the city. A home located in a 100-year floodplain has a 25% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Thunderstorms that cause flooding occur regularly in the spring and the fall.

Enid is subject to flash flooding during or following heavy rain storms. FLASH FLOODS CAN OCCUR WITHIN MINUTES, BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE THE FLOOD HAZARD AREA. Flood waters can rise very fast. The flood hazard includes fast moving waters, sometimes accompanied by trees and other debris.

The City of Enid has no formal flood warning program. Citizens are urged to stay tuned to the local radio stations, 103.1 KOFM, 107.1 KNID, or the local cable television channel for current weather and flooding conditions.

FLASH FLOOD WATCH means that flash flooding is possible within the watch area. FLASH FLOOD WARNING means that flash flooding is imminent or has been reported in the warning area.

There are several things you can do as safety precautions during flooding conditions:

• Know the flood warning procedures.
• Plan an escape route to higher ground.
• During times of heavy rainfall, monitor the level of water in the drainage channels around your area. Stay tuned to radio or TV for possible flood warnings.
• In case of power failure, door to door contact will be made with residents in immediate danger. If time is short, public address systems will be used as police and fire vehicles drive through neighborhoods.
• Evacuate the flood hazard area when advised to do so.
• Do not attempt to cross a flooding stream on foot or by car.
• If your car stalls in high water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Keep children away from flood waters, ditches, culverts, and storm drains.
• Be especially cautious at night.

Your homeowner's insurance policy will not cover losses due to flooding. Enid participates in the National Flood Insurance Program which makes flood insurance available to everyone in the city. For many people, their home and its contents represent their greatest investment. You are strongly urged to buy flood insurance to protect yourself from the devastating losses due to flooding.

Information about flood insurance can be obtained from your insurance agent. Property owners can insure their buildings and contents, renters can insure their possessions. Just because your house has not flooded in recent years does not mean that you are safe. There is a thirty day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect.

Every year, flooding causes more property damage in the United States than any other type of natural disaster. In fact, over the last decade, flood-related property damage has averaged well over three billion dollars a year.

Floodproofing is any measure that homeowners might take to minimize flood damage to their homes. There are permanent measures that can be taken for an existing house to minimize or eliminate potential for flood damage. Floodproofing an existing structure is referred to as retrofitting. Retrofitting measures include elevation, relocation, levees, floodwalls, closures, sealants, utility protection, and special techniques. The City of Enid's Engineering Department offers flood protection assistance.

Floodproofing is any measure that homeowners might take to minimize flood damage to their homes. There are permanent measures that can be taken for an existing house to minimize or eliminate potential for flood damage. Floodproofing an existing structure is referred to as retrofitting. Retrofitting measures include elevation, relocation, levees, floodwalls, closures, sealants, utility protection, and special techniques. The City of Enid's Engineering Department offers flood protection assistance.

Emergency measures to follow to minimize personal and property loss and damage if you live in an area frequently flooded:

• Obtain and store materials that can be used to protect property such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber.
• Keep a battery-powered radio, emergency cooking equipment and flashlights in working order. Keep informed on the flood's progress.
• If time permits, turn off all utilities and move valuables to upper floors or attic.
• If caught inside the house by rapidly rising waters, move to the second floor, and if necessary to the roof. Wait for help.
• Prior to entering a flooded building, check for structure damage. Turn off outside gas lines and do not use open flames inside the structure. Let the house air out for several minutes.
• Watch for electrical shorts or live wires before making sure the main power switch is turned off. Have an electrician check for short circuits.
• Proceed with immediate clean-up measures to prevent potential health hazards. Perishable items and opened medicines should be discarded if they have come in contact with flood waters.
• Water for drinking and food preparation should be boiled vigorously until the public water system has been declared safe.

All developments in the floodplain (not just construction of buildings) need local permits. The City of Enid has a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance adopted in 1991 that specifically outlines the permit procedures, and provisions for flood hazard reduction. If you live in a floodplain, or plan to build, fill, or otherwise develop on a floodplain property you should contact the City of Enid Engineering Department regarding permits and flood plain construction specifications.

To comply with Floodplain Management Regulations and to minimize potential flood damage, if you are building within an identified Special Flood Hazard area, a Floodplain Encroachment Permit(PDF, 2MB) must be obtained.

Forms and Information

• Closing Parking Spaces for Construction(PDF, 7KB)
• Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Driveway Agreement(PDF, 580KB)

The City of Enid has a stormwater drainage system that is composed of a network of natural open channels, improved open channels, culverts, roadside ditches, and underground storm sewers. In order for stormwater to flow freely, it is necessary that all these elements are free of debris and litter. During flooding conditions, logs and other debris in the drainage system block water flows and accelerate floodwater backup. In addition, floating debris in fast moving waters represents a danger to citizens. The City routinely checks and cleans out the drainage system. Dumping is illegal in any of the elements of the drainage system. Violators will be held accountable under the City Code, Chapter 18, Section 18-174 "Obstruction of a Drainage Channel". Enforcement is by the Engineering Department and penalties and fines can be levied in accordance with the City Code. If you see someone dumping in a stream, open channel or roadside ditch, call the City of Enid Engineering Department.

The Enid Public Library has a special collection of documents related to flooding, flood insurance, flood protection, flood hazard mitigation, and retrofitting.