River Valley Flooding Concerns & Emergency Safety Tips

High waters and rain are a big cause for concern in the River Valley right now. The National Weather Service issued several flash flood watches for eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas throughout the past few days. It says the wet weather should pass soon, but some local businesses are still concerned. The Lighthouse Inn Restaurant is located right on the Arkansas River, and assistant manager Jackie Harris says that might lead to a serious problem: flooding. "This is very unusual, its been a long [time], well since 1990 that weve even looked at it and worried about it," Harris says. Harris has been through floods before. She says the worst part is the clean up. For right now, she says the fast flow is actually helping business "I think, more than anything, theyre interested in coming out and seeing [the river], because they know that were going to get out of here before anything bad happens," she says. Harris says the waters arent high enough for the restaurant to close, but Sebastian County is still warning residents that flash flooding may be a problem in the area. Flooding Emergency Safety Tips 1. Flood waters can be extremely dangerous. The force of six inches of swiftly moving water can knock people off their feet. The best protection during a flood is to leave the area and go to a shelter on higher ground. 2. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Flash flood waters move at very fast speeds and can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings, and obliterate bridges. Walls of water can reach heights of five to ten feet, and are generally accompanied by a deadly cargo of debris. The best response to any signs of flash flooding is to move immediately and quickly to higher ground. 3. Be aware of and obey road barriers. Cars can be easily swept away in just two feet of moving water. If flood waters rise around a car, it should be abandoned. Passengers should climb to higher ground. 4. Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is another major source of deaths in floods. Electric currents pass easily though water. 5. Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety. 6. Floodwaters pick up sewage and chemical from roads, farms and factories. If your home has been flooded, to protect your family’s health, clean up the house right away. Throw out foods and medicines if floodwater has touched them. 7. If your home, apartment or business has suffered damage, call the insurance company or agent who handles your flood insurance policy right away to file a claim. 8. Before entering a building, inspect foundations for cracks or other damage. Don’t go in if there is any chance of the building collapsing. 9. Upon entering the building, do not use matches, cigarette lighters or any other open flames, since gas may be trapped inside. Instead, use a flashlight to light your way. 10. Be careful walking around. After a flood, steps and floors are often slippery with mud and covered with debris, including nails and broken glass.