Floodplain Management

The best way to protect you property is to gather plenty of information for advanced planning. If you are building for the first time in the floodplain, the surest way to protect property and minimize damage to your building is to build your structure above the elevation of the 100-year flood and strictly follow local ordinances regarding building in the floodplain. To determine your flood risk, visit the FloodSmart Website.

Older properties that are already situated in a special flood hazard area require more consideration for flood protection. One way to minimize damage is to eliminate any enclosed habitable spaces at ground level, remove any non-water resistant materials below base flood elevation, move any mechanical and electrical equipment below base flood elevation (BFE) to a higher location in the building and structurally reinforce the foundation.

In some circumstances when the building is built on a concrete slab at grade, the structure can best be protected by raising the entire structure to base flood elevation and building a new foundation that meets current flood protection standards.

Homeowner's insurance does not cover damages caused by flooding. It is recommended that people who live near or in a floodplain purchase flood insurance, even if it is not mandated by your home mortgage company. Every year, 25% of flood damages occur on properties outside of the floodplain. Flood insurance is available to everyone in Lawton even if you do not live in a floodplain.

Heavy rain is predicted for today. Heavy rain can cause flooding, so it is important that residents are prepared. The City of Lawton reminds residents to be prepared:

• Have an emergency kit, including a flashlight, water and AM/FM battery operated radio.
• Avoid travel in low lying areas that are prone to localized flooding.
• Do not drive into standing water. Turn around don’t drown.
• Shelter in place.
• Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for instructions.

Citizens with specific questions can contact the Stormwater Division at (580)581-3478. If there is an emergency, call 911.

Lawton is experiencing heavy rainfall that could cause flooding. The City of Lawton reminds residents to:

• Have an emergency kit, including a flashlight, water and AM/FM battery operated radio.
• Avoid travel in low lying areas that are prone to localized flooding.
• Do not drive into standing water. Turn around don’t drown.
• Report storm-related flooding and property damage by calling (580)581-3478. Provide contact name, address, telephone number and severity of damage. City personnel will respond as soon as possible.
• Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for instructions.

If there is an emergency, call 911.

Lawton experienced heavy rainfall that could have caused flooding. The City of Lawton reminds residents to:

• Avoid travel in low lying areas that are prone to localized flooding.
• Do not drive into standing water. Turn around don’t drown.
• Report storm-related flooding and property damage by calling (580)581-3478. Provide contact name, address, telephone number and severity of damage. City personnel will respond as soon as possible.
• Do not enter a flooded structure until it has been cleared by an inspector.
• Repairs may require a permit. Contact License and Permits (580)581-3360.
• If the damage that exceeds 50% of the value of the structure, the structure must be brought into compliance with floodplain regulations.

Citizens may contact the Stormwater Division with specific questions at (580)581-3478. If there is an emergency, call 911