City of Tulsa, Oklahoma Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan November 25, 2002 R.D. Flanagan & Associates Planning Consultants Meshek & Associates, Inc. French & Associates, Ltd. Engineering Consultants Planning Consultants December 23, 2002 Ms. Connie Dill, State Hazard Mitigation Officer Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management P.O. Box 53365 Oklahoma City, OK 73152 RE: Multi-Hazard Mitigation Dear Ms. Dill: We are pleased to submit this City of Tulsa Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan- 2002, as fulfillment of the requirements of the Hazard Mitigation Grant (FEMA- 1355-DR-OK). This Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, prepared in accordance with State and Federal guidance, addresses floodplain management, dam and levee failures, tornadoes, high winds, hailstorms, lightning, winter storms, extreme heat, drought, expansive soils, urban and wild fires, earthquakes, and hazardous materials events. We look forward to implementing this plan to enhance protection of the lives and property of our citizens from natural hazards and hazard materials incidents. If we can answer any questions or be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at 918.596.9608, or Mr. Ken Hill at 918.596.9240. Sincerely, Charles L. Hardt, P.E., Director City of Tulsa Department of Public Works City of Tulsa, Oklahoma Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan November 25, 2002 R.D. Flanagan & Associates Planning Consultants Meshek & Associates, Inc. French & Associates, Ltd. Engineering Consultants Planning Consultants Table of Contents Acknowledgements.....................................................................................................xii Executive Summary ...................................................................................................xiv Background.................................................................................................................... xiv Purpose .......................................................................................................................... xiv Hazard Mitigation Citizens Advisory Committee.......................................................... xv The Planning Process ..................................................................................................... xv Plan Summary ............................................................................................................... xvi Mitigation Measures.................................................................................................... xviii Mitigation Action Plan ................................................................................................ xviii Chapter 1: Introduction.............................................................................................1–1 1.1 About the Plan .............................................................................................................1–1 1.1.1 Purpose ..............................................................................................................1–1 1.1.2 Scope .................................................................................................................1–2 1.1.3 Authority............................................................................................................1–2 1.1.4 Funding..............................................................................................................1–2 1.1.5 Goals..................................................................................................................1–2 National Mitigation Strategy and Goal..............................................................1–2 State of Oklahoma Mitigation Strategy and Goals............................................1–3 City of Tulsa Core Goal ....................................................................................1–4 1.1.6 Definition of Terms ...........................................................................................1–4 1.1.7 Point of Contact.................................................................................................1–4 1.2 Community Description..............................................................................................1–5 1.2.1 Geography .........................................................................................................1–5 1.2.2 Climate ..............................................................................................................1–5 1.2.3 History...............................................................................................................1–7 1.2.4 Population and Demographics...........................................................................1–7 1.2.5 Local Utilities—Lifelines................................................................................1–12 1.2.6 Economy..........................................................................................................1–12 1.2.7 Industry............................................................................................................1–12 1.2.8 Future Development ........................................................................................1–13 Growth Trends.................................................................................................1–13 i 1.3 Regulatory Framework.............................................................................................1–15 1.3.1 Comprehensive Planning and Zoning .............................................................1–15 1.3.2 Floodplain and Stormwater Management .......................................................1–15 1.3.3 Building Codes ................................................................................................1–15 1.3.4 Fire Insurance ..................................................................................................1–15 1.4 Existing Hazard Mitigation Programs ....................................................................1–16 1.4.1 Community Rating System (CRS) ..................................................................1–16 1.4.2 Project Impact / Mayor’s Citizen Corps..........................................................1–16 1.4.3 Flood and Stormwater Management Plans......................................................1–17 1.4.4 Capital Improvements Plan .............................................................................1–17 1.4.5 Emergency Operations Plan ............................................................................1–17 1.4.6 Critical Facilities .............................................................................................1–17 1.4.7 City of Tulsa Buildings ...................................................................................1–18 1.5 The Planning Process ................................................................................................1–21 1.5.1 Step One: Organize to Prepare the Plan ..........................................................1–21 1.5.2 Step Two: Involve the Public ..........................................................................1–25 1.5.3 Step Three: Coordinate with Other Agencies and Organizations ...................1–25 Federal .............................................................................................................1–26 National Non-Profit.........................................................................................1–26 State .................................................................................................................1–26 Regional...........................................................................................................1–26 County .............................................................................................................1–26 Tulsa ................................................................................................................1–27 Other Communities .........................................................................................1–27 1.5.4 Step Four: Assess the Hazard..........................................................................1–27 1.5.5 Step Five: Assess the Problem ........................................................................1–31 1.5.6 Step Six: Set Goals ..........................................................................................1–31 1.5.7 Step Seven: Review Possible Mitigation Measures ........................................1–31 1.5.8 Step Eight: Draft an Action Plan.....................................................................1–31 1.5.9 Step Nine: Adopt the Plan ...............................................................................1–31 1.5.10 Step Ten: Implement, Evaluate, and Revise....................................................1–32 Chapter 2: Floods ......................................................................................................2–1 2.1 Hazard Profile..............................................................................................................2–1 2.2 History of Tulsa’s Flooding Problems .......................................................................2–4 2.2.1 The Structural Era of Flood Control..................................................................2–4 2.2.2 The Regulatory Era of Floodplain Management ...............................................2–4 Year of the Floods, 1974 ...................................................................................2–5 The 1976 Memorial Day Flood .........................................................................2–5