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The Lancaster Fire Department activated its Swift Water Rescue Team and so far there have been five high water rescues with no reported injuries.  The city’s emergency management team received mutual aid from DeSoto and Red Oak Fire and Rescue assisting with  emergency response. 

Assistant City Manager Opal Mauldin-Robertson said Lancaster activated its CodeRED notification system at approximately 2:30 p.m.  and again on three separate occasions notifying residents along Ten Mile Creek of potential flooding.

CodeRED is a high-speed telephone communication system that functions like 911 in reverse, calling citizens’ homes to alert them of impending danger.   CodeRED employs a one-of-a-kind Internet mapping capability for geographic targeting of calls, coupled with a high speed telephone calling system capable of delivering customized pre-recorded emergency messages directly to homes and businesses, live individuals and answering machines, at the rate of up to 60,000 calls per hour. Lancaster, as a CodeRED subscriber, can control  emergency broadcasts from anywhere in the world via a secure Internet Portal. Mauldin-Roberston said CodeRED offers an unprecedented level of security, performance, and ease-of-use for government agencies.

At approximately 3:31 p.m. the city used CodeRed to recommend evacuations.  Lancaster  received approximately 4 inches of rain between noon and 2 p.m. causing flooding along Ten Mile Creek.  The combination of approximately 4 - 5 inches of rain in the neighboring cities of Cedar Hill, Duncanville and DeSoto contributed to the rapid rise of water beyond the creek’s capacity.

“Water quality and service are of no concern for our city at this time, ” Mauldin-Robertson said. “Approximately 16 streets are closed due to high water.  Residents should not attempt to go around or cross streets or intersections that have been closed.”

The Lancaster Parks & Recreation Center, located at 1700 Veterans Memorial Parkway is now a temporary shelter to provide dry clothing, food and shelter for residents that have been displaced.  The American Red Cross is aiding in this service to residents. 

With rain expected to continue throughout the evening, the city will continue to provide updates as information is available.