Flood And Evacuation Plan

⚠ IN ANY LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, CALL 911 FIRST. This plan guides staff and group leaders. It does not replace the judgment of emergency services. Always prioritize human life above all else.

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1. PURPOSE & SCOPE

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Minnetonka Christian Camp sits alongside Peal Creek in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountain Range near Clayton, Oklahoma. Peal Creek runs along the western edge of camp property and is the primary water hazard during heavy rainfall events. Flooding from Peal Creek is most common April through June, overlapping with the start of camp season.

This plan outlines how camp staff monitor water conditions, protect campers and staff, and safely evacuate property if required. It applies to all staff, counselors, group leaders, campers, guests, and contractors on Minnetonka property at any time.

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2. FLOOD MONITORING & ALERT LEVELS

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Camp staff monitor Peal Creek water levels during periods of heavy rainfall. Staff should check water levels any time rainfall exceeds 1 inch in 24 hours, or when a flood watch or warning is issued by the National Weather Service for Pushmataha County.

Real-time water data: waterdata.usgs.gov — Station #07335790

NWS Pushmataha County alerts: weather.gov/tsa

⚡ WATCH — Heavy rainfall in area / Peal Creek rising

- Camp Director is notified immediately.

- Group leaders are briefed on conditions.

- All swimming and waterfront activities on Peal Creek are suspended.

- Monitor water levels every 30 minutes.

🔶 WARNING — Peal Creek at or above normal banks

- Peal Creek and all waterfront areas are completely off limits.

- Low-lying areas near the creek prepare for potential evacuation.

- Camp Director activates group leader meeting immediately.

- All groups account for every person in their group.

🔴 EMERGENCY — Rapid rise / water threatening property or structures

- Full evacuation of flood-zone areas begins immediately.

- 911 is notified.

- Parents and guardians are contacted.

- Follow the full 7-step evacuation procedure in Section 4.

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3. CAMPUS FLOOD ZONES

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The following zones are identified by flood risk level based on proximity to Peal Creek and elevation. Group leaders must know their assigned sleeping area and its zone designation.

🔴 HIGH RISK — Evacuate First

Locations: Peal Creek / swimming area, Wet Willy (R), waterfront dock and boat area

Action: Clear immediately at WARNING level — first priority

🟠 MODERATE RISK — Monitor Closely

Locations: Daniel (A), Abe (B), David (C), Coffee Shop (S), Spyder (T), Rock Climbing (U)

Action: Evacuate at EMERGENCY level or sooner if water is rising rapidly

🟢 LOWER RISK — Primary Assembly Areas

Locations: Chapel (M), Cafeteria (E), Motel Rooms 1–8 (Q), Welcome Center (G), Old Chapel Dorms (L), Faith & Hope (K), Grace (J), Charity (I), Joy (W)

Action: Primary shelter and assembly locations — highest ground on property

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4. EVACUATION PROCEDURE — 7 STEPS

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Follow these steps in order. Do not skip steps. Group leaders are responsible for their group through every step.

Step 1 — ACTIVATE THE PLAN

Camp Director declares evacuation. All staff are notified immediately. Group leaders are contacted by staff runner or radio if phones are unavailable.

Step 2 — ACCOUNT FOR EVERY PERSON

Each group leader takes an immediate headcount using the Church Roster. No one moves until the group leader confirms their count. Report any missing person to the Camp Director immediately — do not begin a search independently.

Step 3 — MOVE TO THE ASSEMBLY POINT

All campers and staff move to the Chapel (M) as the primary assembly point. If the Chapel is inaccessible, move to the Cafeteria (E) as the secondary assembly point. Walk — do not run. Counselors keep their groups together at all times.

Step 4 — MEDICATIONS & SPECIAL NEEDS

Staff retrieve the First Aid kit and all camper medications from the First Aid Station before leaving if it is safe to do so. Anyone with mobility limitations is assisted first.

Step 5 — FULL PROPERTY EVACUATION (if ordered)

If water threatens the upper property or emergency services direct full evacuation, all vehicles are loaded and exit via the main camp road (N 4320 Rd) heading east toward US-271. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads under any circumstances. If the main road is flooded, remain at the upper assembly point and await emergency services. For shelter locations contact Pushmataha County Emergency Management: 580-298-3456.

Step 6 — FINAL HEADCOUNT & PARENT NOTIFICATION

Camp Director conducts a final headcount at the evacuation point. Parents and guardians of all minors are notified as soon as it is safe to do so. Group leaders assist with communication to their church families.

Step 7 — RETURN TO PROPERTY

No one returns to camp until the Camp Director receives clearance from emergency services and personally inspects property for safety. Return is never assumed — it must be authorized.

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5. SEVERE WEATHER — TORNADO & LIGHTNING

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Tornado Watch

Conditions are favorable for tornadoes. Suspend all outdoor activities. Group leaders account for their groups. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or a weather app. Be ready to move to shelter immediately.

Tornado Warning — Shelter Immediately

A tornado has been sighted or confirmed by radar. Move everyone to the lowest interior room of the Chapel (M) or Cafeteria (E), away from all windows. Get low and cover your head. Do not leave shelter until the Camp Director gives the all-clear.

Lightning

All waterfront and outdoor activities cease the moment lightning is observed or thunder is heard. 30/30 Rule: if thunder follows lightning in under 30 seconds, seek shelter immediately. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming any outdoor activity.

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6. EMERGENCY CONTACTS

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Emergency / 911 — Always call first for any life-threatening emergency

Camp Director (Wes Morgan) — 214-709-3092 — First contact for all camp emergencies

Camp Email — minnetonkacamp@gmail.com

Pushmataha Co. Emergency Management — 580-298-3456 — Shelters, road closures, county coordination

Pushmataha Co. Sheriff — 580-298-3341 — Non-emergency law enforcement

Nearest ER — Pushmataha County Hospital (Antlers, OK) — 580-298-3341 — Approximately 25 minutes

Serious Trauma — OU Medical Center (McAlester, OK) — 918-426-1800 — Approximately 50 minutes

USGS Water Data (Kiamichi River near Clayton) — waterdata.usgs.gov — Station #07335790 — Real-time water levels

NWS Pushmataha County — weather.gov/tsa — Watches, warnings, and advisories

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7. STAFF & GROUP LEADER RESPONSIBILITIES

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Camp Director

- Monitors Peal Creek and weather conditions.

- Declares alert levels and activates evacuation.

- Communicates with emergency services.

- Authorizes return to property.

- Reviews this plan annually.

Camp Staff

- Assist group leaders with headcounts.

- Guide campers to assembly points calmly.

- Retrieve medications and first aid supplies if safe.

- Relay all communication from Camp Director to groups.

Group Leaders

- Know their group's assigned dorm and its flood zone.

- Maintain the Church Roster at all times during camp.

- Conduct headcounts immediately upon any evacuation alert.

- Keep their group together throughout any emergency.

- Communicate with parents as directed by the Camp Director.

Counselors

- Stay with assigned campers at all times during any emergency.

- Do not leave campers to retrieve personal belongings.

- Guide campers calmly to assembly points.

- Report any missing or injured camper to the group leader immediately.

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8. PLAN REVIEW

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This plan is reviewed and updated annually by the Camp Director prior to each summer season. All full-time staff must review this plan before camp opens each year. Group leaders are expected to review this plan as part of their pre-arrival compliance materials.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Next review: April 2027

FLOOD & EVACUATION PLAN