FORT GIBSON, OK (KJRH) — As the muck-out process comes to a close for hundreds of Green Country families, many of them are left thankful for the help they received after being devastated by record flooding.
The water rose quickly, and for homeowners it didn’t seem to stop. Some homes had up to 9 feet of water in them, but thanks to volunteers’ help, Fort Gibson families were able to get every water-damaged bit of sheetrock, insulation and possessions into dumpsters along their streets.
"We have a lot to be thankful for," flood victim Neddi Badgett said. "If nobody does anything else for me, I have a lot to be thankful for.”
The piles of debris are steadily disappearing. All that’s left at the curbs of many Fort Gibson homes is sheetrock and insulation, moved to dumpsters by machines.
When the water got to Neddi and Ray Badgett's home, they say they only had 30 minutes to pack up and leave. Almost everything they owned was ruined in the flood.
"As soon as the water began to recede," Neddi said. "The community came out. Our church people on this side of Fort Gibson came out and right away began mucking out - we started taking it out and hauling it to the curb.”
Neddi Badgett says her family has received help with emptying their home, getting a temporary place to stay, and financial assistance. She thought it would take a year to get back into her home, but now because of all the help, her family may be able to celebrate Christmas in their living room.
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