UPDATE: Wednesday 3/7/2018 8:33pm CT: The American Red Cross shelter at Trinity Church has closed. The animal shelter has also closed.
Iroquois County EMA has been performing damage assessment to compile and attempt to apply for federal aid. As of now, FEMA is not here, and there is no promise of FEMA assistance. Iroquois County EMA is working with local and state officials to pursue assistance.
As families return to their homes, they will need to contact their insurance companies, qualified inspectors/contractors, and/or their landlords.
• Landlords are responsible for their property, including its maintenance and repair.
• Ameren and Nicor will not reconnect services until the homeowner has a qualified electrician and/or plumber inspect their home and provide a receipt.
• If you have insurance, call your insurance agent!
• Be wary of mold in homes. Further information on mold in homes can be found at the ICPHD website at http://www.co.iroquois.il.us/health-department/environmental-health/emergency-preparedness/.
• Pets are susceptible to mold. Make sure your home is ready for your pet.
• Beware of predatory contractors.
• Watseka will begin picking up flood garbage tomorrow. Residents should bring the garbage to the curb. Electronics, hazardous materials, and tires will not be taken.
If people are looking to donate to the cause, monetary donations can be sent to their favorite charity or the Iroquois County Long-Term Recovery Committee at the First Trust & Savings Bank at PO Box 160, 120 E. Walnut Street, Watseka. The Long-Term Recovery Committee reconvened today, and will begin assessments from known flood victims soon.
Muck-out operations are on-going. Lutheran Church Ministries and Baptist Disaster Relief are planning more work orders for muck-out, so to request assistance, contact Iroquois County EOC at (815) 432-6997. In order to have these teams help clean your home, a responsible adult must be present. Muck out does not replace professional services.
In addition, International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES) is organizing through Centennial Christian Church in Watseka. IDES is working to provide flood victims with sheds, and will start working this Friday. If you are a flood victim and are in need of a shed, contact the Centennial Christian Church at (815) 432-3812. Sheds will be provided based on need and availability.
Iroquois County EMA would like to thank the multitudes of agencies and individuals that have helped with the flood relief efforts. The amount of selfless service and neighborly love given to flood victims has proven to be nothing short of awe-inspiring. The response is over, and recovery is in full swing. The work continues to help people return to their lives.
UPDATE: Tuesday 2/27/2018 11:07pm CT: Waters in Iroquois County continue to recede. The west junction of US 24 and IL 1 is open, as well as all county roads. Curfew has ended in Watseka.
8 homes in Milford, 24 homes in Woodland, and approximately 200 homes in Watseka have been affected by flooding. Approximately 20 to 50 homes in rural parts of Iroquois County have been affected.
The American Red Cross shelter at Trinity Church is open, and currently has 40 occupants.
The animal shelter at Jefferson Plaza is open, and currently has 22 pets.
Iroquois County, City of Watseka, and the State of Illinois have all declared disasters, with Watseka extending their declaration this evening. The Iroquois County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is open to coordinate recovery efforts. If your home was damaged by flood, please report it to the EOC at (815) 432-6997.
As families return to their homes, they will need to contact their insurance companies, qualified inspectors/contractors, and/or their landlords.
• Landlords are responsible for their property, including its maintenance and repair.
• Ameren and Nicor will not reconnect services until the homeowner has a qualified electrician and/or plumber inspect their home and provide a receipt.
• If you have insurance, call your insurance agent!
• Be wary of mold in homes. Further information on mold in homes can be found at the ICPHD website at http://www.co.iroquois.il.us/health-department/environmental-health/emergency-preparedness/.
• Beware of predatory contractors.
• Pets are susceptible to mold. Make sure your home is ready for your pet.
If people are looking to donate to the cause, monetary donations can be sent to the Iroquois County Long-Term Recovery Committee at the First Trust & Savings Bank at PO Box 1160, 120 E. Walnut Street, or your charity of choice. For material donations, check the WIQI radio website for drop off sites and what items to donate, or call them at (815) 432-1097.
Iroquois County is hosting a flood help resource center at the Big R warehouse at 433 W. Walnut Street in Watseka on Thursday & Friday from 9 AM to 9 PM. Numerous charities, governmental agencies, and other organizations will be setup there to meet with flood victims to provide assistance.
Lutheran Church Ministries and Team Rubicon are assembling to perform muck-out operations in Iroquois County on 3rd March. To request assistance, contact Iroquois County EOC at (815) 432-6997. In order to have these teams help clean your home, a responsible adult must be present. Muck out does not replace professional services.
UPDATE: Monday 2/23/2018 9:34pm CT: Water continues to recede in Iroquois County. Iroquois River has dropped to minor flood stage. There are still numerous road closures in Iroquois County. Reminder: do not drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don’t drown.
8 homes in Milford, 24 homes in Woodland, and approximately 200 homes in Watseka have been affected by flooding. Approximately 20 to 50 homes in rural parts of Iroquois County have been affected.
The American Red Cross shelter at Trinity Church is open, and currently has 42 occupants.
The animal shelter at Jefferson Plaza is open, and currently has 26 pets.
Iroquois County declared a county-wide disaster on Wednesday at 15:30. The City of Watseka declared a disaster as of 18:00 on Thursday, and has established a 9 PM to 4 AM curfew. The State of Illinois declared a disaster for Iroquois, Kankakee, and Vermilion counties Friday. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is open, coordinating with all local responders, county agencies, NGOs, and the State to respond and recover from this disaster. Residents whom have received flood damage to their homes are encouraged to report that to the EOC at (815) 432-6997. Residents along Iroquois River in northern Iroquois County are encouraged to send flooding reports to the EOC, and evacuate if necessary. If you need to be evacuated, call 911.
As families return to their homes, they will need to contact their insurance companies, qualified inspectors/contractors, and/or their landlords.
• Landlords are responsible for their property, including its maintenance and repair.
• Ameren and Nicor will not reconnect services until the homeowner has a qualified electrician and/or plumber inspect their home and provide a receipt.
• If you have insurance, call your insurance agent!
• Be wary of mold in homes. Further information on mold in homes can be found at the ICPHD website at http://www.co.iroquois.il.us/health-department/environmental-health/emergency-preparedness/.
• Beware of predatory contractors.
• Pets are susceptible to mold. Make sure your home is ready for your pet.
Those looking to donate can give to their charity of choice or the Iroquois County Long-Term Recovery Committee. The Long-Term Recover Committee is accepting donations at the First Trust & Savings Bank at PO Box 160, 120 E. Walnut Street in Watseka. For material donations, contact WIQI radio (815) 432-1097.
Lutheran Church Ministries is assembling to perform muck-out operations in Iroquois County on 3rd March. To request assistance, contact Iroquois County EOC at (815) 432-6997.
UPDATE Thursday 2/22/2018 11:31am CT: Flooding update.
Water has or is draining form the Cissna Park area. Officials are working on assessing any road damage.
Milford has 4 homes affected by flooding. Water has ceased rising there and is expected to begin receding. Iroquois EMA will conduct initial damage assessment there tomorrow.
Flooding is occurring in Woodland, Watseka, and areas north of Watseka along Iroquois River. Watseka Fire Department started receiving evacuation calls last night around 18:30. Numerous volunteer evacuations have occurred. Over 100 homes in Watseka are affected, and rapid assessment of Woodland is underway. A boil order has been issued for Woodland.
The American Red Cross has opened up a shelter at Trinity Church on the east side of Watseka. There are 32 occupants currently.
Iroquois County Animal Control has opened up an animal shelter at Jefferson Plaza, located on the southwest corner of the east intersection of US 24 and IL 1. There are currently 5 pets being sheltered.
Iroquois County declared a county-wide disaster yesterday at 15:30. EMA opened up the emergency operations center yesterday, and is coordinating with all local responders, county agencies, NGOs, and the State to respond and recover from this disaster.
Sugar Creek at Milford crested at 28.52 feet yesterday around 16:00. It is still in major flood stage.
Iroquois River at Iroquois crested at 26.06 feet shortly after midnight. It is still in major flood stage.
Iroquois River at Chebanse is currently at 19.23 feet, and is forecasted to crest at 22.9 feet at 18:00 on Friday, which is above the record level.
Water in Watseka is still rising, but had the rate of increase has slowed down substantially.
Flooding is occurring throughout Iroquois County. Heavy rains, snow melt, and partially flooded ground has led to flash, road, and small creek flooding. All of Iroquois County has minor impacts.
Throughout last night and this evening, there have been a number of vehicles getting stuck in flooded roads. No injuries have been reported. As water drains and flows, roads may clear and flood rapidly. Do not drive across a flooded roadway. Drive with caution, especially at night.
Multiple jurisdictions have experienced in-town flooding, including Stockland, Milford, and Cissna Park. Rural areas are flooding as well. Woodland and Watseka are preparing for river flooding. Only a handful of residential flooding has occurred so far, not including basement seepage. Iroquois County EMA has opened the Emergency Operations Center, and is tracking damage and coordinating resources and situational awareness throughout Iroquois County. Presently, Sugar Creek and Iroquois River are both in major flood stage. Residents in flood-prone areas are highly encouraged to prepare in case of evacuation.
The American Red Cross will open up a shelter for residents that need to evacuate at Trinity Church in Watseka starting at 17:00 (5 PM) tonight. This shelter is open to all evacuated residents in Iroquois County.
Iroquois County Animal Control is opening an animal shelter. If you need to evacuate and need a safe place for your pets, contact Animal Control through 911.
Iroquois County EMA will send out updates.
