NEW: Flood announcements, road closures, flood safety tips and more
What To Do When Flood Water Approaches
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 18, 2008
ST. CHARLES COUNTY _ The St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department Division of Emergency Management has issued some guidelines about what to do when you encounter flood water.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Families should use only one vehicle to avoid getting separated and reduce traffic jams. Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.
Don’t drive if you don’t have to.
Never attempt to drive through flood waters or on a flooded road. Water only two feet deep can carry away most automobiles. Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden under the water.
Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
Never try to walk, swim, drive or play in flood water. You may not be able to see how fast the water is moving or see holes or submerged debris. It takes only six inches of fast-flowing water to sweep you off your feet. By all means, keep children out of flood water.
Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations.
Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly when threatening conditions exist.
Get necessary medical care at the nearest hospital. The American Red Cross can help by providing shelters (one now is open at the First United Methodist Church on First Capitol Drive in St. Charles). Tetanus shots are available at the St. Charles Community Health and Environment, 1650 Boone’s Lick Road, St. Charles. Call 636-949-7400 for information.
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BLUNT CALLS OUT NEARLY 700 NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS TO HELP BATTLE FLOOD
Gov. Matt Blunt praised the nearly 700 Missouri National Guard Soldiers and Airmen now supporting flood response efforts on the upper Mississippi River.
"Missouri is blessed with a highly skilled and effective National Guard well qualified and prepared to support their follow Missourians during times of need," Blunt said. "The dedication exhibited by these men and women as they selflessly work to keep our state and our country safe is truly remarkable."
The Missouri National Guard has a total force of more than 11,500 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, with approximately 1,800 members deployed in support of the global war on terrorism. The vast majority of the force is available and ready to respond if needed.
"The Missouri National Guard has a trained, disciplined force ready to meet the challenge of the rising waters," said Maj. Gen. King Sidwell, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. "Every time the Missouri National Guard is called, we have responded quickly, with the personnel and resources necessary to help the citizens of Missouri."
Missouri National Guard members are mobilized in the communities of Clarksville, Hannibal Canton, West Quincy, LaGrange, Winfield and Alexandria. They are assisting with sandbagging operations, levee monitoring and manning traffic control points.
The Guard has established a quick reaction force of 100 Guard members, ready to respond quickly where and when they are needed. Guard liaison officers are working with officials in Clark, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike and Lincoln counties.
The Guard also is making preparation for potential flooding downriver. The Missouri National Guard has posted liaison officers in St. Louis and St. Charles counties and cities, and the counties of Jefferson, St. Genevieve and Perry in anticipation of needs on the lower Mississippi River.
The Missouri National Guard has been called to state emergency duty 11 times since 2006. Missions have included summer and winter storm relief, tornado recovery and flood response.
Missouri National Guard units supporting the flood response efforts include the 1438th Engineer Company (Bridge), from Macon and Kirksville; the 1138th Transportation Company, from Jefferson Barracks; the 1035th Maintenance Company, from Jefferson Barracks; the 735th Quartermaster Company, located in DeSoto, Poplar Bluff, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, Rolla and Jefferson Barracks; 3175th Chemical Company, St. Peters; 220th Engineer Company, Festus; 880th Equipment Support Platoon, Perryville; the 835th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, Jefferson City; 1140th Engineer Battalion, Cape Girardeau; 131st Fighter Wing, St. Louis; and 70th Troop Command, Jefferson Barracks.
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BLUNT PROVIDES EMERGENCY RESPONSE UPDATE
Gov. Matt Blunt on Wednesday visited the State Emergency Operations Center, where he met with state public safety officials, monitored flood levels and provided an update on the state’s response.
"As we continue to monitor river levels throughout our state, Missouri families need to know that our state has the resources, manpower and equipment to help our communities address flooding concerns," Blunt said. "I applaud our communities and volunteers for partnering with state emergency responders to minimize potential flood damage and help ensure the safety of our citizens."
On June 11, Blunt signed executive orders activating the State Emergency Operations Plan allowing state agency resources to assist local jurisdictions with their emergency response and protective actions. The State Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor rising floodwaters and assist local communities with much-needed resources.
State agencies have been fully engaged in providing critical people and assets dedicated to flood relief efforts. The Missouri National Guard has been activated and approximately 700 are deployed. Both the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri State Water Patrol have officers on flood duty in the affected areas.
The Department of Corrections has 186 prisoners sandbagging and the Missouri Department of Conservation has more than 100 employees performing flood duties along the Mississippi River. The Department of Social Services has partnered with volunteer agencies to coordinate sheltering needs.
Blunt is asking all Missourians to monitor the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map to view the most current state road closures at: www.modot.mo.gov/. The department is reporting 33 road closures throughout the state.
Blunt encourages all families to practice their emergency planning. The state’s Ready in Three program provides guidelines for families to set up emergency plans. For more information about Ready in Three, visit www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3/.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 18, 2008
Steelman Announces Emergency Flood Aid for Missourians
JEFFERSON CITY- Missouri State Treasurer Sarah Steelman announced today that her office will provide special emergency assistance for Missouri farms and small businesses affected by the current flooding across the state.
Steelman will provide the assistance through the BIG Missouri program, which enables qualifying farms and businesses to receive low interest loans. Steelman said she will give urgent evaluation to any and all applications affected by the floods, with same day turnaround in most cases.
“These floods have been devastating to many people, farms, and businesses around our state,” said Steelman. “I am making this emergency assistance available immediately, and I know I join the rest of Missouri in praying for those already affected and those in the flood’s path.”
The BIG Missouri program has placed more than $200 million worth of low interest loans across Missouri since its inception in 2005.
American Red Cross Opens More 24-Hour Emergency Shelters in Missouri and Illinois to Provide Flood Relief Assistance
17 register last night at Winfield High School shelter in Lincoln County and it remains open
***Red Cross representatives are available for interviews to discuss relief efforts and flood safety. For more information, please call 314.406.1920.***
St. Louis, Tuesday, June 17, 2008 – (6:00 p.m.) – As the flood waters continue to rise and communities along the Mississippi River in both Missouri and Illinois battle against time to lessen the impact, the American Red Cross has opened two more 24-hour emergency shelters in addition to the one set up last night at Winfield Senior High School in Lincoln County. These shelters will remain open 24/7 as long as they are needed.
Winfield High School – 3920 East Highway 47 – Winfield, MO
United Methodist Church – 801 First Capitol Drive – St. Charles, MO
Calhoun County High School - P. O. Box 387 – Hardin, IL
The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter has been designated as the operational headquarters for flood relief efforts in both Missouri and Illinois. The shelters in St. Charles, Mo., and Hardin, Ill., will open tonight at 6 p.m. An involuntary evacuation was issued for Hamberg, Ill., this afternoon affecting hundreds of people. The shelter at Calhoun County High School is opening tonight to help meet their immediate emergency needs. It will also house nearly 60 members of the Illinois National Guard who have been activated for state emergency duty. As the Red Cross continues its assessment in partnership with emergency management officials, additional shelters will be opened if the need arises.
Seventeen local residents registered last night at the Red Cross shelter at Winfield High School in Lincoln County. The shelter also provided 44 meals and 10 snacks. These numbers are expected to increase due to rapidly deteriorating conditions. The Lincoln County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is urging residents east of Highway 79 to evacuate their homes and move to higher ground. The water has begun to spill over the tops of levees east of Foley, Old Monroe and northeast of Elsberry. The river is rising to 1993 levels and the situation is critical. County officials are warning people to move away from this area and seek higher ground.
Due to state and local health codes, the Red Cross cannot shelter pets along with people. To accommodate pet owners, the Humane Society has opened a temporary shelter at the Pike County Fairgrounds, located off Highway 54 East in Bowling Green. The shelter is housed inside the commercial building towards the back of the fairgrounds. Most animals, including horses, are welcome.
Responding to widespread flooding and tornado damage throughout the Midwest, the American Red Cross is currently handling 11 major relief operations in the United States. Officials and volunteers are currently responding to meet the immediate emergency needs of families and individuals affected by massive flooding and severe storms in seven states. The St. Louis Area Chapter has deployed a total of 14 disaster volunteers and caseworkers to the states of Iowa and Indiana. Approximately 100 volunteers are currently on stand-by to handle flood relief efforts locally. Also, the Chapter’s emergency response vehicle has been mobilized.
How You Can Help:The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and relies upon the generosity of the local community to provide relief during times of disaster. To make a contribution in support of disaster relief for this and future events, please contact Liz Robertson at 314.516.2782 or donate on-line at www.redcrossstl.org.
For those who may be evacuating, please keep in mind the following safety tips:
Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information, and follow all instructions provided by authorities.
When advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Do not drive through flood waters. Six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes surrounded by water (or the engine stalls), use caution when leaving your vehicle.
Do not walk through flooded areas.
If you are outdoors, climb to higher ground and stay there.
Stay away from downed power lines.
Watch out for animals seeking shelter because they have lost their habitat.
About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with food, clothing, shelter and other needs in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a vast array of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of thousands of volunteers that give freely of their time.
About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:www.redcrossstl.org.
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter celebrates 91 years of dedicated service, providing emergency relief and preparedness training more than 446,600 times each year. The Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or
Ehlmann Declares State of Emergency
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 2008
ST. CHARLES COUNTY _ St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann Tuesday signed an order declaring a state of emergency for the county because of the ongoing and increasing flooding from the Mississippi River.
“I have been advised by the director of the Division of Emergency Management that severe flooding is occurring, which is causing damage to property and closing major transportation routes,” Ehlmann said. “This is affecting residents and businesses. The safety and welfare of the citizens of St. Charles County requires this declaration of emergency.”
Cities, levy districts and residents are requesting the services of the county, and flood event planning started June 6.
Rod Zerr, director of Emergency Management for the county, said the executive order declaring the state of emergency “opens the door for any state and federal resources.”
Also, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, a shelter was opened at the United Methodist Church, 801 First Capitol Drive, in St. Charles for anyone who left their home because of the flooding. No evacuations have been ordered, but some people have voluntarily left their homes.
The American Red Cross is staffing the shelter. Zerr said he had been in contact with Red Cross officials and more shelters could be opened if needed.
Right now, the main battle against the rising river is being fought in the Portage des Sioux and West Alton areas. Some 10,000 sandbags were being filled at a site along Portage Road on Tuesday night.
The goal is to keep Highway 94 open from St. Charles to Portage des Sioux.
In West Alton, Highway 94 already is closed at Alta Villa Road.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 2008
County sets up flood hotline
ST. CHARLES COUNTY _ The St. Charles County Division of Emergency Management has set up a public information hot line for the latest river stages and emergency information. Call 636-949-3025 for up-to-date information.
Mississippi River closed to recreational activity
By order of the United States Coast Guard Sector Upper, the Mississippi River is closed to recreational boating traffic from mm 361 to mm 168.7. The Mississippi River is still open for limited commercial traffic. The closure was put in effect 6/15 and will remain until further notice. Boats found operating in the affected area will be stopped and removed from the water. These measures are necessary to prevent property damage, looting and life preservation.
Officers with the Missouri State Water Patrol are on standby in Canton and Hannibal where active sandbagging and flood counter measures are in place. Officers will remain in areas of concern until the threat of significant flooding is gone. River levels are expected to crest in Northern Missouri this week. Use extreme caution around flooded areas and be prepared.
Source: The Missouri State Water Patrol
NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS MOBILIZE IN FLOOD RELIEF EFFORT
Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, in his role as acting governor, has mobilized an additional 100 National Guardsmen to replenish the number mobilized in a staging effort near Louisiana, Mo. This mobilization of troops brings the total number of Citizen-Soldiers to approximately 500.
"Our decision to take proactive measures by placing National Guard members in a central location, near the affected areas so they can quickly move out to critical missions, obviously paid off," Kinder said.
The Missouri National Guard members currently mobilized in the communities of Clarksville, Hannibal, Canton, West Quincy, LaGrange and Alexandria are assisting with sandbagging operations, levee monitoring and limited security operations.
There are liaison officers working with officials in Clark, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike and Lincoln counties. As we anticipate need on the lower Mississippi River, we have established Missouri National Guard liaison officers in St. Louis and St. Charles, as well as Jefferson, St. Genevieve and Perry counties.
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Damaged properties to be inspected, tagged
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 16, 2008
ST. CHARLES COUNTY _ The St. Charles County Community Development Department will inspect structures that received flood waters. Property owners in unincorporated areas are required to contact the department at 636-949-7335 for a permit before making any repairs or improvements to the structure. A colored sticker will be placed on the structure to indicate the initial determination of the level of damage.
* Green will indicate the building is safe for occupancy and no permits are required for clean-up or repair work.
White will signify that the structure has been damaged by flooding and is unsafe for habitation, but you may begin clean-up work. However, demolition or repair work will require a permit.
Orange will indicate that the structure has substantial damage, re-entry is hazardous, and no repairs can be made until contacting the Department of Community Development.
COUNTY ISSUES GUIDELINES FOR FLOODED PROPERTIES
The St. Charles County Community Development Department has issued the following guidelines for residents who own homes or buildings in unincorporated areas that may have been damaged by flood waters:
Do not visit disaster areas, unless authorized.
If you have flood insurance, notify your agent that you have a loss.
Tune in to radio and television for advice and instructions on where to obtain medical care and where to get assistance for such necessities as housing, clothing, food and other assistance. Outreach programs will help you cope with the stress of being flooded.
Do not enter your home if flood waters are over the first floor; you cannot tell whether the building is safe to enter.
Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights (not oil or gas lanterns or torches) to examine buildings. Do not create any sparks or open flames, as they could trigger an explosion. If in doubt, call the gas company or 911 for assistance.
Flooding may have swollen doors tight. When the entrance must be forced because of swollen doors, accumulated mud or bulged floors, try to enter through a window or other opening.
Check with local emergency management authorities before using any water. Water sources may have been contaminated by the flood. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested by authorities before drinking.
Do not consume food that has come into contact with flood waters.
Stay out of flood waters and wash any skin and clothing that has come in contact with flood waters as soon as possible.
Flood waters may contain pesticides, petroleum products, and other potentially hazardous contaminants.
Children and pets should not be allowed to swim in flood waters.
Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. Have an expert check all equipment before returning it to service.
Ask the gas company to check your home for leaks and to turn the gas back on.
If your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still water-logged.
Report broken utilities lines to authorities. Treat all downed wire lines as if they are activated.
Watch out for venomous snakes in previously flooded areas.
For more information, contact the St. Charles County Community Development Department at 636-949-7335.
MEETING IN WEST ALTON TO DISCUSS FLOOD PREPARATIONS
The town of West Alton will have an informational meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Highway 94 to discuss flood preparations.
MORE CITIZEN-SOLDIERS MOBILIZED TO PROVIDE SUPPORT ALONG MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Lt. Governor Peter Kinder on Monday, in his role as acting governor, deployed 115 additional National Guard members to communities at risk for possible historical flooding, bringing the total number of National Guard members in the field to 359.
"National Guard members on the ground are continuing their work to reinforce levees and these additional citizen-soldiers will provide manpower in counties where weekend volunteers have had to return to work," Kinder said in a news release.
"The Missouri National Guard remains ready to meet the challenge of these rising waters," said Maj. Gen. King Sidwell, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard.
Since midweek, Kinder has mobilized 359 National Guard members in flood response efforts along the upper Mississippi River. Missouri National Guard members are mobilized in the communities of Clarksville, Hannibal, Canton, West Quincy and Alexandria, assisting with sandbagging operations, levee monitoring and limited security operations. There are also liaison officers working with officials in Clark, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike and Lincoln counties.
LT. GOVERNOR MOBILIZES NATIONAL GUARD TO HELP WITH FLOOD RELIEF
Gov. Matt Blunt and Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, serving as acting governor, has requested President George W. Bush grant an expedited declaration for the entire state to support potential near-record flooding along the Mississippi River.
With foreseeable flooding in West Quincy, Kinder deployed an additional 15 National Guard Citizen-Soldiers on Sunday to help manage relief efforts.
"Gov. Blunt and I are ensuring that Missouri is taking every action possible to provide critical resources and to minimize damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure as flooding continues to threaten the northeast portion of our state," Kinder said in a news release. "This declaration would be a welcome reprieve, and I ask the president to take swift action as we move more National Guardmembers into areas where flooding looks inevitable."
If approved for direct federal assistance, the state can request mission assignments from the federal government, which would provide critical emergency supplies at a 75 percent federal cost share. Local governments request these emergency needs through SEMA.
If predictions hold true and Missouri experiences historical flooding, damage assessment teams would be deployed as soon as floodwaters recede to determine the eligibility for individual assistance and public assistance.
The city of Alexandria had begun evacuating hundreds of residents with the help of local law enforcement, and Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers were scheduling flyovers of levees along the Mississippi River. The Department of Social Services is continuing to work with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army on sheltering needs.
Kinder as of Sunday had mobilized nearly 200 National Guardmembers and activated the State Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday to assist local government with flood-fighting efforts.
County Sets Up Flood Information Hot Line
BLUNT TO DISCUSS FLOOD RESPONSE ON CNN
Gov. Matt Blunt will discuss the state’s response to major flooding during the 5 o’clock hour of "The Situation Room" with Wolf Blitzer tonight, Thursday, June 19.
Blunt is scheduled to appear on the CNN show between 5 and 5:15 p.m.
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