CENTRAL ILLINOIS — After the recent storms, minor flooding is forecasted for many areas in central Illinois. The Illinois River is expected to rise above flood stage by early tomorrow morning and continue to rise to near 19.3 feet by Saturday afternoon. The American Red Cross is urging caution to central Illinois residents in areas prone to flooding to exercise caution and follow these preparedness tips.
Prepare and respond with these tips:
• Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS)
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
• Return home only when officials have declared the area safe.
Download the Red Cross Flood App
The free Red Cross Flood App gives smart phone and tablet users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a flood. The content is available in English and Spanish. The app includes location-based, audible NOAA flood and flash flood watches and warnings – even if the app is closed. Find it here:
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps/flood.
Additional tips for responding before, during and after flooding can be found here:
www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/flood.