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Updated: 5:22 PM Jul 28, 2011
Update on East Dubuque Flooding
The American Red Cross is assisting residents in area towns impacted by Thursday and Friday’s storms.
Posted: 3:37 PM Jul 28, 2011Reporter: From the American Red Cross |
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FREEPORT (WIFR) -- If you thought Rockford had it bad with the recent storm Dubuque is seeing their share of flooding.
Heavy storms dumped up to a foot of rain on parts of eastern Iowa, flooding streets, homes and buildings. There were even reports of up to 14 inches of rain falling in parts of Dubuque. Crews were deployed throughout the city rescuing people from their homes and stranded vehicles. The Red Cross has since opened a shelter at east Dubuque High School and Prescott Elementary.
The American Red Cross is assisting residents in area towns impacted by Thursday and Friday’s storms.
The Red Cross has opened a shelter located at the East Dubuque High School, 200 Park Lane Drive, East Dubuque, IL 61025. The contact number there is 815-747-3180.
The Red Cross is also assisting the at the Dubuque shelter located at Prescott Elementary, 1151 White Street, phone number 563-552-4178. Currently food, water and mass care is being provided by the Red Cross.
“In the days and weeks to come, the American Red Cross will partner with emergency officials and with local community partners to help residents impacted by the flood get back on their feet,” said Diana Roemer, Northwest Illinois chapter executive.
“The Red Cross will keep shelters open as long as needed, in addition to providing mobile feeding and mental health support to those affected by the flood, if necessary,” Roemer said.
The Chapter is also currently working with retail stores to coordinate a possible bulk distribution of cleaning supplies to residents impacted by flood waters.
The Red Cross offers the following tips for those in the affected area to stay safer:
-Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
-Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damages.
-Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into your home with the floodwater.
-If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
-If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
-Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater.
-When it is safe to return home, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes when examining your walls, doors, staircases and windows for damage.
-During cleanup, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.
-Make sure your food and water are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with floodwater, including canned goods, water bottles, plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples. When in doubt, throw it out!
-Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.
The Red Cross depends on the generosity of the American people to fulfill our mission. To help disaster victims please contact the American Red Cross Northwest Illinois Chapter at 815-233-0011 or visit www.nwilredcross.org for up-to-date information.
| FAMILY DISASTER PLAN Families should be prepared for all hazards that could affect their area. NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross urge every family to develop a family disaster plan. Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere at work, at school, or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services water, gas, electricity, or telephones were cut off? Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan...
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