Emergency Management Agency
Last Updated: 09-18-2008
SEPTEMBER, 2008
FLOODING EMERGENCY
The heavy rain that began falling approximately 40 hours ago has now moved out of the Will County area. Total rainfall amounts around the County vary from 6 to 9 inches, with the heaviest amounts occurring in the central and eastern parts of the County.
Will County has been under flood and/or flash flood watches and warnings continuously since approximately 1:30 AM Saturday, September 13. A flood warning is currently in effect until 10:00 AM CDT Monday, September 15. Will County was also under a tornado watch on the 13th from approximately 1:45 AM until approximately 8:00 AM.
Varying degrees of flooding conditions have occurred throughout the Will County area, including sewer back-ups, flooded roads, river flooding, and water in basements.
The flood conditions have prompted Will County Executive Lawrence Walsh to issue an emergency declaration for Will County, allowing for the activation of the County's emergency operations plan. The Governor has included Will County in the State Declaration.
If your property has been damaged as a result of the flooding it is imperative that you take pictures during all phases (i.e.: pictures of the flood waters; damage to your property and structure(s); damage to contents). Keep a log of all damaged contents. Keep all receipts from items to assist you in this flooding emergency that you’ve needed to purchase. Contact your insurance company and inform them of the damage.
AT THIS TIME THERE IS NO FEDERAL DISASTER DECLARATION.
Refer to these publications for added information:
Repairing Your Flooded Home (PDF)- Surviving Disasters (PDF)
- Food Safety Guidance following Power Failures (PDF)
- Dealing with Mold & Mildew in your Flood Damaged Home (PDF)
- Floods of 2008: When the Cleanup Begins (PDF)
Links to River Gauges in Will County:
- DuPage River – Naperville
- DuPage River – Bolingbrook and East Branch
- DuPage River – Shorewood
- Hickory Creek – Joliet
- Kankakee River – Wilmington
Low-interest loans are available to storm victims under the Opportunity Illinois: Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Please visit Illinois State Treasurer for additional information.
If your property sustained substantial damage caused by the September 13-14, 2008 flooding, you can request a reassessment of your property by visiting Will County Supervisor of Assessment. Click on Application for Disaster Reassessment.
If you have a private well and septic system, please see Will County Health Department for additional information.
SEPTEMBER
is
National Preparedness Month
5th Anniversary
No matter where you live, your community may experience a natural or man-made disaster – a tornado, flood, winter storm, fire or nuclear power plant accident. In any type of disaster, individuals and families should prepare and know what to do. Community officials plan to protect and aid in the recovery of the community after a disaster. Residents also need to plan to protect and aid in their own recovery following a disaster.
Where can you start:
GET A KIT – make a Family Disaster Kit. Make a smaller kit for your car. If you already have a kit, check the supplies in your kit, change out batteries and check expiration dates on snacks.
MAKE A PLAN – develop a Family Disaster Plan. If you have a plan, take the time to review the plan with each member of your family. Take the time to have a drill so everyone can practice the plan.
BE INFORMED – there are important differences among potential emergencies that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. Learn more about the potential emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate way to respond to them.
Another way to be informed is getting involved in your community. Volunteer your time to an organization and help make a difference in your community and county. How do you find out about volunteering? Inquire about local community groups with your city/village hall; inquire with your local hospitals; inquire with the United Way of Will County; also, Will County accepts volunteers:
Family Preparedness
Knowing how to shut off your utilities in an emergency is vital. See our diagram poster providing tips on "HOW TO SHUT OFF YOUR UTILITIES DURING AN EMERGENCY."
When the power goes out, many of us resort to the use of portable generators for power. Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can be hazardous. See "PORTABLE GENERATOR FACT SHEET" to help keep you safe.
For more information on Family Preparedness, visit our Family Disaster Plan page.
Knowing How To Use 9-1-1 With the Phone You Own!
9-1-1 may be the most important phone number you ever dial. Today with the many types of phone service available to us – traditional phones – cordless – cell – VoIP/Internet Phones. Before you need help in an emergency, be sure to understand how the type of phone you use affects your call to 9-1-1. This brochure, “Knowing How to Use 9-1-1 with the Phone You Own!”, will tell you how.
Text Message Alert System
NOW AVAILABLE!
Will County is providing a new alerting service as a means of providing the public with emergency alert and notification information. This service works by sending a text message to your cellular phone when County officials determine that an alert should be issued.
Current alerts available are:
- Emergency Community Alerts
24 hour a day notifications (i.e. gas leaks, industrial accidents, traffic fatalities) - Emergency Weather Alerts
24 hour a day notifications (i.e. warnings, not watches) - Non-Emergency Community Alerts
Daily 7:00AM-8:00PM (i.e. waste removal, watering restriction, mosquito spraying, high pollen)
To sign up, click above on the hand-holding cell phone image, or simply click here.
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