In June 2008, months of heavy precipitation a number of rivers overflowed their banks for several weeks at a time and broke through levees at numerous locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), numerous federal agencies, and states and local governments continue to work together in response to ongoing flooding and in preparation for the recovery efforts that will be under way in the days, weeks and months to come.
Meanwhile, residents returning to their homes are reminded to be careful when entering areas affected by the flooding. Floods often leave behind exposed electrical wires, contaminated floodwater and weakened structures. These are not always obvious, but can be life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising people to throw away food that may not be safe to eat and disinfect water if instructed to do so by local health authorities.
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