With rain still in the forecast for the next four days, Elgin’s Office of Emergency Management continues to recommend that residents living in flood-prone areas be prepared for the possibility of evacuation.
“While we didn’t get the rain that was predicted over the weekend, residents should continue to be prepared,” said Elgin’s Office of Emergency Management coordinator Karen Flanagan. “Elgin creeks are above normal right now and we’re encouraging everyone to be prepared for the possibility of flooding.”
Elgin’s OEM has been monitoring areas and found creek and river levels to be above normal. Poplar Creek remains at 2.5-ft over normal levels and with the ground already saturated, Flanagan says the possibility of flooding is high.
“Residents in all of the city’s low-lying areas should be prepared to find emergency shelter if necessary and stay informed,” said Flanagan.
Flanagan said that it’s been the city’s experience that people prefer to stay with relatives in an emergency, but if anyone needs a place to stay PADS of Elgin is a good option.
PADS is at:
1730 Berkley St
Evening shelter phone number: 847-980-7740
Daytime phone: 847-608-9744
Elgin’s OEM advises the following:
Be Ready
• Have an evacuation plan in place BEFORE flooding occurs.
• Watch for rising water near your home and know when you should leave.
• Leave BEFORE the flood waters prevent you from evacuating safely.
• Listen to local radio and TV stations for flood updates.
• Check the City of Elgin website for flood news www.cityofelgin.org.
• Be aware of possible power outage if you use any electrical medical equipment.
• Keep a battery-powered portable radio, emergency cooking equipment, and flashlights in working order with extra batteries. Store canned food items, can opener, water (at least one gallon per day per person) Keep first-aid supplies and prescription medicines on hand.
Respond Quickly
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately!
• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road.
• Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are placed in roads that have been determined unsafe to travel.
• If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and move to higher ground.
• Never try to walk, swim, drive, or play in flood water.
• Be alert for downed power lines never touch or go near them.