City Provides Information on Current Flooding Status in Naperville

Flash Flood Warning In Effect throughout Naperville until 11:30 a.m.

The City of Naperville reminds residents to take precautionary measures during flash flooding conditions and educate themselves on what to do during a flood situation in order to remain safe.

“The National Weather Service issues a flash flood warning when heavy rains may result in flooding in a specific area,” Community Relations Manager Nadja Lalvani said. “The safety of our residents is the City's top priority. We urge all parents to keep their children away from storm drains, ditches, retention ponds and other bodies of water; and drivers to exercise caution on the roads.”

City of Naperville personnel continue to monitor the storm and to anticipate its impacts on residents, businesses, streets and buildings. The City is closing the sidewalks along the river in the downtown and urging residents to please stay away from the rapidly moving and rising waters.

The City has dispatched several work crews to clear debris and proactively monitor areas known for flooding. As the heavy rains continue, the City is paying particular attention to the following areas:

• South Naperville – this area of the City has seen more than three inches of rain compared to two inches of rain in the central areas of the City. All calls for service for flooded streets are based upon the system capacity, and we are asking residents that call to monitor the areas and call back one hour after rain has let-up if the condition continues. We are responding with several crews to clear debris and to monitor known areas for flooding.

• Fontenac and Shore Roads in the northwest part of the City

The City will make sand and sand bags available to residents if conditions warrant as determined by City officials. The City continues to work with closely with DuPage County officials to monitor the status and the operation of the Fawell Dam.

The City will provide periodic updates on the flooding situation through all City communication channels. A full update will be made at 1 p.m. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to the NOAA Weather Radio and the National Weather Service website http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lot/.

The city offers the following tips to keep individuals safe before and during a flood situation:

• Always pay attention to flood watches and warnings.

• Have a plan of action in place should you need to evacuate your home or business due to a flood.

• Move any items outside of your home that could be impacted by floodwaters inside the structure.

• In the event of a flood, turn off your utilities if instructed to do so by authorized officials. Do not attempt

to turn off utilities if you are wet or in a location where there is standing water.

• Stay away from floodwaters. If flooding occurs, move to higher ground immediately.

• Do not walk through floodwaters. Floodwaters can move rapidly, and there is often a large amount of

debris in the water.

• Do not drive through flooded streets. Six inches of water is enough to make your car stall. Two feet of water is enough to carry most vehicles away, including sport utility vehicles.

• If you are overtaken by floodwaters while in your vehicle, abandon the car and try to move to higher ground. If unable to do so, call 9-1-1.

• Do not allow children to play near high water, storm drains or ditches.

• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, especially when threatening weather conditions exist.

• Be especially cautious in the evening and at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

• Always follow the directions of public safety officials.

The city has produced an Emergency Preparedness Guide to assist residents in creating a plan. A copy of this document is available on the city's website at www.naperville.il.us/emergencyprepguide.aspx. Information on how to prepare for flood events is available at www.naperville.il.us/floodawarenessweek.aspx. The National Weather Service also offers important flood safety information at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness, visit the city's website at www.naperville.il.us/nema.aspx. For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville's projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.