Des Plaines River Flood Warning

According to the National Weather Service's Report of 3:45 PM, Thursday, April 18, 2013, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at flood stage 9.89 feet. The river is expected to crest at 11.2 feet tomorrow morning, Friday, April 19, 2013 (Flood action stage is 5.0 feet).

Public Works has deployed sandbagging equipment at locations listed below and is continuing to drop off sandbags and sand. Public Works has also deployed jersey barriers along sections of Des Plaines River Road

City of Des Plaines Road Closures

Eastbound Northwest Highway from Broadway to Western

Oakton Street between River Road and Lee Street

Big Bend Drive Closed

2000 Blk Fargo Ave Closed

Golf Road between River Road and East River Road Closed

Lee Street between River Road and Elk Blvd Closed

River Road between Golf Road and Perry Street Closed

River Road between Miner Street & Touhy Ave Closed

Central Road between East River Road & River Road Closed

Eastbound Rand Road from Golf – Closed

Algonquin Road between River Road & Lee Street Closed

Maple from Oakton to Riverview Closed

Busse Hwy at Miner Street Closed

Elk Blvd from Lee to Rand Closed

Ballard Road from Rand Road to East River Road Closed

Rand Road from Golf Road to Dempster Street Closed

Northbound River Road at Central Closed

A Shelter has been opened at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker Street. Fire Department personnel are in the process of evacuating Big Bend Drive, Hawthorne Lane, Hawthorne Terrace, and Junior Terrace.

School Closures

School District #62 - 4/19/13

District 207-4/19/13

Our Lady of Destiny –South Campus -4/19/13

Oakton Community College -4/19/13

Students should contact individual schools for information on closures.

Sand Bag Locations

Woodland and Grove

Cora and Henry

Howard and Cedar

Graceland and Willow

Oakton & Pennsylvania

Acting Mayor Walsten declared a Local State of Emergency at 4 AM, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A Proclamation of the City of Des Plaines Declaration of State of Disaster (EMA Ordinance M-46-93 Chapter 2) was signed in the afternoon of April 18, 2013. The Declaration states, “The City of Des Plaines herein described is encountering a disaster that requires prompt action with Des Plaines, Cook County, State of Illinois and Federal Resources and Mutual Aid Agreements to prevent harm or damage to the safety, health or welfare of persons or to prevent damage to property.”

Governor Pat Quinn has issued an emergency declaration following the flooding and severe weather affecting areas across Illinois. The Governor visited the Big Bend Drive area at approximately 2:30 PM, today, April 18, 2013.

Emergency calls should be directed to 9-1-1. Des Plaines residents are advised to turn to cable channel #17 and the City's website, www.desplaines.org, for more information as it becomes available.

Flooding information and non-emergency calls may be directed to the Des Plaines Emergency Management Agency (EMA) at 847-391-5396.

The City of Des Plaines Emergency Management Agency will continue to monitor the situation and will issue additional information as needed.

The City of Des Plaines and Cook County Department of Public Health encourage the public to follow these safety tips to protect against disease and hazards that flooding can bring:

Do not allow children to play in flooded areas. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

Before entering an area that has been flooded, turn off the electricity. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Current can travel through water.

If your electricity is out, use battery powered flashlights or lanterns. Do not use candles, gas lanterns or torches because gas lines may be broken and an explosion may occur.Wear boots and rubber gloves to reduce contact with contaminated water. Remember to wear mosquito repellant with DEET around standing water. Wash hands with warm soapy water, especially before any activity where there may be hand to mouth contact (eating or preparing food).

If a puncture wound or cut occurs while working in a flooded area, a tetanus shot should be administered. Contact your physician or go to your emergency room. Waterborne illness may bring symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, muscle aches and fevers. Seek medical help.

If your electricity is off, a fully stocked freezer will keep food frozen for 24 hours if the door remains closed. Food in the refrigerator will stay cool for four to six hours, depending how warm the kitchen is. When in doubt, throw it out.

Check all cans or bottled goods that have been in floodwater. Cans of food are usually safe if undamaged. Immerse for ten minutes in a chlorine solution (1/4 cup laundry bleach to one gallon water), then rinse and dry thoroughly. Throw out any cans with dents or rust spots.

Containers with cork lined lids or caps, screw tops or pop-tops are nearly impossible to thoroughly clean. Throw them out.

Refrigerated foods such as meat, milk, or foods which contain milk or a milk-based products should be discarded if the inside temperature of the refrigerator has risen above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours.

If you do not have bottled water and have access to a stove, water can be made safe by boiling it for five minutes at a rolling boil. Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, make ice or brush teeth. To test water from your well, or for further information about environmental issues, please call the CCDPH Environmental Health Unit at 708-492-2000. TDD: 708-492-2002.