City of St. Charles offers tips on flooding
According to the U.S. Geological Survey website, 3.17 inches of rain was reported to have fallen at Ferson Creek in the last 24 hours.
A Flood Advisory for the Fox River in our area continues to June 18. While much of the water has receded, the city of St. Charles continues to closely monitor the weather and river levels.
No power outages have been reported and at this time all streets are open and passable.
"City of St. Charles public works crews began preparing yesterday for potential flash flooding that was forecast for our area," said City Administrator Mark Koenen. "They cleared catch basins and storm sewers of debris to make sure the stormwater system would be able to work properly."
To reporting flooding
Please remember always call 911 for any emergencies. To report flooding in a particular area, contact our Public Works Department at pw@stcharlesil.gov or (630) 377-4405. You also could report nonemergency flooding and send pictures with the St. Charles Connect app on your mobile device.
Important flood safety tips
Helpful information is available on our website at www.stcharlesil.gov/flood. During heavy rains, think twice before going out. But if you must, proceed with caution and be patient; commuting times will be longer. More important tips:
• Do not drive around roadblocks or through a flooded area. More people drown in cars than anywhere else.
• Do not walk through flowing water. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of water can knock you off your feet.
• Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires, and turn off your power if you suspect flooding in your home. Electrical current can travel through water. Electrocution is the second leading cause of death during floods.
• Also beware of gas leaks. Turn off the gas to your house before it floods. If you smell gas, report it to the gas company and don't use candles, lanterns or open flames.
• Keep children away from floodwaters, ditches, culverts and storm drains. Water can carry dangerous items or may suck smaller people into them.
• Clean everything that has been wet. Floodwater may be contaminated with sewage or chemicals.
• Look out for displaced animals, especially snakes.
• Do not use gas engines, such as generators, or charcoal fires indoors during power outages. Carbon monoxide exhaust can pose serious health hazards.
About the City of St. Charles
Friendly neighborhoods, diverse retailers, international employers, innovative schools, beautiful parks, varied cultural amenities, and unique architecture have earned St. Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Located in both DuPage and Kane counties, the City of St. Charles is 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, and has a population of approximately 33,000. Over 2,100 businesses, consisting of a balanced mix of retailers, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, employ more than 18,000 people. The City of St. Charles was named the #1 City for Families by Family Circle® magazine in 2011; one of the "150 Great Places in Illinois," by the AIA Illinois; and one of the "Top 10 Towns To Live In" by West Suburban Living magazine. Visit www.stcharlesil.gov.