Providing Assistance to Flooded Communities

As storms continue to roll through the region, the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) has activated its Emergency Operations Center to assist municipalities with needed information and resources.

The department has deployed sandbags, electronic message boards, light towers and water pumps, in addition to other equipment, to provide assistance to municipalities during what could be a major flood event. DHSEM is working with communities around Cook County to assess their needs.

The department reminds all residents to be cautious during storms and around flood waters and offers the following tips to help keep residents safe:

Flooding

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pick-ups.
• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water and you could be stranded or trapped.
• Do not drive around a barricade, as they are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.
• Do not try to take short cuts. They may be blocked. Stick to designated evacuation routes.
• Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your vehicle, abandon it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

For more information, media may contact Natalia Derevyanny at natalia.derevyanny@cookcountyil.gov or 312.718.4125.

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The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management integrates first responders, their departments and resources from 134 Cook County municipalities, and serves as the central agency in Cook County for coordinating efforts to prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from all incidents, whether man-made or natural. For more information, visit our website at www.cookcountyhomelandsecurity.org.