Governor Blagojevich opens state camping facilities free of charge to those displaced by flooding

Illinois Department of Public Health urges people in flooded areas to take precautions to prevent illness and injury; provides safety tips for mobile homes affected by flooding

CHICAGO, Ill. – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today directed the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to make all accessible campsites and camping cabins in Southern and parts of Central Illinois available free of charge to those displaced by flooding until further notice. IDNR region 4 and 5 offices have been instructed to allow access to a variety of camping sites to those who have been affected by recent heavy rains in the southern part of the state. On Thursday, Gov. Blagojevich declared 19 southern Illinois counties state disaster areas.

“As we continue to work closely with local emergency management officials to assess and meet their communities’ needs, today I directed the Department of Natural Resources to make campsites and cabins available free of charge to those who need them. While these sites may not offer all the comforts of home, they may provide temporary relief for those who are flooded out of their homes,” said Governor Blagojevich.

While some campsites may not be accessible due to weather, access to all available camping facilities and camping cabins in regions 4 and 5, including the World Shooting and Recreational Complex, will be open free of charge to flood victims on a first come first serve basis. It is recommended that people call ahead to the appropriate park office before traveling to check current availability. The IDNR requests, if possible, that people bring a photo ID with a home address.

Those who have internet access can use the DNR website (www.dnr.state.il.us) for a list of all facility phone numbers. The following sites in regions 4 and 5 have accessible camping facilities.

As waters begin to recede, safety should be a priority for everyone in the affected area. The Illinois Department of Public Health today encouraged municipalities that have manufactured home communities or manufactured homes installed on private property within their jurisdiction, to notify the manufactured home residents and park managers of possible hazards caused by flooding. Recommendations include:

• Retest gas line systems if leakage is suspected.
• A licensed installer should check soils around footings if washout has occurred, check shims and piers for stability and check anchors for stability from withdrawal.
• Electrical equipment that has been submerged should be checked by the local electric utility or an electrician.
• Water and sewer line hookups should be checked for proper connection, slope and leaks. A licensed plumber should make any re-connections of the plumbing if disconnected.
• Remove adequate skirting around home to allow drying.
• Check for water in ductwork and remove.
• Check and clean water lines.
• Homes with water damage to the floors and walls should be treated to remove moisture from the building components.

The above are recommendations and are not required. They are meant as examples of items that should be checked for the protection of the homeowners and the value of their manufactured homes. In some cases, if water did not touch the bottom of the manufactured home, only footings, piers and anchors may need to be inspected for damage. Any corrections to the support and anchoring of the home should be performed by an Illinois licensed manufactured home installer or the homeowner in accordance with the homes installation instructions.

For more information call the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Environmental Health at 217-782-5830.

People near flooded areas also need to take extra precautions to protect themselves from disease often carried by flood waters by staying out of the water as much as possible. Flood waters and sewer overflows can contain bacteria, fecal material, viruses and other organisms that may cause disease. The following information can help protect communities from illness and injury.

These basic precautions can help to prevent disease:

• Avoid skin contact with sewer water, especially cuts and sores. Keep them clean and covered.
• Do not allow children to play in areas contaminated by sewage backup.
• Do not eat or drink anything exposed to sewer water.
• Keep contaminated objects, such as water and hands away from mucous membranes (mouth, eyes and nose).
• Wash hands frequently, especially after bathroom use, before eating and immediately following contact with sewer water or contaminated objects or surfaces.

Food and Water Safety

Use only bottled or disinfected water for drinking, cooking, tooth brushing and bathing until you are sure the water supply is safe. Discard food exposed to contaminated waters. If refrigerators or freezers have taken in water, discard food stored there. If no water entered these appliances, but power was lost long enough for foods to thaw, discard all partially thawed foods unless prepared immediately.

Discard milk, cheeses and other foods prone to spoilage.

Completely thawed meats and vegetables should be discarded without question. Discard all bulging or leaking canned food and any food stored in jars. Undented, intact cans can be cleaned with a bleach solution before use.

After the flood, removal and cleanup of sewer or flood water is essential. It is important to take the following precautions to prevent injury:

• Turn off main power switches if necessary. Air out and wipe dry all appliances and electrical outlets exposed to water before use.
• If you have fuel oil or gas systems, be sure tanks are secure and all lines are free from breaks.
• Wear rubber boots, gloves and a dust mask during removal and cleanup.
• Open windows if possible to ventilate and dry the area. Fans can be used to help with drying.
• Keep children from playing in water.

The following cleaning guidelines may help prevent the transmission of disease and reduce property loss:

Discard any contaminated objects that cannot be thoroughly washed or laundered.

• Wash contaminated surfaces and objects with warm, soapy water and then disinfect them with a bleach and water solution made of no more than one cup of 5.25 percent chlorine bleach per one gallon of water. For objects that would be damaged by bleach, use a home or laundry disinfectant.
• Make sure to read and follow label instructions. Do not use ammonia. Ammonia vapors mixed with bleach vapors create a toxic gas that could be deadly.

For more information call your local health department.

On Thursday, Gov. Blagojevich declared 19 southern Illinois counties state disaster areas, including Alexander, Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White and Williamson. The state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities recover from flooding, including equipment and personnel to assist with flood-fighting efforts as well as post-flood clean up.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Harrisburg in Saline County is experiencing a 500-year flood event as are areas along the Cache River, while Crab Orchard in Williamson County is experiencing a 300-year flood event. This means these areas could be expected to experience such flooding once every 300 or 500 years.
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield continues to coordinate assistance to flooded communities throughout southern Illinois, including such things as providing sandbags and manpower to fill sandbags, security patrols, emergency management personnel to support local officials, water and portable toilets, and coordinating shelters for people displaced by floodwaters.