Governor Quinn Declares 12 Counties State Disaster Areas

CHICAGO – July 26, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today declared 12 counties as state disaster areas after heavy rains caused flooding throughout much of northern Illinois. The state disaster declaration will help communities in the 12 counties recover from devastation caused by flooding resulting from a series of thunderstorms Friday night into Saturday.

Counties declared state disaster areas include: Carroll, Cook, DuPage, Henderson, Jo Daviess, Lee, Mercer, Ogle, Rock Island, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago.

“Dozens of communities throughout Illinois are reeling from these exceptionally heavy rains,” said Governor Quinn. “The state has mobilized to help with recovery efforts, and this declaration will ensure that any assistance needed by these affected communities can be provided quickly and are available for as long as they are needed.”

The state’s response and recovery assets include personnel to assist with security and public safety, as well as work crews to speed up debris removal. The state also can provide equipment, such as trucks and heavy machinery, to address safety issues and debris removal.

At this time, the state has received one formal request for assistance from an affected county, although it is anticipated that more requests will be received in the near future. On Monday, 125,000 sandbags and 20 rolls of plastic sheeting from the state stockpile were sent to Henderson County.

“We’re working closely with local emergency managers in the affected counties to ensure they get the assistance they need to deal with this disaster,” said IEMA Interim Director Joe Klinger. “While it’s too early to know if the damages will warrant a request for federal assistance, this state declaration is a necessary first step in submitting a request.”

Additional information about flood safety is available at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.