Governor Quinn Declares State of Emergency In Wake of Flash and River Flooding

CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today declared a state of emergency as state agencies prepared to provide assistance to local governments throughout the northern half of Illinois dealing with severe river and flash flooding. The state of emergency ensures that state resources are activated and that the federal government is aware that a disaster declaration is likely. It also allows the state to request resources as needed, such as personnel and equipment. State and local emergency personnel have been on the ground in hardest hit areas since early this morning.

"Heavy rainfall over the past few days has created dangerous flooding in areas across the state," Governor Quinn said. "Everyone should stay home and off the roads if possible. To ensure safety as these storms continue, people should be alert and avoid flooded areas."

For flood safety information and real-time updates please visit Ready.Illinois.gov, and for traffic updates please visit GettingAroundIllinois.com/gai.htm.

The State Incident Response Center (SIRC) is active and is coordinating the state’s response to the floods:

• Illinois Department of Central Management Services is monitoring conditions at state facilities to ensure state agencies can continue to provide critical services to the public and is prepared to procure flood-fighting supplies if needed.
• Illinois Department of Transportation is ensuring public safety through road closures, message boards and other road-closure assistance to affected communities.
• Illinois Department of Corrections will have 30 inmates at the Pittsfield Work Camp in Pike County assist with filling sandbags for local public safety officials.
• Illinois Department of Public Health is providing local public health departments, hospitals and medical offices in the affected areas with information on tetanus shots.
• Illinois State Police is assisting motorists stranded by floodwaters and working with local public safety officials on road closures.
• Illinois National Guard is coordinating with IEMA in the event troops are needed to assist flooded communities.
• Illinois Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the state’s response and has deployed staff throughout the affected areas to assist local officials.
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources dispatched conservation officers to Sycamore to assist with evacuation of residents in a flooded mobile home park.
• Office of the State Fire Marshal is coordinating with fire departments throughout the state to assess any flood-related issues they’re experiencing.
• American Red Cross has opened shelters in Roanoke, Oglesby and Lisle and is continuing to assess the need for shelters and other assistance.

More information about the state’s flood response and flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at Ready.Illinois.gov.