Crime & Safety

Algonquin Providing Sandbags in Wake of Flooding Warning

Fox River in Algonquin at 10.21 feet and is expected to rise.

 

Algonquin is offering residents living in low-lying areas around the Fox River sandbags as a National Weather Service Flood Warning continued Wednesday afternoon.

The warning is in effect for Kane and McHenry Counties. In Algonquin, the river is at 10.21 feet which has already caused minor flooding in the floodplain, according to an Algonquin press release.

Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Heavy rainfall is expected through the rest of the week so Algonquin is recommending residents use sandbags in advance of any flooding that could cause damage to homes and property.

Sandbags are available at the Algonquin Wastewater Treatment Facility located at 125 Wilbrandt Street.

Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Algonquin officials will continue to take precautionary measures but is not issuing any evacuations at this time, the release stated.

Algonquin Deputy Chief Ed Urban handles emergency situations for the village and said planning is underway to handle any flooding events like the one that occurred in 2007.

The village also has a GIS Mapping System that can help residents determine whether their property will be affected by floodwaters so they can prepare, he said.

Urban is getting information from agencies like the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is monitoring the situation.

From his experience, people love to see the raging river and will bring their kids down to Riverside Park to catch a glimpse of the river, he said.

“We don’t want anyone to fall in so we’ll close off the park to pedestrians,” he said.

The Kane County Office of Emergency Management Director Don Bryant issued a release with the following suggestions:

  • Be aware of flash flood areas such as canals, streams, drainage channels, and underpasses.
  • If confronted by floodwaters seek higher ground.
  • Be ready to evacuate with your Go Bag.
  • If time allows, move essential items to upper floors.
  • Avoid electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • If you must leave your home, do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
  • Finally, do not try to drive over a flooded road. Fast moving floodwaters can wash you and your car away.
  • If you experience flooding in your area, and need assistance, call 911 immediately.

 

 


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