Information Regarding Possible Flooding - McHenry County Area

Although we would prefer it otherwise, we feel a flood is possible this year.  At this time our best bet is to prepare and be vigilant.  This year, due to a number of reasons, not the least of which is financial, the county will only provide sandbags for emergency protective measures.  Primary consideration will be to protect vital infrastructure, prevention of contamination of municipal water supplies, and protection of functional needs populations.  We have discussed this with our larger townships (McHenry, Nunda, and Algonquin) and have a meeting with all of the township officials later this month. 

EMA has received numerous phone calls requesting sand bags in preparation of a possible flood this spring.  Due to a limited supply and enough time to prepare, we are encouraging jurisdictions and individuals who live in flood prone areas to purchase supplies at this time.  Some jurisdictions have taken action and started purchasing supplies.  We provided direction as to what supplies to purchase, as well as our vendor lists.  Attached are the communiqués that have been sent in this regard to all our local partners.

Director Christensen met with residents and officials in Holiday Hills on March 3^rd to discuss flood fighting alternatives.

We have exhausted our sand bag supplemental in preparation for the flooding and currently EMA has 65,000 sand bags on hand.  Last year EMA distributed 160,000 sand bags mostly to the townships of McHenry, Nunda, and Algonquin.

EMA has created a new emergency awareness portal as a central location for all disaster information including tips and videos on what to do before during and after the flood.

EMA will remain in contact with all our jurisdictions and monitor the situation as it develops.

Robert Ellsworth, Jr.

Assistant Director

McHenry County EMA