Local government, community agencies offer help to Freeport flood victims

July 25--FREEPORT -- Local leaders are still looking for ways to aid those hit hardest by flooding.

Water gauge readings on the Pecatonica River lowered to 15.62 feet at 3:30 p.m. today, down from 15.86 feet around the same time Monday. Water levels are expected to remain above the 13-foot flood stage for at least another week, according to the National Weather Service.

Here are a few ways local government and community organizations are trying to help.

City of Freeport

Public works crews will continue to pick up trees left on curbs, extending the original Monday deadline. The debris should not block sidewalks or the street.

"We expect the tree pickup to last another couple of days," City Manager Lowell Crow said. "That's still ongoing."

Crews also have replaced the dumpsters located at Taylor Park Elementary School and the J.C. Penney parking lot. Crow said he's looking to add dumpsters to more locations in the near future.

A sinkhole on Pleasant Street is also being fixed, Crow said.

Stephenson County

Eight counties, including Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll were declared disaster areas, according to a state proclamation signed Monday by Gov. Bruce Rauner.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency will continue to implement the State Emergency Operations Plan, as it has been doing since Thursday.

A damage assessment call center has been set up by the Stephenson County Emergency Management Agency. Those with flooded homes should call 815-801-0004 and be ready to give information about their home, insurance and the type of damage, according to a news release.

The lines will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Residents should document any damage done to their property through photos and videos. If any reimbursement becomes available later on, the evidence will be critical in proving damage and costs incurred, the release states.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is not currently in Stephenson County.

Freeport Area Church Cooperative

Two cleanup crews will pump water, clear debris, power spray and bleach flooded basements. The first phase of the initiative could start as early as this weekend.

"We still haven't been given the green light by the city that it's safe to be out there," Freeport Area Church Cooperative Executive Director Dean Wright said.

Senior citizens and those with disabilities will be the top priority for the cleanup.

The organization's emergency shelter will remain open to flood victims for at least a week. Yesterday, three families were taken in during the day, but none chose to stay the night, Wright said.

Bleach donations are being accepted at the organization's building, 514 S. Chicago Ave., from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army will hand out 400 cleanup kits through Friday at the 102 W. Exchange St. location from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to a news release. The availability of more kits will be reassessed after Friday.

It is not necessary to call beforehand.

Derrick Mason: 815-232-0133; derrick.mason@journalstandard.com; @derrickhmason

To volunteer

Call Salvation Army at 1-800-SAL-ARMY or the Freeport Area Church Cooperative at 815-233-0435.

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