Flood Preparation and Evacuation Plans Continue

September 25, 2016, 1:15 p.m.

Flood Preparation and Evacuation Plans Continue

The Cedar River is projected to crest at 23 feet at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. Cedar Rapids will see a river crest of 16 feet by Monday morning, which is considered major flood stage.  The City’s Incident Command Team activated at 7:00 this morning and is utilizing a cross-departmental team of Public Safety, Public Works, and other City departments. 

Efforts have been made throughout the community for flood protection on both sides of the river. Public Works crews and contractors have continued to work around the clock on flood control efforts. The City would like to thank the public for their assistance in avoiding the downtown and surrounding areas, as this has opened access for construction and emergency vehicles. Preparation on the temporary flood control measures are anticipated to be completed by tomorrow. Crews will also begin wrapping Hesco barrier walls for additional structural support.

Three sandbagging sites are operational and open overnights for the public to access sandbags. Supplies will be replenished as soon as possible if a site is depleted; sites will remain open until the need is met. Sandbagging sites include the former Kmart West site at 16^th Avenue and Williams Boulevard SW, Hawkeye Downs, and the Ellis Park Pavilion.

All planned road closures and restrictions are currently in place for flood protection measures and safety. Travel is still possible on I-380 – ramp closures are in place in the downtown areas. Edgewood Road is projected to be closed this evening, and closures will continue to be posted on the City’s website (www.cedar-rapids.org). Park CR has opened gates on all downtown parking ramps, parking is free. 

Solid Waste and Recycling
Garbage, recycling and yard waste will not be collected next week within the evacuation area. All other areas will receive normal collection. Those in the evacuation area are asked to secure their carts before leaving if they are able to do so. Additional updates concerning collection within the evacuation area will be provided following the river crest.

Evacuation & Curfew Information
The safety of the public is our most important priority. The City is asking residents and business in affected areas to evacuate by 8:00 p.m. tonight.  A map of the evacuation area is available at www.cedar-rapids.org. Direct notification is being conducted through the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) to those in the flood evacuation area. 

A curfew in evacuated neighborhoods will begin at 8:00 p.m. tonight.  There will be daily curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. in the evacuation zone until further notice.  The curfew will be enforced.  Police will be actively patrolling the area with assistance from area law enforcement agencies and the Iowa National Guard. Residents entering or moving around in the flood evacuation zone during the curfew will be stopped by law enforcement.  Entry into the flood evacuation zone will not be permitted. 

Those evacuating their homes should take personal belongings, medications, and important documents like identification.  It is important that residents evacuating secure their property before leaving.

For Assistance
Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to utilize United Way 2-1-1. Volunteer information can be found at www.uweci.org/.

If you are evacuating and need assistance with your pet, and you have no other alternative, please contact Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control by calling 319-286-5993.

The Red Cross has a list of open shelters available on their website: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery/find-an-open-shelter. Citizens can also call 2-1-1, 319-739-4211, or 1-866-469-2211 for shelter locations.