Flood 2008 Daily Report
VOLUNTARY EVACUATION LIFTED,
BE CAUTIOUS, BE PREPARED
With the Mississippi River level at the Canton levee down to 24.38 feet at 6 a.m Friday, June 27, Canton officials have lifted the voluntary evacuation. Canton businesses and residents east of 7th Street are urged to use discretion in making their plans to return.
"The levee is sound, and we are back below the critical design stage. The heavier rains in Iowa have not been over a widespread area, which is good news for us. As a result, our risk has been reduced," said Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director. “However, the river can rise rapidly, as we have already seen. For the next couple of weeks, we need to keep our eye on the weather patterns and the river level so that, if we need to, we can take the necessary steps to protect our community from danger. In fact, if residents and business have their furnishings in secure storage, they should consider leaving them there for a while.”
McReynolds noted that residents of the Canton Senior Housing, who are currently living on the Culver-Stockton College campus, as well as businesses that have relocated to the campus have decided to remain until at least Monday.
“We were very fortunate over the past three weeks to draw on the strength of our community,” McReynolds said. “We are extremely grateful to the thousands of volunteers who helped us build up the levee.”
McReynolds said the Canton Emergency Operations Center will close at 9 p.m. Friday, but will continue to be on standby, ready to return if necessary. The National Guard, which has been helping in Canton, will be moving on to other areas, and local volunteers will patrol the levee.
Access to the Canton levee continues to be restricted. Sightseers are urged to use the gravel ramp built at the end of Henderson Street.
“The byword for the next few weeks is ‘Be Prepared,’” McReynolds added.
CANTON OFFICIALS SEE RIVER DROPPING,
BUT WATCHING RAIN IN IOWA
The Mississippi River level at the Canton levee was down to 24.88 feet at 6 a.m. Thursday, June 26, but officials at the Canton Emergency Operations Center are watching the weather reports in Iowa before they begin to consider lifting the voluntary evacuation for businesses and residents east of 7th Street.
"We are cautiously watching the rain events in Iowa to determine what kind of action to take for this weekend," said Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director. “Depending on how much rain falls in Iowa and where it falls will determine what happens to the river here. A major rainfall could bring our levels back up just as quickly as it did before when it rose 10 feet in a week. I urge people not to move back just yet and please don’t sleep in your homes down there tonight.”
The levee at Canton currently remains in good shape despite locally heavy downpours over the past two days. “The rainfall we have gotten here has been more damaging to the levees south of us,” McReynolds added.
McReynolds noted that Lewis County is one of the Missouri counties that were declared a federal disaster area Wednesday afternoon. Federal officials are expected to begin visiting the area to assess the impact of flood-fighting efforts as early as next week.
STATUS QUO IN CANTON
The Mississippi River level at the Canton levee was down to 26.1 feet at 6 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, and continuing a slow decline from its second crest of 27 feet over the weekend.
"The levee is holding up, although we continue to monitor areas of concern and will work on some maintenance today," said Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director.
The voluntary evacuation remains in place for businesses and residents east of 7th Street, and McReynolds urged residents not to sleep overnight in the affected area.
McReynolds said he is concerned about the potential for stormy weather north of Canton. "We don't need to worry about rain that falls locally, but we don't want to see storms that are widespread and of long duration north of us," he added.
"We need to stay vigilant until we're below 24.5 feet -- hopefully by the end of this week," McReynolds said. "We're going to be on a yo-yo with the river for a while. It's going to be a long summer."
AYERS BUSINESS OFFICE MOVES UP THE HILL.
The business office for Ayers Oil Co. is now operating on the lower level of the Science Center on the Culver-Stockton College campus.
The office's phone number is the same: 288-4464.
RIVER LEVEL REMAINS CLOSE TO 27 FEET;
EOC ASKS RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES TO HAVE PATIENCE
The second crest of the Mississippi River finally reached Canton Sunday, at about 27 feet, and has stayed near that mark for almost 24 hours.
“We hovered between 26.98 and 27.02 feet over the weekend, and we are just below that now,” said Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director. “We’re not projected to get below 24.5 feet, which is our critical design stage, until Friday afternoon.”
“Our levee and all the levees in the region have already been under tremendous stress for 10 days, and our concern this week is that we’re going to continue to be under that stress for several more days. We’re a long way from being out of the woods,” he added.
McReynolds said the voluntary evacuation remains in place for businesses and residents east of 7th Street in Canton. He said residents in that area are strongly urged not to sleep in their homes at night.
“Everyone is tired and wants to go home, but I urge residents and businesses to be patient,” McReynolds said. “It is very ill-advised to ignore the pressure the levee is under and to be in the flood plain at night.”
McReynolds said the Canton levee is being monitored closely around-the-clock by volunteers and by the National Guard. The levee is in good shape at the moment, he added.
Over the weekend, Canton was able to help other levee districts with their flood-fighting efforts by sharing extra sandbags and straw. McReynolds said if an area needs these materials, Canton will try to assist. Call the Emergency Operations Center at 573-288-0057 or 573-288-0047.
CREST TO BE TONIGHT IN CANTON; VOLUNTARY EVACUATION REMAINS; 'YO-YO' RIVER LEVELS ALL SUMMER
The second crest of the Mississippi River in Canton is now predicted to arrive about 7 p.m. Friday, June 20, at about 25.2 feet. Canton Emergency Management Director Jeff McReynolds is pleased by the prediction of a lower, earlier second crest but remains cautious about returning Canton residents to their homes too soon.
“We are going to be on a yo-yo for the next 60 days. Even a moderate rain in Iowa will bring the river levels here back up. Remember a week ago Monday when the river was at 12 or 13 feet and how quickly we got to 27 feet,” McReynolds said. “We will be keeping our eyes to the north because they have no place for more rainfall to go.“
The river is not expected to go below 24.5 feet, the design stage of the levee, until midnight Sunday. The voluntary evacuation order remains in place for at least 48 hours. McReynolds said the Canton Emergency Operations Center will be making decisions day-by-day about when to allow residents east of 7th Street to sleep in their homes at night or when to lift the voluntary evacuation.
Pointing out that the river is not expected to drop to 20 feet for another week, McReynolds said it is important that the city remain in a position to react quickly to changing river conditions.
“This could be an all summer yo-yo effect,” McReynolds added. “Our lives are not going to be simple this summer. It’s not time to let our guard down, and we will be cautious in protecting public safety.”
The Canton Emergency Operations Center is still available 24 hours a day.
CREST PREDICTION DROPS - 25.9 FEET, 6 AM SUNDAY
A new prediction for the Mississippi River’s second crest in Canton is raising hopes that the worst may be over. The latest official prediction is that the river will crest again at 25.9 feet about 6 a.m. Sunday, June 22. The first crest was about 2 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, at 27.5 feet.
“We are very, very excited about the new crest predictions,” said Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director. “This level is still above the critical design stage of 24.5 feet for the levee, and we will still monitor the condition of the levee closely and be extremely cautious, but it’s great news.”
McReynolds said the river is expected to remain above that critical design stage until Monday night, June 23.
“We will not lift the voluntary evacuation until after we are absolutely sure that we will stay below that critical level and that the condition of the levee remains good,” McReynolds said. “I know folks want to go home, but we also want to keep them safe and we will make the best decision as quickly as we can. I hope by early next week.”
McReynolds said the best explanation for the rapid drop in the level of the Mississippi overnight Wednesday and all day Thursday has been the combination of timing for the cresting of the river north of Canton and the breaking of levees across the river in Illinois.
“As the river crested north of us, it began to fall. With the first small levee break across the river, we began to see a slow drop and with the huge break that followed, the river began to unload quickly,” McReynolds explained. “It’s not a fluke. It’s exactly what happened in ’93.”
McReynolds said that the river will begin to rise Thursday night or Friday and that crests further downriver are likely to be closer to the predicted record crests.
FREE MOVIES ADDED FOR FRIDAY
The Lewis Street Playhouse has added another free movie to thank volunteers at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 20. The film, starring George Clooney and Renee Zellweger, is "Leatherheads" (PG-13), a romantic comedy set in the 1920s that is loosely based around events in the life of real-life football star, Red Grange.
FREE MOVIE 1:30 and 4:30 TODAY WITH THANKS
In appreciation of Canton's flood-fighting volunteers, the Lewis Street Playhouse will screen a free movie today only at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.
The film is "21"(Rated PG-13), the true story of six MIT students who were trained by their professor to become experts in card counting and who took the Vegas casinos for millions. The film stars Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Laurence Fishburne, and Jim Sturgess.
First-come, first-served.
VOLUNTARY EVACUATION REMAINS IN PLACE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
The voluntary evacuation remains in place for those who live east of 7th Street in Canton. He urged residents not to be in the streets or sleeping in their homes east of 7th Street after dark.
“If something should happen, a nighttime water rescue situation puts everyone in harm’s way,” Jeff McReynolds, emergency management director, said.
ACCESS TO THE LEVEE RESTRICTED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Only those authorized by the Canton Emergency Operations Center will be allowed on the levee effective immediately. Violators will be subject to arrest.
“This is for the safety of the levee as well as the safety of the individuals,” Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director, said.
The city has built a gravel observation ramp to view the river at the end of Henderson Street. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the ramp.
SECOND CREST PREDICTED FOR CANTON
Although the Mississippi River dropped significantly at Canton overnight, a second crest has been predicted at 27.2 feet about 1 a.m. Friday June 20. That level will be almost as high as the 27.5 that the Canton levee withstood about 2 a.m. Wednesday, June 18 and less than the historic 1993 levels.
“What’s happening is that recent levee breaks are taking some of the water out of the river, but they can only take so much. Once those areas are saturated, the river level will rise just as fast as it fell,” said Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director. “It’s not over yet. Canton is still at high risk.”
McReynolds said the Canton levee is currently in good shape and that Thursday’s activities involved monitoring and safeguarding the levee to withstand the predicted second crest.
“Once the water rises again, it’s predicted to stay high through the weekend,” McReynolds added. “We’re not done. We have to keep our guard up. Canton will be at high risk for probably another week.”
CITY COMPLETES PHASE ONE OF LEVEE EFFORT. THANK YOU!
The city of Canton has completed phase one of its flood-fighting efforts – the building up of the city’s levee. The Mississippi River is predicted to crest overnight at 27.7 feet about 1 a.m. in Canton.
“We are immensely grateful to everyone who came and helped us build up the levee,” said Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director. “At this time, we are temporarily halting the volunteer operation in Canton, and we encourage volunteers to help at other high-risk areas.
“I can’t say enough to thank the thousands of people who turned out to help Canton over the past six days. From those who volunteered daycare services for the children of other volunteers; to those who made sandwiches, hauled water and fed thousands of volunteers; to those who filled and muscled sandbags tirelesslessly into the night; to those who sustained our Emergency Operations Center (and the needs of everyone now working on the hill, this community owes you a debt of gratitude. Every one of you is a hero in my book.”
McReynolds said that the situation is still extremely critical in Canton because of the extremely high river levels. “Don’t breathe a sigh of relief and think it’s over,” he added. “All that water is going to put immense pressure on the levee, and now the second phase of monitoring the levee and addressing trouble spots has begun.”
SITUATION STILL CRITICAL, DON'T SLEEP AT HOME AT NIGHT EAST OF 7TH STREET UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Due to the high risk that still exists in Canton, McReynolds said that all residents east of 7th Street are still encouraged NOT to sleep in their homes at night until further notice.
ACCESS TO LEVEE RESTRICTED
Moving forward, the city of Canton will restrict access to the levee.
“After 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, no one is allowed on the Canton levee until further notice unless authorized by the EOC,” McReynolds said.
“We are taking this measure due to currently moist conditions both for the safety of the levee and the safety of individuals.”
McReynolds said the city has built a gravel observation area at the end of Henderson Street for those who want to check out the river level. No motorized traffic is allowed on the observation area.
As of Wednesday afternoon, June 18, the Canton Veterinary Clinic has room to take nine pets from people affected by the flood.
Please call the clinic at 573-288-3817 for more information.
NEED SANDBAGGERS, PEOPLE WHO CAN MUSCLE BAGS AT THE LEVEE. REPORT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO GET ASSIGNMENTS AT OLD NIEMANN'S STORE, 515 LEWIS ST. HEAVY-DUTY FOUR WHEELERS WITH UTILITY TRAILERS ARE NEEDED STARTING AT NOON.
IMMEDIATE AND URGENT NEED FOR SANDBAGGERS IN CANTON. PLEASE REPORT TO OLD GROCERY STORE, 515 LEWIS ST., ACROSS FROM THE POST OFFICE FOR ASSIGNMENTS.
FAMILY INSURANCE GROUP NOW ON CAMPUS.
Family Insurance Group has temporarily relocated to the Culver-Stockton College campus as a precaution. You can find them in Science Center 107.
All businesses relocated to campus will continue to use their existing phone numbers.
NEED SANDBAGGERS, PEOPLE WHO CAN MUSCLE BAGS AT THE LEVEE. REPORT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO GET ASSIGNMENTS AT OLD NIEMANN'S STORE, 515 LEWIS ST. HEAVY-DUTY 4-WHEELERS WITH SMALL GARDEN TRAILERS ARE NEEDED STARTING AT NOON.
SOME BUSINESSES MOVE TO CAMPUS
As a precaution as the Mississippi River rises, several Canton businesses have relocated to the campus of Culver-Stockton College.
Currently working from campus are the Canton R-V School District summer school, Canton State Bank (Shannon Residence Hall Lounge), First Federal Bank (Science Center 113 and 110), the Press-News Journal, Upchurch and Associates, the Canton Senior Housing Authority, and the North East Community Action Corp. , NECAC (Johnson 115A).
Bank customers can access the new locations via Washington Street. Parking is available between Shannon Hall and the Science Center.
If more businesses temporarily move to campus, those names will be posted here.
All businesses relocated to campus will continue to use their existing phone numbers.
CALL 573-819-0512 FOR INFO ABOUT VOLUNTEERING
Due to the high volume of calls at the Canton EOC, a new number has been created so that people who want to volunteer can more quickly get information. To volunteer in Canton, call 573-819-0512.
Today, we urgently need sandbaggers and people who can muscle bags onto the levee as soon as possible. Beginning at noon, we need heavy-duty four-wheelers with small garden trailers. All volunteers should report to the old Niemann's grocery store, 515 Lewis St., for assignments.
TUESDAY IS D-DAY FOR CANTON
HIGHLY RECOMMEND SLEEPING IN SHELTERS AT NIGHT
Tuesday is D-Day for Canton, Mo., in its battle with the Mississippi River, according to Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director.
Currently, the crest is predicted at 27.6 feet on June 18.
“The Emergency Operations Center highly, highly recommends that any Canton resident east of 7th Street sleep outside their homes in an emergency shelter beginning tonight, June 16, and continuing until further notice. If residents need help, they should call the Red Cross Hotline at 573-248-9079,” McReynolds said. “I don’t want anyone sleeping in their houses at night.”
McReynolds said all able-bodied men should report for sandbagging and levee duties as soon as possible Tuesday, June 17, starting at 7 a.m. Volunteers should report to the old Niemann’s store, 515 Lewis St. “Please be patient while you are being assigned,” McReynolds said.
Canton also needs heavy-duty four wheelers with small garden trailers to report on Tuesday at the same location to receive assignments.
The Canton EOC can be reached at 573-288-0047 or 573-288-0057.
QUINCY HUMANE SOCIETY MAY BE ABLE TO HELP WITH PETS
The Quincy Humane Society has limited space available but will try to assist Canton residents with an emergency placement for their pets if needed.
Each situation will be evaluated individually.
Call 217-223-8786.
CANTON EOC HAS RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING.
HULSHOF SEEKS DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR MISSOURI
HANNIBAL, MO. – U.S. Congressman Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo., today called on President Bush to provide expedited federal disaster assistance to Missouri to assist those impacted by the flooding that will hit Northeast Missouri. Hulshof will be in Northeast Missouri on Tuesday to review and aid Missourians affected by the flooding.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been harmed by this natural disaster,” Hulshof said. “We must do everything we can to help our communities in Northeast Missouri in their time of need.”
To receive a federal disaster declaration, the Governor must first request the designation for counties affected by the natural disaster. Once a formal declaration is issued by the President, a variety of assistance can be made available to affected counties and individuals. Possible forms of assistance include grants and loans, as well as temporary housing and unemployment. Public assistance, such as funding to repair or replace public facilities and infrastructure, is also provided.
"After 1993, many of us prayed we would never see a flood of similar proportions in our lifetimes. Unfortunately, it appears that over the next few days we will see near-record levels along the Upper Mississippi River," Hulshof said. "I am working closely with local, state and federal emergency management and elected officials to help protect Missourians' homes and businesses from the rising waters.”
As of Tuesday, June 17, the Canton Veterinary Clinic will be able to accept some pets from people affected by the flood.
The clinic is receiving 50 more dog crates and will be able to use space in the Caldwell Building.
Please call the clinic at 573-288-3817 for more information.
CANTON NEEDS WORKERS TODAY
The city of Canton is in urgent need of volunteers today to continue flood-fighting efforts.
“We are getting the work done. We are solving problems as they come, but manpower is my concern today,” said Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director. “We urgently need people on that levee who can help build it up. The river is still rising and putting a tremendous amount of pressure on the levee.”
McReynolds said that more than 1,100 individuals volunteered to help over the weekend, with more than 600 alone on Sunday “but I expect that number to drop to about 300 today, and that isn’t enough. Please come help.”
Volunteers should check in at the old Niemann's building, 515 Lewis St., to receive their assignments.
For information, contact the EOC at 573-288-0047 or 573-288-0057.
EMERGENCY SHELTER OPENS ON C-SC CAMPUS
residents who are responding to the call for a voluntary evacuation and who need to find a safe location are urged to come to the temporary emergency shelter being organized by the American Red Cross on the Culver-Stockton campus.
“They don’t need a reservation. They can register when they get here,” said Beth Dickerson, director of health, safety and preparedness for the Northeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross. “This is a very nice roomy shelter with showers, bathrooms, food, security, social activities, and an air-conditioned room for cooling off. We’re not a hotel, but we’re here for those residents who have no place to go.”
Dickerson said that some Chicago-area Red Cross volunteers who will be helping to sandbag in Canton will also stay in the shelter.
The shelter is located in the Activity and Recreation Center (ARC) on the Culver-Stockton campus off the lower parking lot behind the Herrick Foundation Center.
Volunteers from a variety of agencies assisting with the flood efforts also are staying on campus, and Culver-Stockton is providing housing to some residents who have been evacuated from the Canton Senior Housing Authority facilities.
For information about the shelter, call the Red Cross at 573-248-9079.
URGENTLY NEEDED ASAP - WORKERS, HEAVY-DUTY FOUR-WHEELERS WITH SMALL GARDEN TRACTORS. REPORT TO OLD NIEMANN'S BUILDING FOR LEVEE ASSIGNMENTS.
QUINCY KENNEL CLUB WILL HELP WITH DOGS
The Quincy Kennel Club is compiling a list of volunteers willing to take in dogs as temporary fosters for area evacuees. There also are a couple of runs available for outside dogs at the moment and the group is working on finding foster families or other alternatives for others.
If you are in need of housing for your dog during the time you are evacuated, call Anne at 217-257-1322, or Julie or Greg at 217-242-0338 or visit the QKC webpage at www.quincykennelclub.com/
CANTON POST OFFICE CONTINUES OPERATIONS,
WILL DELIVER OR HOLD MAIL FOR EVACUEES
The Canton Post Office plans to continue operations until further notice from its building at 500 Lewis Street and will continue to deliver mail to Canton residents, according to Mary Earlywine, postmaster.
If you are staying on the Culver-Stockton Campus, the post office will be notified by those registering evacuees so you do not need to contact the Post Office about your mail. You may call for your mail at the Post Office building at 10:30 a.m. or later daily.
If you are temporarily staying at another location, please notify the Post Office. You can report your location online at www.usps.com. Go to “Receiving Mail” on the home page and leave instructions for forwarding or holding your mail. Forms and instructions also are available in the Post Office lobby.
The Post Office can only forward mail to another address if it is notified through the website or in writing. Phone requests cannot be accepted.
Mail being held at the Post Office is available for pick-up after 10:30 a.m. each day.
Flood Watch 2008 Fast Facts
Here is a rundown of what is currently happening with the Canton Flood Watch as well as how the Culver-Stockton College campus is supporting those efforts.
As of 4 p.m. Sunday, June 15:
1. The current prediction is for the river to crest at 27.3 feet at 1 a.m. on June 19.
2. Hundreds of volunteers, including C-SC faculty, staff, alumni, and students have been working to build a batterwall and sandbag the levee throughout the weekend.
3. The Canton Emergency Operations Center is headquartered in the Herrick Foundation Center.
4. C-SC is housing several key organizations that are involved in holding back the river or supporting Canton residents, including AmeriCorps, the Missouri National Guard, etc.
5. Other key organizations and agencies are volunteering in the city, such as Heartland, the Salvation Army, area churches, and several Disciples of Christ groups.
6. Some 50-60 firefighters from other parts of Missouri have been in the city and on campus volunteering.
7. Canton issued a voluntary evacuation order Sunday morning, June 15.
8. City streets are marked as to where floodwaters would probably STOP if there was a levee breach at 27.5 feet (yellow - the top of the existing levee) or 29.5 feet (orange - the top of the sandbags being added to the levee).
9. The Red Cross has established a temporary emergency shelter in the ARC.
10. Some residents of the Canton Senior Housing Authority have been evacuated to Johnson Hall.
11. Neither Culver-Stockton nor the Red Cross are accepting pets or storing residents’ personal items on campus.
12. A few faculty and staff affected by the voluntary evacuation have moved onto campus.
13. Canton R-V summer classes are moving to Henderson Hall on Monday, with younger students finishing class this week and high school classes continuing through next week.
14. Several Canton businesses are moving into spaces on campus to continue operations.
15. The C-SC Girls Basketball camp scheduled for this week has been canceled.
CULVER-STOCKTON NOT ACCEPTING ITEMS FOR STORAGE
Contrary to a story reported Saturday, Culver-Stockton College is not providing storage for Canton residents involved in the voluntary evacuation of the city.
Residents seeking temporary emergency shelter through the Red Cross, which is housing its shelter facility in a C-SC building, are subject to Red Cross regulations. The shelter is unable to accept storage items.
To reserve space at the shelter, please call the Red Cross hotline at 573-248-9079
CANTON VETERINARY CLINIC FULL; NEEDS CARRIER DONATIONS
Currently the Canton Veterinary Clinic is full and unable to accept pets during the voluntary evacuation of Canton. The Humane Society is unable to commit any resources unless there is an actual flood event.
However, the clinic will help residents consider other options for their pets, which are not allowed in shelters.
The clinic also is in urgent need of dog crates and pet taxis. Donations may be dropped at the center, 30182 Pear St.
If you need to talk with the clinic about your pet, please call 573-288-3817.
Immanuel Methodist Church, 6th and Washington, will operate a child care center for flood workers. The free service includes nutritious food. .
Volunteers are needed to help.
The service will be open from 2-9 pm on Sunday, June 15, and from 8-9 pm Monday, June 16, and Tuesday, June 17.
CANTON CALLS FOR VOLUNTARY EVACUATION
The city of Canton has called for a voluntary evacuation as the Mississippi River continues to rise. The current crest prediction as of Sunday morning is 28 feet on June 18. City streets were marked Saturday to indicate where floodwaters are predicted to stop in the event of a levee breach.
“This crest mirrors our successful efforts in 1993, and we still have confidence that we can win this battle,” said Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director. “However, it is now time for us to make preparations for the impending crest this Wednesday. If you live east of 6th Street, in Canton senior housing, or in the north end mobile home park, we would highly recommend you evacuate. If you live between 6th and 8th streets, you are still at risk in the event of a levee breach.”
Two lines have been painted on Canton streets to provide the best available estimates of where floodwaters will STOP in the event of a levee breach. The yellow line indicates where the water will probably STOP if there is a levee breach with a river level of 27.5 feet. The orange line indicates where the water will probably STOP if there is a levee breach with a river level of 29.5 feet. The top of the existing levee is 27.5 feet, and sandbagging efforts are raising that height to 29.5 feet.
“There are no guarantees but these are the surveyors’ best estimates. If you are at or near the line, you are likely to have some water in your lowest level. Water, of course, will get deeper closer to the river,” McReynolds said.
In coordination with the Canton Emergency Operations Center, Culver-Stockton College is working with the Red Cross, which will set up a temporary emergency shelter on campus. Please call the Red Cross to make a reservation for the emergency temporary shelter or if you need assistance. The Red Cross hotline is 573-248-9079.
“We feel comfortable that things are still well under control. Please take the time you need to make proper preparations. Remember to make provisions for your pets and to take all your medications with you. There is no need for panic,” McReynolds said.
The voluntary evacuation was announced in all churches in the city during morning services today.
There is a call out for volunteers to provide child care services Sunday so that parents can work on sandbagging and building up the levee.
If you can help, call Jess Peter, who is coordinating the effort at 573-819-0512.
The day care service will be provided at the site for volunteers to check in, the Niemann building, 515 Lewis St.
CANTON MARKS CITY STREETS FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD LEVELS,
NEEDS VOLUNTEERS AND LEVEE WALKERS
Lines have been painted across the city streets in Canton to indicate possible floodwater levels in the event of a levee breach.
Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director, said that surveyors have developed best estimates of where floodwater will stop at two key river levels. Two marks, one east of the other, are on every city street. The most eastern mark, painted in yellow, indicates where water will STOP if water enters the city when the river is at 27.5 feet. The second more western mark, painted in orange, indicates where water will STOP if water enters the city at 29.5 feet.
McReynolds said 27.5 feet represents the existing levee height and 29.5 feet represents the sandbag level being added to the levee.
“If you are on the line or close to it, you would probably have a wet basement should there be a breach at that river level. Naturally, the floodwaters would become deeper as you move closer to the river,” McReynolds said. “We cannot provide survey points on every home in Canton, but we hope marking the streets will provide helpful information to everyone.”
Residents who are confused and need additional assistance in evaluating the possible impact on individual private property, should call the EOC at 573-288-0047 or 573-288-0057, which will respond as quickly as possible.
“We want to keep the community well informed, so they can make an educated decision regarding their property,” McReynolds added. “We made excellent progress on the levee yesterday and we have a good weather forecast for nearly a week. The best action residents can take right now is volunteer and help us sandbag the levee. This weekend is CRITICAL.”
With the river level expected to reach 24.5 feet Sunday afternoon, McReynolds said the Emergency Operations Center will be open around the clock and volunteers also are needed to begin walking the levee as of sunset Saturday.
“We’ll be walking the levees all night every night until the river level drops back below 24.5 feet,” he said.
To volunteer to walk the levee, contact the EOC at 573-288-0047 or 573-288-0057.
LEVEE WALKERS NEEDED STARTING TONIGHT
With the river level expected to reach 24.5 feet Sunday night volunteers are needed to begin walking the levee as of sunset Saturday.
The levees will be walked all night every night until the river level drops back below 24.5 feet.
To volunteer to walk the levee, contact the EOC at 573-288-0047 or 573-288-0057.
The EOC is now open 24 hours a day.
LA GRANGE ISSUES URGENT REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers to help with sandbagging are urgently needed in LaGrange.
Greg Doscher, chief of the LaBelle Fire District and assistant Lewis County emergency management director, said that the town is critically short of volunteers to help hold back the rising river waters. Volunteers should report to the LaGrange Firehouse on Route C.
Doscher said he is working closely with Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director, and other first-response officials in the area to create a regional rescue situation should it be necessary.
“We don’t want to spread our first responders so thin as volunteers that they aren’t available in an emergency situation,” he added. “We need everyone who can to volunteer in LaGrange, Canton, and other affected communities.”
VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED
Canton is in urgent need of volunteers for sandbagging and work on the levee all day today, June 14, and tomorrow, June 15. The river level is predicted to reach 24.5 feet about midnight Sunday and to crest at 27.2 about June 19.
Volunteers should report to the Niemann building, 515 Lewis Street. Bring gloves and a shovel. More tetanus vaccine will arrive later today. The tetanus shot is most important for those in contact with river water and/or rust. Avoid those duties if you have not had a tetanus shot recently. Check with Lewis County Health Department officials at Niemann's to determine whether your last tetanus shot is still effective.
UPDATES to WISH LIST -- large garbage bags, hand sanitizer, bandaids.
The crest prediction for the Mississippi River at Canton is now 27.4 feet on Thursday, June 19.
Volunteers are needed all weekend to work on sandbagging. Heavy-duty 4-wheelers are needed.
Bring gloves and shovels. All volunteers, including 4-wheeler drivers must check in at Niemann's first. Only certain types of 4-wheelers will be allowed on the levee. Free tetanus shots will be available at check-in, and everyone is encouraged to get one.
VOLUNTEERS, HEAVY DUTY 4-WHEELERS NEEDED
The city of Canton is continuing to build up its levee as the Mississippi River rises and will continue to need volunteers throughout the weekend.
“The work is going very well, and I am encouraged that we are going to get the work done, but we need to have those volunteers throughout the weekend,” said Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director, who is leading efforts at the Emergency Operations Center. “We must have a major impact on the levee this weekend to be effective.”
McReynolds said all volunteers must check in at the Niemann’s building, 515 Lewis Street, across from the U.S. Post Office. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves and a shovel if possible. All volunteers who will be working with sandbags or on the levee are urged to get a free tetanus shot, being administered at check-in by the Lewis County Health Department.
At this time, Canton also is looking volunteers to bring their heavy-duty four-wheelers beginning Saturday morning. All four-wheelers must be checked in at Neimann’s and only certain types will be allowed on the levee, McReynolds said.
As a precaution, Canton R-V School will move the remainder of summer sessions to Culver-Stockton College classrooms in Henderson Hall (and a PE class in the Field House). This begins on Monday, June 16, with the elementary programs ending on Friday, June 20, and a few high school programs running through June 27.
Parents will bring their children to Henderson between 7:45 and 8:00 am, with elementary pick up at noon and the high school students at 1:00 p.m.
During student drop-off and pick-up times, parents are asked to travel up the Concourse to campus and exit on Washington Street, to eliminate turning around in the Henderson area. School staff will be on hand to help escort students into Henderson.
The crest prediction for Canton is 26.3 feet by noon on Wednesday, June 18. At this time, the prediction is that the river will be above 24.5 feet from noon, Monday, June 16 until midnight, Sunday, June 22. Additional rains could change the predictions.
Currently, the greatest need is for volunteers to sandbag. Please bring gloves and a shovel if possible. All volunteers are asked to get a free tetanus shot. Check-in at the Niemann's building, 515 Lewis St., where shots are available. Water is available on site. A light lunch is available for volunteers at Immanuel Methodist Church on Washington St. from the Salvation Army.
There are several sandbagging sites. Volunteers need to check in to get assigned to a work area.
CANTON ISSUES URGENT CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
CANTON, Mo. – The city of Canton has issued an urgent call for volunteers to help fill sandbags to bolster the levee this weekend.
“We need everyone we can get today, Saturday and Sunday,” said Jeff McReynolds, Canton emergency management director, who is leading efforts at the Emergency Operations Center. “We must have a major impact on the levee this weekend to be effective.”
Volunteers should check in at the Niemann’s building, 515 Lewis Street, across from the U.S. Post Office. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves and a shovel if possible.
All volunteers who will be working with sandbags or on the levee are urged to get a tetanus shot, even if they have had one within the past few years. The Lewis County Health Department will be administering the shots, provided by the state of Missouri, at no charge at the Niemann’s building.
The crest prediction for the Mississippi River has been raised to 26.6 feet on June 18, 2008.
Tetanus shots will be available for volunteers who are sandbagging or working on the levee. The Lewis County Health Department will have 100 shots available at 7 a.m. Friday, June 13, at the volunteer check-in point in the old grocery store on Lewis Street across from the U.S. Post Office. More doses will be available on Saturday, June 14.
EVERYONE SHOULD GET A TETANUS SHOT IF THEY ARE WORKING WITH SANDBAGS OR ON THE LEVEE IF THEIR LAST SHOT WAS MORE THAN FIVE YEARS AGO, ACCORDING TO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
The Salvation Army will have snacks available for volunteers beginning Friday. The Salvation Army will be stationed at Immanuel Methodist Church on Washington Street. Water also is available to volunteers.
Please bring your own shovel and work gloves if possible.
Major work on the levee begins today. Panels are being prebuilt to construct a two-foot high batterwall on top of the levee, with the option to go a foot higher. Sandbagging will begin at 7 a.m. Friday and continue through the weekend, focusing on the north end of the levee from Henderson Street to the ballpark. Officials are predicting that it will take about 800,000 sandbags to bolster the levee. Volunteers are asked to report to the old grocery store on Lewis Street, across from the Post Office. PLEASE DO NOT BRING 4-WHEEL VEHICLES AT THIS TIME.
Currently, the crest is predicted for June 18 at 26.2 feet. Additional rain will increase river levels. The most current predictions are on the NOAA website. NOTE: The NOAA website includes one inaccuracy about the Canton levee. The river will not top the levee unless it reaches 27.5 feet.
Green Street is closed. The ferry stops running at noon today. Henderson Street will close as soon as possible.
The Mississippi River is currently forecast to crest at 26.2 feet on June 18. Updates will be posted here or you can track the status on the NOAA website.
Sand and other materials are being brought in overnight to build a batterwall and begin sandbagging to raise the height of the levee.
An emergency operations center has been established on the Culver-Stockton College campus, and area officials are meeting regularly with outside agencies to plan for possible responses to any type of emergency in the area.
NOTE: There is NO EVACUATION ORDER IN PLACE.
If you have an emergency, call 911.
For information call 573-288-0047 or 573-288-0057. You can also
e-mail flood2008@culver.edu
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