Purdue Extension provides resources to flood-ravaged counties

January 10, 2008

Purdue Extension provides resources to flood-ravaged counties

Unprecedented flooding in northern Indiana has claimed lives, homes and property and more flooding is expected. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service has responded by delivering more than 5,000 copies of "First Steps to Flood Recovery," to people forced out of their homes and businesses. The publication gives tips on safeguarding their families, safely reentering homes, salvaging belongings, keeping drinking water safe and more.

According to Joseph Mays, data specialist for the Indiana State Climate Office at Purdue, there are record flows out of Oakdale Dam in Carroll County and along the Tippecanoe River. Major flooding has been reported along northern sections of the Kankakee, St. Joseph and Tippecanoe Rivers. Portions of the St. Joseph, Kankakee, Wabash, Tippecanoe, Yellow, Maumee and Big Blue rivers are expected to continue rising for the next few days.

Floodwaters in affected areas could take as long as a week to recede, Mays said.

Purdue employees with friends and family affected by the floods can find "First Steps to Flood Recovery," and more helpful information at the Purdue Extension Disaster Education Network Web site, http://www.ces.purdue.edu/eden/ . More information also is available by clicking on "Floods and Storms."