WAVERLY - Utilizing information released by the National Weather Service at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 10, 2008, the Cedar River at Waverly crested at 19.12 feet. At 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, the river dropped to 18.7 feet. Officials do not expect a substantial drop in flood levels until Wednesday.

Residents should stay out of flooded areas and comply with evacuation notices for their safety.

There is raw sewage in the flood water. Residents are advised to stay out of the water.

Statistics:
Around 100 people were evacuated Tuesday from affected areas.
Around 1,000 homes and business in Waverly are without power.
Around 66 people are being sheltered through the Red Cross at The W. More are expected.
Around 500 homes and businesses are impacted by flood waters in the city of Waverly.

Janesville, Plainfield, Frederika Communities—
Plainfield: The river level is continuing to drop.
Frederika: The Wapsi River north of Tripoli has dropped to 17.56 feet at 3:30 p.m.
Janesville: The Cedar River is expected to crest early evening.

Clean-up and Recovery—
Financial Assistance: A Governor’s Proclamation has been received for Bremer County. A Governor’s Proclamation allows for state resources to be used for this flood event. Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management officials have been contacted regarding a Presidential Declaration for impacted residents in Bremer County. A Presidential Disaster Declaration may allow for individual assistance. Consideration for a Presidential Declaration cannot be made until after a Preliminary Disaster Assessment has been completed. This assessment will begin as soon as possible after flood waters recede.

At this time, FEMA assistance is not available. If or when FEMA assistance becomes available, public notification will be made through as local media outlets.

Sandbags, Debris and Contaminated Personal Items: Place at curb-side in separate piles. Do not place any food items with these materials.

Spoiled food: Specific drop off locations will be available in Waverly. Do not place food items at curb-side locations.

Clean-up kits: No Red Cross clean-up kits are available.

Restoring Electrical and Natural Gas Services: Power will be restored after the electrical circuits have been dried out and inspected by county officials. The Bremer County Building and Zoning Department is providing complimentary inspection of the damage and is waiving fees for electrical, plumbing and building permits for structures affected by flood damage. Permits are still required. This includes Waverly, Janesville and all areas under its jurisdiction. Permit applications are available online at www.co.bremer.ia.us, at the Bremer County Courthouse, or by calling (319) 352-0332.

Well testing for rural residents: Flooded, private water wells need to be tested and disinfected after the flood waters recede. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact the health department at (319) 352-0332 for assistance. A limited number of free water kits are available.

Volunteers or Request for Volunteers: Volunteer coordination will begin after the flood water recedes. A formal notice of volunteer opportunities and ways to access volunteer assistance will be provided on Wednesday. Individuals wanting to assist with the clean-up should come to the Waverly Public Library after 10 a.m. Wednesday. Do not go into the flood affected areas to assist with the clean-up until volunteers are requested.

Tetanus Shots—
• Tuesday, June 10 and ongoing – Waverly Health Center; Individuals should park in the green lot and use the green entrance to receive a free shot.
• Wednesday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Visiting Nursing Association/Bremer County Public Health; First National Bank, 921 West Bremer Avenue; shots are available for underinsured individuals.
• Tuesday, June 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Visiting Nursing Association/Bremer County Public Health; Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2001 West Bremer Avenue; shots are available for underinsured individuals.
• Other times; Visiting Nursing Association/Bremer County Public Health, 2530 University Avenue, Suite 3 in Waterloo, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (319) 235-6201. Shots are available for underinsured individuals.

Those who have had at least three previous tetanus shots and have a clean, minor wound, a “booster” is needed every ten years. For all other wounds, a tetanus shot is needed after five years. More information about tetanus is available on the Iowa Department of Public Health Web site, www.idph.state.ia.us.

Shelters—Shelters are available to all impacted individuals. The Red Cross is operating shelters at The Wartburg-Waverly Sports and Wellness Center on the Wartburg College Campus and at the West Gym at the University of Northern Iowa. Individuals needing assistance to evacuate may call (319) 352-4252.

Individuals with medical needs may go to Waverly Health Center. They should access the hospital from 2nd Avenue SW, park in the orange lot and use the orange entrance. Accommodations are available in Outpatient Surgery.

Shelters for pets are available at the following locations:
• Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital – (319) 352-3722
• Waverly Veterinary Clinic (cats only) – (319) 352-5732
• Rock River Retrievers – (319) 352-3200

Road Closings and Information— Travel is not recommended in Bremer County.
Changes in Waverly road closures are not expected until Wednesday. Two emergency access roads are open in Waverly. Emergency access for Murphy Addition is open at Horton Road and 5th Street NE. Emergency access for the Jahnke Addition is open at 10th Avenue and 4th Street SW. For state highway closings, log onto www.511ia.org.

Bridge Access:
• The 3rd Street SE bridge (green bridge) is closed.
• Pedestrian/bike trail bridge across the Cedar River is closed.
• Bremer Avenue bridge is closed.
• Horton Road and bridge are closed.

Regional Transit services are cancelled for Waverly on Tuesday, June 10.

Utilities—
Electric: If you live in low lying areas you should be prepared for your power to be out for the duration of the flood. Power will be restored as inspections and permits are obtained. See above information on restoring utilities.

Natural Gas: MidAmerican has shut off natural gas supplies to affected areas. Gas supplies will be restored as inspections and permits are obtained. See above information on restoring utilities.

Water: City of Waverly water is safe to drink.

Sewer: Sewer backups are likely.

Contact Information:
• Evacuations – (319) 352-4252
• Waverly Light and Power – (319) 352-6251
• Natural Gas, MidAmerican Energy – (888) 427-5632
• Visiting Nursing Association/Bremer County Public Health tetanus shots – (319) 235-6201
• Bremer County Planning and Zoning – (319) 352-0332

The flood warning will remain in effect until waters fall below flood stage.

Safety Reminders—The Waverly Police Department would like to remind citizens that flood waters can be very dangerous.
• Always obey and do not go around “road closed” signs. They are there for your protection.
• If you see excessive water in the roadway, avoid the area if possible.
• Never drive through flowing water, a foot of water can float most cars. This could cause you to be both stranded and trapped.
• Do not walk through floodwater. Water as low as six inches deep – or in some cases, less - may cause you to be swept away by strong currents. Use extra caution at night since visibility is greatly reduced and water on roads is difficult to gauge.
• Listen to the radio for traffic updates, and follow recommended routes.
• If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for water to subside.
• Do not play or stand in flood water even if there is no current. Flood water may become contaminated or conceal dangers such as wash out areas.
• Avoid unnecessary trips.
• DO NOT go sightseeing to look at flooded areas. Please allow citizens room to tend to their property without contributing to vehicle congestion due to limited roadway access.