Protecting infrastructure critical

Protecting critical infrastructure is a priority in any flood operation.  

Critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, levees, pump stations, power plants and hospitals, is essential to a community’s health, safety, security and economic well-being.  

The State of Illinois utilizes work crews from the Illinois Department of Corrections, IDOC, to provide extra manpower to flood fighting efforts in river communities.  

These individuals, vetted by a complex IDOC application process, are filling sandbags at various locations across the state, and helping communities fortify levees.  

The crews are supervised by the Illinois State Police or IDOC at all times.  Despite the challenging circumstances and work conditions, IDOC said in a news release that the crews are in good spirits and a welcome addition to the workforce.

As of June 10, IDOC crews had worked more than 6,000 hours placing sandbags for the Illinois flood fight, which began in early March.

“IDOC is proud to play a role in keeping our communities safe from ravaging floodwaters,” IDOC acting director Rob Jeffreys said. “The volunteer workers are developing self-esteem, responsibility and service-mindedness by taking part in sandbag operations.”

Members of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois National Guard, the Illinois State Police and countless local civilian volunteers and organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are working together to battle the swollen rivers and protect our river communities.