FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2011

Flood Leads Mayor To Declare State of Emergency
Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr. today declared a state of emergency as flood waters from the
Mississippi River continue to creep towards homes and businesses. The river is expected to rise seven feet
above flood stage to 41 feet by late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. More than 2,000 properties could
be affected.

“Our top priority now is to keep residents safe and informed. The rivers and creeks are rising. People
need to be alert and prepared to quickly move,” said Mayor Luttrell.

Mayor Luttrell made the declaration late this afternoon to emergency responders from various bureaus who
gathered at the Shelby County Office of Preparedness Emergency Operations Center.

While most residents were asleep last night, a team of engineers from the Shelby County Public Works
Department and Memphis Light, Gas and Water met until the early morning hours with professors at the
University of Memphis to plot possible flood damage.

A Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) model indicates flood waters could touch 2,259 properties along the
Mississippi and Wolf Rivers and Nonconnah Creek and Big Creek. It’s important to note that doesn’t
necessarily mean those properties will be underwater, but just affected in some way by the high water.

“It’s vital we go ahead and alert people to the flood possibilities so they can take action. We’ve made no
order to evacuate. However, some who live in flood-prone areas have left their homes,” said Bob
Nations, Jr., Director of the Shelby County Office of Preparedness.

In Millington, Mayor Richard Hodges and his staff are assisting several people who have voluntarily left their
homes and businesses. “We’re monitoring the water levels. Citizens need to remain vigilant,” said Mayor
Hodges. The City of Millington has set up an emergency hotline for residents to call for information: (901) 873-
5779.

Also late today, some industries on Presidents Island suspended operations. The height of the Mississippi River
is preventing barges from docking to unload supplies.

The high water has led to the closure of several roads and four parks in Germantown:

ROADS CLOSED

Stewart Road
Brunswick Road
Old Covington Pike
Collierville-Arlington between Shelton and Raleigh-LaGrange
Loosahatchie River Bridge on Raleigh-Millington Road south of Fite Road—NO HEAVY TRUCK TRAFFIC

(More)

Shelby County Office of Preparedness HLS/EMA

HLS -1075 Mullins Station Rd., Memphis, TN 38134 (901) 379-7094
EMA – 2668 Avery Ave., Memphis, TN 38112 (901) 515-2525
www.staysafeshelby.us
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Flood Preparations
April 28, 2011

PARKS CLOSED

Germantown Greenway
Poplar Estates
Grove Park
Landsdowne Walking Trail

Citizens Need to Prepare Now for Possible Flooding

• Know the risks: Find out your risk of flooding. Visit: www.floodsmart.gov for more information
• Have a Disaster Kit: Include copies of important documents (insurance, driver's license, property
deeds, birth, marriage certificates and tax records). Pack water, non-perishable food, NOAA weather
radio, medicine, bedding and food for infants and pets
• Make a Plan: Decide where you will meet if separated. Designate an out-of- state contact. Move
valuables to second floors or attics. Know more than one route to and from work and school in case
roads become flooded
• Stay Informed: Listen to forecasts with a NOAA weather radio, TV, or ALERT FM

Don’t Swim In Flood Waters

Officials with the Shelby County Health Department urge people to avoid swimming and boating in flood waters.
Flood waters contain unhealthy substances including raw sewage.

Here are some additional safety tips:

• Wash your hands before drinking and eating, pay attention to any cuts or open wounds and limit
exposure to flood water, report any unusual symptoms to health care professionals and keep
vaccinations current

• Early symptoms from exposure to contaminated flood water may include upset stomach, intestinal
problems, headache and other flu-like discomfort. Anyone experiencing these and any other problems
should immediately seek medical attention

Call the Shelby County Office of Preparedness at (901) 515-2525 or (901) 636-2525 to report flooding.

(End of Release)

Shelby County Office of Preparedness HLS/EMA

HLS -1075 Mullins Station Rd., Memphis, TN 38134 (901) 379-7094
EMA – 2668 Avery Ave., Memphis, TN 38112 (901) 515-2525
www.staysafeshelby.us