Earlier today, I posted a "joke" about a class action lawsuit. My fellow refugees, it's time to look into it for real.

I'll be like John Hancock...I'll sign first and I'll sign LARGE!

From the Southeast Missourian...

Link to Original Story

Effects of swollen Ohio River still being felt in Southern Illinois

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 ~ Updated 6:36 PM

By Erin Hevern ~ Southeast Missourian

CAIRO, Ill. -- It's still difficult traveling to and around Cairo, according to city officials, who on Wednesday were still not allowing residents to return to the Southern Illinois city that has been largely evacuated since Sunday.

After the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operated the second phase in breaching the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway on Tuesday, Mayor Tyrone Coleman advised residents he was keeping a mandatory evacuation in place, due to unprecedented flooding. Residents, about 100 of them, who chose to stay in Cairo are allowed to leave in order to get supplies and re-enter with proper identification.

"Everybody seems to think because we're having nice weather that everything's fine ... but we're still above the flood stage they had in '37," Cairo police chief Gary Hankins said Wednesday afternoon. "Our problems have not gone away. We still have issues and concerns that we're dealing with."

Hankins added that authorities have a list of residents who can get back in Cairo at this time and their addresses. However, it hasn't stopped others from trying to get home, he said.

"We feel for them, but it's an issue of safety," Hankins said. "We're down to two ways out of town. If one of those happens to be blocked or not viable anymore, then we're down to one way out."

The Ohio River at Cairo was at 59.8 feet at 5 p.m. Wednesday, down from its historic crest of 61.72 feet at 10 p.m. Monday before the effects of the first levee blast were felt. It jumped briefly to 60 feet at 4 p.m., according to a National Weather Service reading. The river is still forecast to drop below 59.5 feet Saturday.

Traffic was still being rerouted Wednesday at Olive Branch, Ill., where Highway 3 was closed due to flooding over the road. At Tamms, Ill., Highway 127 remained closed as the city is still pumping seep water into the Cache River. Both towns were inundated with water this week, causing many families to evacuate. County law enforcement, with other emergency personnel, performed numerous water rescues to take people from their residences.

CAT Tracks Editor's Note:

Don't expect any help from FEMA...they turned an appeal about living expenses down flat, indicating that the area had not been declared a federal disaster area.

Don't expect any help from IEMA. Immediately below is a copy of an e-mail indicating their position:

From : Thompson, Patti[mailto:Patti.Thompson@illinois.gov]
Sent : 5/4/2011 6:42:51 PM
To : *****
Cc :
Subject : FW: inquiry regarding lodging reimbursement

Dear Mr. *****,

I am responding to your email regarding lodging reimbursement. I know this is a very difficult time for you and others who have had to leave their homes because of dangerous flooding conditions. Although the City of Cairo ordered a mandatory evacuation to protect the safety of its residents, IEMA, by law, cannot provide reimbursements or other monetary assistance to individuals. However, we work closely with the American Red Cross during disasters to provide sheltering, food and other needs for anyone displaced from their home. There currently are seven ARC shelters open (see list below).

If you have homeowners insurance, you can check with your insurance agent to see if you have coverage for additional living expenses. I encourage you to also contact your local Illinois Department of Human Services office at 618-833-2118 to see if you are eligible for any crisis assistance programs.

I hope this information is helpful. I hope conditions improve quickly and you are able to return to your home soon.

Patti Thompson
Communications Manager
Illinois Emergency Management Agency

Shelters as of 5-4-11

PULASKI COUNTY
Shawnee Community College
8364 Shawnee College Road
Ullin IL

WHITE COUNTY
Crossville Baptist Church
507 N. State Street
Crossville

First Christian Church
504 Bohleber Drive
Carmi

JACKSON COUNTY
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
7168 Old Highway 13
Carbondale

Eurma Hayes Center
441 E. Willow St.
Carbondale

MASSAC COUNTY
Waldo Baptist Church
6970 Waldo Church Road
Metropolis IL