Evacuees asked not to call police when to return home

CAIRO, IL (KFVS) - Update

The Alexander County Emergency Management is asking due to the high quantity of calls they are receiving that the evacuated residents of Cairo not  call the Police or any other agency about when to return home.

Marty Nicholson, Emergency Management Coordinator says they will notify residents when it is safe through the news media, and they appreciate your cooperation.

Original Story

Cairo was under a mandatory evacuation order by 12 a.m. Sunday according to Mayor Judson Childs.

" I am making this decision because I am here to protect the citizens of Cairo. I care about them and I don't want them in harms way," said Mayor Childs.

ISP Captain Harry Massey says only emergency personnel are allowed to stay.

The mayor says there is no break in the levee nor is there a problem with any of the earthen levees.

"If nothing happens I still feel comfortable with my decision, it's about lives," said Mayor Childs.

The predicted rain and the sand boils are the biggest concern right now.

Please do not panic and exit the city in a timely manner by midnight.  If you would like a copy of the evacuation plans, stop at the Cairo Police Department. Also, please register with the Cairo Police Department at 618-734-2141 and the Alexander County Sheriff's Department at 618-734-2141.

The Fire Chief will call for transportation to be staged at the High School and City Hall for an estimated 300 residents to be evacuated.

Transportation routes

Evacuate Route 37 to the north.

City Hall and High School location are pickup points.  Transportation will by First Student and

SMART bus: 22 people and 3 buses equal 66 residents. First Student bus: Call Mike Patton 618-527-4493.

Pets will be evacuated with the people.

Nursing home has been evacuated. Mental health assisted-living facility has been evacuated.

Housing

American Red Cross will house and feed people at the Shawnee College and use Meridian High School, Anna Heights Baptist Church and Choate State Hospital for other shelters. The Southern Baptist Church Kitchen will be utilized to feed evacuees at locations other than Shawnee, collection point for all evacuees is Shawnee College.

Also, Bunge North America has a capacity of 40,000 of Hexane. The plant may transfer the chemical to a storage tank within 6 hours of the decision point. Management assure the city  the process will be shut down without compromising the city.

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