Published: Jun. 26, 2024 at 10:11 AM CDT
NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (KTIV) - Officials in North Sioux City are working on getting residents access to their homes after flooding around McCook Lake displaced residents and destroyed several buildings.
The latest announcement from the city’s Facebook page says they are working on a system for residents of the affected area. And officials want to be clear, this re-entry for residents is only temporary and is just for those who live on Northshore and Penrose.
“There will be trailers set up on each end of Northshore. You will be issued an ID tag that will be used to check you in and out of your home,” stated officials on Facebook. “This will give you the opportunity to grab a few essentials, take pictures, and get what is needed. This is so we can safely account for residents.”
Read more: McCook Lake residents describe the harrowing minutes escaping flood waters
KTIV has confirmed there are trailers set up on each end of Northshore. Headid added that once a resident gets an ID, they will be put on a list for when they can go out, so long as their home is safe. If a home is deemed unsafe, a fireman or police officer will go in on the resident’s behalf.
This announcement was made Wednesday morning after a group of McCook Lake residents showed up at the North Sioux City Fire Department looking for answers to their questions about returning to their homes. Headid said city leaders are trying to improve communications with residents affected by the flood.
“Really not sure, you know. At this point, we’re pretty much taking things one day at a time. the point is to you know get in to get those person items cuz almost every one of us walked out with pretty much clothes on our back, there wasn’t much warning so yeah we go one day at a time now,” said Linda Cutsinger, a resident of the area.
The process for residents to re-enter their homes will be available until Saturday.
“The emergency management page in Union County will have updates as well as the city’s webpage as well as North Sioux City PD. We’ll try to get out as much as we can. Right now this is going to be for residents only to try to get to their residence so they can get in there to at least get their personal items so they have somewhat of a closure until we can get the road safely to travel on,” said Headid.
While the re-entry process is being worked on, North Sioux City is also trying to provide temporary water to homes hit by the flooding.
The map below shows the area in North Sioux that officials hope will have water again by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26. North Sioux City is working with Clay Rural Water Systems on putting a hydrant in and using their water to service as many residents as possible until things are back online.
When water is restored, officials say the drinking water will be sampled and tested. As a precautionary measure, water for cooking and drinking should be brought to a boil for three minutes before being used. Unless officials send out an update, the boil advisory will end by Monday, July 1. To be clear, if you live in the red area shown above you should boil your water before using it.
Residents are asked to limit water usage as much as possible and to turn off all sprinkler systems. Those with questions can call Ross Kuchta with Stockwell Engineers at (605) 310-2533.
The boil advisory and the access plans come after North Sioux City mandated the public avoid North Shore Drive and Penrose Drive near McCook Lake. North Sioux City Emergency Management says the order to stay away includes those who have homes in the impacted area
Further updates for the area are expected to be posted on the North Sioux City Facebook page and the Union County Facebook page
MidAmerican Energy says their crews are out in North Sioux City working to restore natural gas services to the areas of McCook Lake East, Riverside and Jefferson where flood levels have receded.
In order for MidAmerican to restore service, customers must meet the following conditions:
- Water service must first be restored to the property before MidAmerican can restore gas service.
- If any gas appliances or equipment were submerged in water, an HVAC professional must inspect the equipment and replace water-damaged valves.
- After those conditions are met, MidAmerican can restore gas service and relight pilots as long as customers don’t have any other structural property damage that would require an inspection.
If customers have met those conditions and can be on-site to provide inside access to MidAmerican personnel, they can call the company at 800-432-0586 to request restoration.
For McCook Lake West and Wynstone, the extensive infrastructure damage has made natural gas service unavailable for the time being. MidAmerican says they are working closely with local partners to implement a restoration plan. Impacted customers in these areas are expected to get an update before noon on Friday, June 28, about the plans to restore natural gas services.
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