McLean County leaders issue emergency declaration following Thursday's severe storms
Cleaning up after the storms? Here’s what you need to know
Due to the overwhelming amount of storm and flood debris across Bloomington, the City will waive additional $30 bucket fees for curbside bulk collection. You do not need to report your damage to the City to have the fees waived.
Residents normally receive one bucket of curbside bulk collection at no charge every other week, with a $30 fee for each additional bucket. Those additional bucket fees will be waived for an initial two-week period and will be reevaluated as cleanup continues.
We still need you to report your storm or flood damage. Residential and business damage assessments are being collected to document the extent and cost of damage throughout the area. That information is important in determining whether our community reaches the thresholds necessary to pursue potential state and federal assistance.
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The more complete the picture of our community’s damage, the better the information available as we work toward potential state and federal assistance. If your home or business sustained damage, please report it.
Spoiled food and garbage
If you lost food due to the power outages, you may place additional bags of spoiled food and household garbage out with your regular garbage collection without purchasing extra garbage stickers.
Please do not overfill your garbage cart. Place additional securely tied bags alongside your cart for collection.
Brush and limbs
Have brush and limbs you can haul yourself? The Citizen Convenience Center is open:
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Saturday (Before Lunch) 7:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Saturday (After Lunch) 11:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
The Center is for brush and limbs; flood-damaged household bulk should remain at the curb for collection.
With the significant amount of debris across Bloomington, curbside collection may take longer than usual. Collection may extend beyond the initial two-week fee-waiver period. Please leave properly placed materials at the curb for crews.
We appreciate your patience as crews continue working through the increased volume across the city. Regular bulk, garbage and Citizen Convenience Center guidelines still apply.
Mayor Brady issues flooding emergency declaration, extends storm declaration
BLOOMINGTON, IL - Mayor Dan Brady has issued a second emergency declaration for the City of Bloomington following heavy rainfall and flooding across the community. The Mayor is also extending the emergency declaration issued Thursday following widespread severe storm damage.
The two declarations address separate impacts from several days of severe weather. The Bloomington City Council will consider extending both emergency declarations for 30 days at its meeting Monday night. That meeting will be a special session in place of the Committee of the Whole meeting.
The latest declaration comes as Bloomington continues recovering from Thursday’s storms while responding to additional impacts caused by heavy rain and flooding Friday night.
Multiple areas of Bloomington experienced flooding overnight, prompting the City to activate storm mode. Crews responded to approximately 80 incidents, while the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) handled 112 calls, most of them weather-related.
“Our community has been through a lot in just a few days,” said City Manager Jeff Jurgens. “Our crews and emergency responders have been working tirelessly, and I am proud of their efforts. They continue to deal with hundreds of downed and damaged trees and widespread power outages and extended their efforts today to also addressing flooding issues. Expanding the emergency declaration reflects the continuing impact of these storms and starts the pathway for potential relief from the federal government and/or low interest loans if certain thresholds are met.”
Flooded roads
Heavy rain over the past several days has caused flooding on a number of roads throughout the area. Residents are urged to use caution when traveling and do not drive through water covering a roadway.
In addition to the immediate safety risk, prolonged flooding can weaken the ground beneath roads and cause pavement to deteriorate or become unstable. Even if a roadway appears passable, conditions underneath the water may not be visible.
If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and find another route. Do not drive around barricades or attempt to determine how deep the water is.
Storm damage bulk pickup
The City is providing additional assistance to Bloomington residents dealing with flooding or other damage from the recent storms.
Under the City’s regular curbside bulk pickup program, residents receive one bucket of bulk collection at no charge each week. Each additional bucket normally carries a $30 fee.
For residents disposing of materials because of flooding or other damage from the recent storms, the City will waive the $30 fee for additional buckets when the storm damage is documented through the myBloomington online portal HERE or by downloading the myBloomington mobile app.
With the significant amount of storm debris across the city, bulk collection may take longer than usual. Residents are asked for patience as crews work through the increased volume while continuing storm cleanup efforts.
Residents who can haul materials themselves are encouraged to use the Citizen Convenience Center, which has extended hours to assist with storm cleanup:
Regular bulk collection and Citizen Convenience Center guidelines still apply.
Report storm and flood damage
Residents and businesses impacted by the recent storms and flooding are also encouraged to complete the appropriate damage assessment. These reports help document the overall impact across the community and support ongoing response and recovery efforts.
Business Impact Survey:
Businesses may also use the Business Impact Survey to report food loss resulting from the storms, flooding or power outages.
City crews continue to assess conditions and address flooding and other storm-related issues throughout Bloomington. Additional updates will be provided as needed.
Bloomington declares emergency following widespread storm damage
BLOOMINGTON, IL - Mayor Dan Brady has signed an emergency declaration for the City of Bloomington following widespread damage from today’s severe storms. City departments and emergency personnel continue to respond throughout the community.
City of Bloomington Public Works, Water and Forestry crews are actively responding to significant storm damage across the city, including hundreds of downed and damaged trees, along with downed power lines and other storm-related hazards.
During the event, Bloomington received over 400 calls for service, reflecting the highest call volume in recent history.
To report downed trees, call the non-emergency number at 309-820-8888. To report downed power lines 800-755-5000.
Businesses: Submit an initial damage report by clicking here
Residents are urged to use extreme caution as cleanup and recovery efforts continue:
- Stay away from all downed power lines and assume every line is energized.
- Do not touch or attempt to move trees, branches or other debris that may be in contact with a power line.
- Keep children and pets away from downed lines and damaged areas.
- Avoid unnecessary travel in areas with significant storm damage and never drive around barricades.
- Give emergency responders and City crews plenty of room to work.
- Use generators outdoors only and well away from windows, doors and garages.
Crews will continue working throughout the evening to address storm damage and clear affected areas. The priority of City crews will be clearing and opening all roads. Residents should place storm debris at the curb for future collection.
