Peoria County Board Chairman William R. "Bill" Prather has proclaimed a disaster in Peoria County due to flooding that has caused the collapse or erosion of several roads and large amounts of damage to homes, as well as prompted mitigation efforts to protect county infrastructure.

Peoria County has also requested the state of Illinois declare the county a disaster area.
 
In keeping with the local disaster declaration, the Peoria County Planning & Zoning Department is inspecting homes in unincorporated areas of Peoria County to assess damage. Residents in unincorporated areas affected by the flooding may call 225-4717 to schedule an inspection.
 
To assist the Peoria County Emergency Management Agency with data collection that may help secure state and federal funding, all affected property owners living within incorporated areas of Peoria County are encouraged to call 689-3113 and leave the following information: occupant/property owner; address; phone number; primary/secondary home; own/rent; single family/multi-family/manufactured/mobile home; level of damage: affected, minor, major, destroyed; home owners insurance: yes or no; and National Flood Insurance: yes or no.
 
EMA has been coordinating efforts with the Peoria City/County Health Department to provide well water test kits free of charge to residents with wells that have been exposed to flooding.

EMA has been coordinating efforts with the American Red Cross to provide shelter, food, bottled water, and clean-up kits.
 
Well water test kits, bottled water, and clean-up kits are available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Friday, at the Chillicothe Community Fire Department, 217 Chestnut St in Chillicothe.

Well water test kits are also available 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.,Monday-Friday, at the Peoria City/County Health Department, 2116 N. Sheridan, Peoria.
 
Residents returning to flood-damaged areas should:

• Beware of hazards: check for damage before re-entering your home

• File a flood insurance claim with your insurance provider

• Take photos: to make claim-filing easier, take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property

• Make a list of damaged or lost items and include age and value when possible

*Prevent mold and remove wet contents immediately