Burlington flooding: Curfew in effect for 3rd night; Echo Lake Dam slowly opened

BURLINGTON -- Burlington officials say a curfew will be in effect for a third night in a row as the city recovers from severe flooding. That curfew will be in effect once again, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday.

During a noon news conference, officials indicated the Echo Lake Dam was opened about an inch -- and that the dam will be slowly opened in small increments. They say also the dam is holding up find, the dirt embankments nearby are quickly eroding. Officials say at this point, the end goal of opening the Echo Lake Dam is to drain it because of that erosion issue.

Water safety

Officials indicated the municipal drinking water in the City of Burlington is okay. No boil order is in effect. However, if residents have a well, the water may not be safe to drink if those persons live in a flooded area. Officials are urging residents to chlorinate their wells -- and the health department has test kits available. CLICK HERE for more information.

Restoring power

As for power to neighborhoods in Burlington, officials say We Energies is restoring power to customers one area at a time. The restoration of power will be a slow and methodical process, officials say. They are asking for patience by those affected. Officials say if you have flooding in your basement, you are urged to call We Energies to make sure the power is turned off. The number to do that is 1-800-662-4797.

"Restoration of power is going to be a slow and methodical process. It's not going to happen all at one time. We ask for your patience during this process. They are working hard to get power back on as they manage their own storm restoration," said Mark Anderson, Burlington Police Chief.

Cleaning up from the floods

The Racine County Health Department will have free cleanup kits available to residents. This includes mops, buckets and bleach. CLICK HERE for more information on cleanup.

As always, officials say in the event of an emergency, residents are urged to call 911.

Donate to those in need

Meanwhile, North Shore Bank has opened a special account to help support families adversely affected by the recent flooding in Burlington. North Shore Bank will also match donations up to $1,000.

The relief fund account is open for anyone to make a donation to support Burlington residents distressed by the results of Wednesday’s stormy weather. Community members are encouraged to stop by any North Shore Bank location and donate to the account.

The money collected will be donated to Love, Inc., which is located in Burlington and is assisting people in need of water, ice, lodging, food and cleaning supplies.