Updated at 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5th
At the Wednesday morning press conference, Dr. Troutman, Director of Metro Health and Wellness, gave the media an overview of the health concerns related to flooding. Learn more about cleaning up after a flood.
Tuesday's heavy rain was a record, according to Metropolitan Sewer District Director Bud Schardein. As much as 6 inches of rain fell in an hour and 15 minutes, and 7 inches over 7 hours. “When I talk about the most rain in this community in a one hour period, we've set it today,” Schardein said at a morning
news conference with Major Jerry Abramson and other city officials. “This is not a drainage issue, this is a flooding issue,” Schardein said.
Many cars, homes and buildings were flooded causing major damage. Many major businesses and universities including the University of Louisville remain closed on Wednesday.
The main branch of the Louisville Free Public Library downtown has been flooded with more than three feet of water, with major loss of books and other damage, including the library’s Bookmobiles. The main branch will remain closed the rest of this week.
Donations to the Library recovery effort may be sent to:
The Library Foundation
301 York St.
Louisville, KY 40203
or call (502) 574-1709
The flooding has displaced many residents from their homes. Anyone needing temporary shelter can call the American Red Cross at 589-4450.
Volunteers Recruited for Flood Cleanup
The Metro United Way’s Volunteer Engagement Center is seeking standby volunteers who can be trained to clean up areas of Louisville in the wake of Tuesday’s flooding.
Volunteers will help clear storm debris and clean flood-damaged buildings and grounds for nonprofit agencies, public institutions and individuals.
Volunteers can register at www.metrounitedway.org/volunteer.
Nonprofit organizations must register with the United Way before posting volunteer requests. That can be done here.
Organizations also can register by contacting the Volunteer Engagement Center at (502) 292-6153.
Safety Precautions for High Water
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Stay indoors and stay off the roads if at all possible.
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If you are outdoors and stranded seek high ground.
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Just a few inches of water can flood or sweep away a vehicle.
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Do not go into basements if there is water in them.
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If you are already out driving, do not go through intersections with a high water.
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If you are trapped at an intersection with high water, get out of the vehicle and climb onto the vehicle's roof; don't attempt to swim to higher ground.
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In basements: Do not handle electrical appliances; light switches, circuit breakers, wires, etc.