SAFETY INFORMATION

On May 29, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. officials in Livingston County met at the Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services and discussed plans in place for emergency situations around the county. Highway 65 south of Chillicothe is currently closed and Highway 190 at Thompson River Bridge is closed due to the flooding.

We have emergency plans in place to utilize area first responders, law enforcement and EMT/Paramedics residing in rural areas along with area agencies, MSHP and Life Flight will assist should emergency situation arise.

As of 4:40 p.m. on May 29, 2019 the water on the Thompson and Grand Rivers appears to continue rising. We have no estimate on if/when U.S. 36 will completely close west of Chillicothe but U.S. 36 is threatened by the flood water. We also have no estimate when any of the above highways will re-open. MoDOT will be required to check and clear the roads when the water does fall and make certain the roads are safe.

The local emergency dispatch center has been bombarded with calls. Please be patient and instead of calling dispatch for routine questions, instead check for updates on Facebook for the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, Chillicothe Police and/or Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services along with local media. We understand and share your concerns but we will get through this.

The EOC meeting was called on short notice and attended by Presiding Commissioner Ed Douglas, Chillicothe Dept. of Emergency Services members and Chief Wright, City of Chillicothe Mayor Theresa Kelly, Police Chief Jon Maples and Office Manager Cindy Hanavan, Sheriff Steve Cox, Chief Deputy Michael Claypole, Captain Sindy Thomas, members of the Livingston County Health Center and St. Lukes Health Care/Hedrick Medical Center. This was an excellent meeting with outstanding teamwork dedicated to our city and county. We all are very pleased with how hard everyone has been working to keep everyone safe with this dangerous flood.

Reminder: Do not drive into or through water as it is dangerous, these currents are very strong and your life is way too important!

Sheriff Steve Cox