East Ridge Police and Fire personnel worked through the night and through Tuesday assisting stranded and distressed citizens, including the evacuation of senior citizens and motel residents inundated by floodwaters from Spring Creek.
Firefighters initiated water rescues of occupants of the Crown Inn, Country Hearth, and Superior Creek Lodge who were caught by the fast-rising water.
Further rescues have been underway with 120 residents at the East Ridge Retirement Center. A concrete wall around the former Quality Courts South held, but the elderly residents had to be moved after the center's sewage system malfunctioned.
A tow truck was backed through the floodwaters to the center and residents were helped onto the flatbed. The vehicle was then driven a short distance to dry land. The bed-ridden patients were carried out first.
Residents of The East Ridge Retirement Center were transported to the Super 8 Motel on Shallowford Road, the Fairfield Inn on Mack Smith Road or went with family members. Approximately 115 residents and staff were safely evacuated from the center by emergency crews.
Evacuations have also taken place at the Fountainbleu Apartments and surrounding neighborhoods near Spring Creek Road.
Police said numerous calls have been received from motorists who have become trapped in the water.
Firefighters have utilized amphibious vehicles and boats to conduct water operations.
Approximately 500 people have been displaced by floodwaters and a shelter has been established at the Brainerd Recreation Center at 1010 North Moore Road. Red Cross and Salvation Army assistance is available at the Recreation Center.
Parkridge East Hospital has been closed to routine traffic. However, the hospital is caring for current patients.
The East Ridge Shelter flooded and all of the animals had to be removed. According to the director, Carl Zagona, the shelter has about 25 animals that need homes.
The city of East Ridge Emergency Operation Center has been activated at Fire Station Two.
The following agencies are assisting East Ridge Fire/Rescue, Police, and Public Works units, Hamilton County Emergency Services, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Chattanooga Fire and Police, Hamilton County Rescue, Volunteer State Rescue, Hamilton County STARS Rescue, Bradley County Fire-Rescue, Sale Creek Fire-Rescue, Memorial EMS, and Angel EMS.
LIST OF STREETS CLOSED IN EAST RIDGE
AS OF TUESDAY
* North Mack Smith Road
* Wellworth Avenue
* Wentworth Avenue
* Graston Avenue
* Spring Creek Road
* San Hsi Road
* Anderson Avenue (behind Sears)
* East End Avenue
* Oakdale Avenue
* Swope Drive
* Pleasant Drive
* West End Avenue
* Springvale Road
* Key West Avenue
* Clemons Road
* Scruggs Road
* Parkridge East Hospital
* Yale Street
* Clover Street
* Harvard Street
* McCall Road
* North Smith Street
* Lansdale Road
* Sunnydale Road
* Weaver Street
* Leslie Avenue
* Althea Avenue
* Maxwell Road (Dead-end)
* Sherwood Drive
* Nottingham Drive
* Camp Jordan Parkway
As of 11:27am 9/22/09