The threat of another flood has residents near Sauquoit Creek in Whitesboro on edge.

Brooke Burrows lived in a basement apartment on Sauquoit Street when floods hit in April 2011. She says this time she's better prepared for trouble.

"I do have some supplies and stuff now in case a flood does happen, like water and stuff," Burrows said. "My boyfriend thinks I'm crazy, but I do have a little to-go bag with my necessities in it, because I came home to my apartment flooded the first time and I knew what it was like to just have the clothes that are on your back."

Since the incident she's been able to rebuild her life, but the former apartment she lived in was less lucky.

"Personally, with furniture items and clothing items, yes I am back to where I was," Burrows said. "But, I know from my landlords that they re-did one of the bottom apartments... The other two are still completely tore up."

Mike Sanfilippo owns Mike's Floor Store and says he's already prepared for what may come. His store was also flooded the last time Sauquoit Creek rose.

"I started about three hours ago," Sanfilippo said. "I started bringing everything up past the 22 inch mark, because that's how much water went through my place. So, we got all my samples picked up and everything is all up above the water line."

Gino Geruntino, WIBX
Gino Geruntino, WIBX
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He said before crews came to break an ice jam near the bridge at the Village of Yorkville line, levels had risen to nearly one foot below the base of the bridge. Once the ice was busted, though, levels fell about two feet.

Sanfilippo says he will continue to keep an eye on the creek until the water levels are at a more comfortable level.

Business owners aren't the only ones watching for any sign of water. One longtime resident went so far as to raise his basement windows and build a makeshift barrier for his front door.

His house was spared thanks to the use of four sump pumps moving water out of his home. But, he said if the water in his basement had risen another couple of inches, it would have blown his circuits and cost him everything.

Until the threat is gone residents of Whitesboro will continue to hold their breath, hoping the water stays in the creek rather than inside their homes.

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