You Never Know When You'll Need a Boat

Something you don't think you'll really need when you live in-land is an inflatable boat. This winter though, people in nearby Watseka and other surrounding areas in Iroquois county and Kankakee county learned the great importance and value of owning inflatable boats as many of them, as well as canoes, and anything else that would float on water were brought into service during two floods that occured in the little rural towns, even the big city of Kankakee in January and February. The areas were declared disaster zones by the governor and federal aide was requested, but I'll never forget the pictures of the land turned lakes, or driving into Watseka only to be stopped on highway 24 at the edge of a lake of water that engulfed the entire West side of the town. There are still reminders of the horror as you drive through side streets and see homes up on girders as their lower levels and basements are repaired from the water damage. I remember in the weeks that followed the floods driving through and seeing piles of garbage higher than cars lining the streets. I even have a picture of cars submurged in the water during the floods, and can only imagine the tremendous financial impact to those families not only having to repair homes, replace furniture and clothing, but cars as well. Luckily I live far enough away from that area not to have been directly impacted. It's a sight I hope to not see ever again, but it might be a good idea to buy a boat just in case.