People who live along the Mississippi River are familiar with its beauty and wrath. How they handle torrential rain storms that affect the Mississippi differ from towns and states. The flooding that occurred on June 3 is an example why it is important to have a consistent continuity of operations plan.

Residents in various parts of Missouri and Illinois were notified to evacuate their homes in case the sandbag barricade could not withstand river waters. A majority of dwellers from West Alton, Missouri decided to stay put, according to KMOV. When the first levee broke around noon, residents still felt confident in their choice. After the second levee breached nearby, people took action, according to CNN.

"I want to be safe rather than sorry," Heather Wendle told CNN. "I don't want to take the chances."

The situation seemed bleaker in Alton, located across the Mississippi. The National Weather Service reported that the river was 33.8 feet high in Alton, lower than the expected 34.5 feet but it still closed the Argosy Alto Casino until Thursday. 

Those from Grafton, Illinois are familiar with floods. Grafton Police Chief Sullivan did not think too much of the impact from Monday's storm.

"Grafton isn't closed—just parts of it are underwater," Sullivan told KMOV. "There's 12 feet of water standing in large parts of town.

With a more comprehensive continuity of operations plan, states along the Mississippi can work together to protect themselves from rising water. From there, towns can effectively strategize which highways and ports to close.