McHenry Co. Provides Resources For Flood Victims

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL -- As a result of the rain that began Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning, the Fox River has now reached record flood levels and is expected to continue to rise. In addition, several electrical lines within the affected area are down.

“The challenges and dangers to residents posed by the flooding of the Fox River were already significant before the storms that hit McHenry County on Wednesday night and Thursday morning,” McHenry County Board Chairman Jack D. Franks said. “We will continue to make residents’ safety our top priority and put all of our available resources toward ensuring that any additional flooding does not put lives in danger and that the recovery process can continue to move forward in areas where floodwaters are receding.”

Floodwater Safety

With the possibility of additional flooding and exposure of power lines, electrical devices, extension cords and power outlets to floodwaters, residents are advised to exercise extreme caution, according to a news release from McHenry County.

If they encounter a downed power line, they should not approach it and should immediately call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661). Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237).

Flooded basements pose similar hazards, and customers should call to have their power disconnected prior to entering a flooded basement.Floodwater can also attract disease-bearing insects, contaminate food and drinking water, cause water-borne illness – particularly if it comes into contact with an open wound – and make roadways hazardous.

Children should not be allowed to play in flood water. Residents should consult the ‘Flood Resources’ section of www.co.mchenry.il.us/flood for more information about the dangers of contact with floodwaters and tips to stay safe, according to the news release.

Document Recovery

In response to the flooding, the McHenry County Recorder’s Office will produce single copies of property records at no charge to those residents and businesses located in the areas affected by the recent flood, until July 31, 2018.

Requests will be handled on a first come, first served basis and will be provided as soon as administratively possible. Some limitations may apply.Residents can learn more by visiting www.co.mchenry.il.us/flood and following the link to the Recorder’s document request website.

Volunteers Needed

The McHenry County Emergency Management Agency is working with Team Rubicon to assist residents who have been affected by flooding. Team Rubicon is currently putting together and organizing their operations to begin addressing residents’ current needs, according to a news release.

Volunteers are expected to be needed starting on Monday July 24th for muck out/clean out and debris cleanup activities.Those interested in volunteering should register as a volunteer at: http://www.volunteercentermchenrycounty.org.

This site will be updated with a list of current volunteer needs next week, but interested residents are encouraged to register as available volunteers as soon as possible.

Damage Assessment

Disaster recovery is a multi-step process starting with an initial damage assessment, which is now underway and will continue despite the additional rain and possibility of increased flooding.

McHenry County is working with local municipalities and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to conduct the assessment. Recovery efforts are also being aided by Team Rubicon, a not-for-profit organization that provides disaster response assistance by pairing the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responder agencies, according to a news release.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to cooperate with these teams so the damage can be properly recorded.

Scamming Alert

Often, in times of natural disaster, there is an increase in door-to-door and phone solicitation by potential criminals posing as contractors.

McHenry County officials urge property owners to: obtain multiple estimates for contracting work; work only with well-established, licensed contractors that they have made appointments with; not to make payment for work up front; only begin the repair process after a contract has been signed; have contracts reviewed by an attorney, if necessary; and take photographs of all contractors and vehicles they use.

Clean Up and Comfort Kits

The American Red Cross has cleanup kits available to assist affected residents. Kits include a mop, broom, bucket, disinfectant, garbage bags, gloves, sponges and masks.

Residents can request a cleanup kit by contacting 847-220-7495.Affected residents and business owners should check www.facebook.com/McHenryAware and www.co.mchenry.il.us/flood regularly for updates. For flood related questions, residents can call 211.

In case of an emergency, residents should dial 911. If you need additional sandbags, please contact your municipality or township.

For more information on flood-related safety and recovery, visit the Ready Illinois at: www.illinois.gov/ready/after/Pages/Disaster-Recovery.aspx.