Lake Co. Officials Offer Tips To Flood Victims

Officials in Lake County are encouraging those who have been affected by recent flooding to submit a damage assessment report. The report is part of the process which could open the door for federal assistance to the flood-ravaged county. Over the past week, Gov. Bruce Rauner has declared Lake, Kane, McHenry and Cook counties disaster areas due to flooding.

"Disaster recovery is a multi-step process starting with an initial damage assessment, which is now underway," according to a news release from Lake County Emergency Management.

Lake County is working with local municipalities and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to conduct the assessment. In addition, the U.S. Civil Air Patrol is working to capture aerial photography of the flooded areas.

"We need a complete and accurate damage assessment report that includes damages incurred in both incorporated and unincorporated Lake County," according to the news release. "The detail within this report will help determine eligibility for federal assistance."

What should residents do?

• Fill out this form to report your damage.
• If your home or personal property was damaged by the flooding, contact your insurance company to determine coverage and start the claim process.
• Clean-up: Complete emergency clean-up activities that may include removing water-damaged property (carpeting, cabinets).
• Repairs: Consider waiting to conduct repair work, such as replacing dry wall or carpeting. This is important because officials may need to inspect impacted facilities as a part of the damage assessment process. While we don't know if federal assistance will become available, doing non-emergency repair work before the damage assessment process is complete may cause the repairs to be ineligible for future FEMA financial assistance
• Document your flood damage with pictures, and keep all receipts related to the clean-up and repair of your property.
• Contact your village/city or Lake County Planning Building and Development (for unincorporated residents) for assistance with the disaster assessment process. The county has started receiving reports of scams targeting flood damage victims. Officials are encouraging everyone to be aware of who they are talking to and avoid giving any personal information over the phone. In addition, residents can review this resource from IEMA: FAQ’s for Residents Affected by Flooding.

Local Resources May Be Available

Several local agencies are beginning to transition into flood recovery. Residents can contact their local municipality or township to see if assistance is available in the following areas:

• Some areas have already set up special garbage collections for disposal of flood-contaminated debris, including used sandbags and flood-soaked personal property.
• Clean-up kits provided by the American Red Cross are being distributed to communities upon request.
• Some local agencies are offering permit fee waivers and/or fast-tracking permits for flood related repairs. If you live in a municipality, contact your village. Residents in unincorporated Lake County can contact the Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department at 847-377-2600.

Septic systems

During heavy rains and floods, the ground is often saturated, preventing proper operation of septic systems. Wastewater from malfunctioning septic tanks seeping into the ground can contaminate surface water and ground water, according to a news release. For additional information, including signs that a septic system is not working properly, and precautions you can take, please visit our website.

Water Wells

Flood waters may contaminate wells. Drinking and washing with water from a private well that has been flooded is not advised as the well water may be contaminated with bacteria and other contaminants.

Residents on private wells need to have their water tested after floodwaters have receded. The health department is offering free water testing to residents whose wells are affected by flooding. For additional information on well water testing, contact Environmental Health Services at (847) 377-8020.

Lake County Recorder Provides Deeds for Flood Victims

Owners of flood-damaged properties who are seeking financial assistance from Lake County banks and lending institutions will need to show proof of ownership in order to secure loans, according to the news release.

The Lake County Recorder's Office will be working closely with government officials and impacted property owners to provide any necessary recorded documents at no cost to flood victims. To obtain a free certified copy of the deed, contact the Recorder of Deeds Office at 847-377-2575.

Lake County military veterans in flood-damage areas may also qualify for additional programs. Veterans may contact the Recorder of Deeds Office to obtain a free certified copy of their Military Discharge Papers, commonly known as DD214s, for proof of military service.

Reception Centers

The Red Cross has two reception centers open to assist residents displaced by flooding. The following locations will be open Monday night, and Red Cross will assess the need for reception centers on a day-by-day basis.

• Magee Middle School, 500 N. Cedar Lake Road, Round Lake
• Jefferson Middle School, 600 South Lewis Avenue, Waukegan

Photo caption: There was severe flooding in neighborhoods along the Chain O' Lakes. Many homes were underwater near Nippersink Drive east of Fox Lake Road Monday morning.