Avoid Scams Targeting
Flood Damage Victims
Unfortunately, disasters
bring out criminals looking to prey on victims. Also, charity or donation scams
are common after a disaster. Please remember the following tips:
- Don’t offer personal financial information over the
phone or on-line. Be wary of clicking links or attachments from unknown
sources.
- Ask for identification. Government employees should
wear an official government photo ID and government workers will never ask
for a fee or payment.
- When working with contractors, get three written
estimates for repair work and get a written contract detailing all
the work to be performed.
If you’ve been victimized by fraud, the Consumer
Protection Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s office may be able to
help. Visit their website at www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers.
FEMA also has a toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 if you suspect
anyone of fraudulent activities. You can also contact local law
enforcement.
Damage Assessment
Lake County has received a State disaster proclamation due to the
widespread flooding in our region. This can open the door for federal
assistance. Disaster recovery is a multi-step process starting with an initial
damage assessment, which is now underway. Lake County is working with local
municipalities and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to conduct
the assessment. The US Civil Air Patrol is currently capturing 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. 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 drywall 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.
Please
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. Please contact your 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. Waste water from malfunctioning septic tanks seeping into the ground
can contaminate surface water and ground water. 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/or 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. 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 tonight, 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 S. Lewis Ave., Waukegan
Check Local Road Conditions and Traffic with Lake County PASSAGE View a map of road conditions and events,
including crashes, stalls, debris, and other roadway incidents, and see camera
images of major intersections at www.lakecountypassage.com. iPhone and Android users
can also download PASSAGE apps. PASSAGE: 847-377-7000 |
|
|
|