Storm, Flood Cleanup Information

Brush and Limb Collection
Village Public Works crews will continue to collect brush and limbs through this Friday. Please place any brush or limbs in the parkway by 7 a.m. Friday morning to ensure collection.

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. It is unclear if residents will receive federal assistance at this time.

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.The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has an FAQ with more information about this process.

• Document your flood damage with pictures, and keep all receipts related to the clean-up and repair of your property.

Beware of Scammers
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, contact the Deerfield Police Department at 847-945-8636. 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.