2008 Press Release: Flood Information

For immediate release
1:00 pm, Friday, October 10, 2008

FEMA Declares Cook County a Disaster Area

The City of Des Plaines has received notification from the State of Illinois and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that a fourth Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open next to the Des Plaines Theater, 1486 Miner Street, to serve residents and businesses affected by the September floods. The DRC opens at Noon on Friday, October 10, 2008, and beginning Saturday, October 11, 2008 daily hours will be 9:00 am-6:00 pm until further notice.

Before visiting a DRC, those who sustained losses in the Des Plaines area of Cook County should apply for assistance online at www.fema.gov. Individuals who do not have access to a computer may call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech-impaired. The toll-free numbers will operate 24 hours, seven days a week.　

A DRC is available for those who have further questions or concerns about the application process. Services applicants can expect to receive at a DRC include:

Guidance regarding disaster recovery;
Clarification of any written correspondence received;
Housing Assistance and Rental Resource information;
Answers to questions and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance;
Status of applications being processed by FEMA;
Information on U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans, staff to explain the application process as well as help individuals and business owners complete their application;
Information from representatives of other federal, state and local agencies;
Cost-effective ways to reduce future disaster damages.

When disaster-affected residents visit a DRC they should bring identification, social security numbers, insurance information, proof of address and contact phone numbers to help speed up the assistance process.

"We are pleased to announce the opening of the Disaster Recovery Office in Des Plaines. As Officials of one of the worst hit areas in Cook County, we feel very strongly about having the center located conveniently in our town," Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia said.

For more information on disaster recovery visit www.fema.gov.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.　

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or　disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 or online at www.sba.gov.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, economic status or retaliation. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact your State Office of Equal Rights. If suspicious of any abuse of FEMA programs, please contact the fraud hotline at 800-323-8603.

For more information, visit www.fema.gov or www.state.il.us/iema.

Archive of Flood Press Releases

For immediate release
10:00 am, Tuesday, October 7, 2008

FEMA Declares Cook County a Disaster Area

For homeowners, renters and business owners:

If you sustained losses or damage you may be eligible for disaster aid call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

For those with speech or hearing impairment, TTY: 1-800-462-7585

Or apply online: www.fema.gov

When you apply for disaster assistance please have the following available:

Social Security number
A daytime telephone number where FEMA can call you back.
A current mailing address where you are staying
The address and zip code of the damaged property
Directions to the damaged home or property
Private insurance information, if available.

Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other assistance may come in the form of loans

For immediate release
4:30 pm, Thursday, September 25, 2008

According to the National Weather Service’s Report of 4:45 pm, Monday, September 22, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 1.55 feet (Flood stage is 5 feet).

Residents should be aware that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are still assessing flood related damages. No decision has been made regarding the declaration of a disaster by FEMA and the possibility of financial assistance. Once a decision has been reached, the City will make every effort to notify those residents affected through the City's website, Cable Channel 17 and press releases.

The Des Plaines Public Works Department continues their Cleanup & Short Term Recovery Plan. Public Works crews are assisting ARC Disposal with debris collection, along with the collection of sandbags. Sandbags should be placed at the curb. Crews are working throughout the City. Collection will continue until all bags have been recovered. Once the sandbags are removed the streets will be swept to remove any lingering debris.

ARC Disposal will resume landscape waste collection this week. Residents should put flood-damaged items out at the curb. Residents are requested to separate household chemicals from debris at the curb. Household hazardous wastes such as contaminated fuel, car batteries, and household chemicals should be taken to proper collection sites. Two permanent locations are: Naperville, Illinois, 1971 Brookdale Road, Fire Station #4, 630-420-6700 (#7559) and Rockford, Illinois, 3333 Kishwaukee, Rock River Reclamation District, 815-987-5570. For additional collection sites and information visit www.epa.state.il.us.

ARC Disposal, as well as Public Works Crews, will continue to collect flood-damaged items through Sunday, September 28, 2008.

Cleanup kits will only be available at Des Plaines City Hall, 1420 Miner Street, during regular working hours, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday.

Residents are encouraged to report flood damages to their insurance companies. The City’s Community Development Department reminds residents that you do not need a permit to remove/replace carpet or tile, remove/replace drywall or insulation, remove/replace light fixtures, remove/replace windows (same size opening) or clean furnace, boiler, or water heater.

You do need a permit to remove/replace electrical wiring or conduits, remove/replace electrical panel, remove/replace furnace or boiler, remove/replace water heater, remove/replace roofing or remove/replace siding. City officials are advising residents of storm-damaged properties to be careful when hiring contractors to clean up and repair their homes and businesses.

Nicor is turning off gas if meters and/or appliances have been underwater. Homeowners need to contact licensed contractors for repairs. Any gas appliances or electric appliances and systems that may have been damaged by water, due to the storm, will need to be inspected by a licensed contractor or technician. If it is determined that any furnace, water heater, boiler or any portions of the electrical system needs replacement, a permit from the City of Des Plaines Building Department is required. Following repair work, an inspection by the City’s Building Department is required. Nicor will only restore gas service after the dwelling has passed a City inspection.

The following are ways that can help residents avoid contractor fraud:

Use reliable, licensed contractors. Ask to see a license, or call the City’s Building Department at 847-391-5370 to find out if your contractor is licensed to work in Des Plaines. All contractors are required to be licensed in order to work in the City.
Obtain a written estimate and read the fine print. Get estimates from several reputable contractors before making a final decision. A complete contract should clearly state all the work to be performed, all associated costs, a payment schedule, and obligate the contractor to pay for all materials ordered.
Check references. Call former customers who had similar work done to see if they were satisfied with the job. Make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance, and is bonded. If the contractor is not insured or bonded, the homeowner can be held liable for accidents that occur on the property.
Never sign a blank contract. If the contractor provides any guarantees, they should be written into the contract, clearly stating what is guaranteed, who is responsible for the guarantee, and how long the guarantee is valid. Pay by check. Avoid advance payments and cash payments if possible. A reasonable down payment is 30 percent of the total cost of the project.
Make final payments only when work is completed. If permits were required by the City, do not make final payments until all inspections have been passed. Do not sign completion papers or make the final payment until the work is completed to your satisfaction.
Require the contractor to provide you with a Final Waiver of Lien as a receipt for your final payment. If materials are delivered to your home by a supply yard, the contractor should also provide a Final Waiver from the supplier. A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not finished properly. Contact your insurance company for recommendations and to assess the level of repair needed.

Flooding information and non-emergency calls may be directed to the Des Plaines Emergency Management Agency (EMA) at 847-391-5396. Additional weather information is available from the National Weather Service.

City of Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia signed a Declaration of Local State of Emergency and a Proclamation of State of Disaster on Saturday, September 13, 2008. On Monday, September 15, 2008, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich declared seven counties, including Cook County, Disaster Areas.

For immediate release
Noon, Monday, September 22, 2008

According to the National Weather Service’s Report of 10:45 am, Monday, September 22, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 1.59 feet (Flood stage is 5 feet).

For immediate release
5:00 pm, Friday, September 19, 2008

According to the National Weather Service's Report of 3:45 pm, Friday, September 19, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 2.43 feet (Flood stage is 5 feet).

For immediate release
8:30 am, Friday, September 19, 2008

According to the National Weather Service's Report of 7:45 am, Friday, September 19, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 2.94 feet (Flood stage is 5 feet).

For immediate release
5:00 pm, Thursday, September 18, 2008

According to the National Weather Service's Report of 1:45 pm, Thursday, September 18, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 3.99 feet (Flood stage is 5 feet).

For immediate release
12:45 pm, Thursday, September 18, 2008

According to the National Weather Service's Report of 12:45 pm, Thursday, September 18, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 4.04 feet (Flood stage is 5 feet)

For immediate release
9:45 am, Thursday, September 18, 2008

According to the National Weather Service’s Report of 9:45 am, Thursday, September 18, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 4.2 feet (Flood stage is 5 feet).

For immediate release
4:45 pm, Wednesday, September 17, 2008

According to the National Weather Service’s Report of 4:45 pm, Wednesday, September 17, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 5.38 feet and is expected to fall below flood stage by Wednesday evening.

For immediate release
11:30 am, Wednesday, September 17, 2008

According to the National Weather Service’s Report of 10:45 am, Wednesday, September 17, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 5.85 feet and is expected to fall below flood stage by Wednesday evening.

For immediate release
4:45 pm, Tuesday, September 16, 2008

According to the National Weather Service’s Report of 4:45 pm, Tuesday, September 16, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 7.45 feet and is expected to fall below flood stage by Wednesday morning, September 17, 2008.

For immediate release
10:45 am, Tuesday, September 16, 2008

According to the National Weather Service's Report of 10:45 am, Tuesday, September 16, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 8.02 feet and is expected to fall below 8 feet this afternoon. Predictions indicate the River will be below flood stage by 1:00 am, Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

For immediate release
8:45 pm, Monday, September 15, 2008

According to the National Weather Service's Report of 8:45 pm, Monday, September 15, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 9.12 feet and has crested at 10.01 feet at 10:30 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2008 and is expected to fall below flood stage by 6:00 am, Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

For immediate release
6:30 pm, Monday, September 15, 2008

According to the National Weather Service’s Report of 5:45 pm, Monday, September 15, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 9.32 feet and has crested at 10.01 feet at 10:30 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2008. The River in Des Plaines is expected to fall below flood stage by 6:00 am, Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

For immediate release
10:30 am, Monday, September 15, 2008

According to the National Weather Service’s Report of 10:30 am, Monday, September 15, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 9.75 feet and has crested at 10.01 feet at 10:30 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2008 and is expected to fall below flood stage by 6:00 am, Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

For immediate release
8:45 am, Monday, September 15, 2008

According to the National Weather Service's Report of 8:45 am, Monday, September 15, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 9.79 feet and has crested at 10.01 feet at 10:30 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2008 and is expected to fall below flood stage by 7:00 am, Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

For immediate release
7:45 am, Monday, September 15, 2008

According to the National Weather Service's Report of 7:45 am, Monday, September 15, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 9.81 feet and has crested at 10.01 feet at 10:30 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2008 and is expected to fall below flood stage by 7:00 am, Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

For immediate release
6:45 am, Monday, September 15, 2008

According to the National Weather Service's Report of 6:45 am, Monday, September 15, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 9.86 feet and has crested at 10.01 feet at 10:30 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2008 and is expected to fall below flood stage by 7:00 am, Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

For immediate release
3:30 am, Monday, September 15, 2008

According to the National Weather Service’s Report of 3:30 am, Monday, September 15, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 9.97 feet and has crested at 10.01 feet at 10:30 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2008 and is expected to fall below flood stage by 7:00 am, Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

For immediate release
7:30 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2008

According to the National Weather Service's Report of 7:30 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 9.94 feet and is expected to crest at 10.1 feet as of 1:00 am, Monday, September 15, 2008.

For immediate release
5:00 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2008

According to the National Weather Service’s Report of 5:00 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2008, the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines is at 9.82 feet and is expected to crest at 9.9 feet as of 7:00 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2008.