Following the floods of 2011, many Illinois residents are returning home to discover the full extent of the damage inflicted, such as ruined valuables, destroyed carpet, and the most notorious of all water damage related problems, the growth of black mold.

Some residents have been displaced for nearly a month, relying on local community shelters for food and housing until the all clear is given for them to return to their residences, or what may be left of them. Flood Victims Home

Some homes are reporting water lines as high as seven feet, leaving behind massive destruction of valuables, furniture, cars, sheds, and even long term damage to yards. The flooding has been in place long enough that many homeowners are returning only to find their homes or businesses overrun with black mold, which can present serious health issues as well as compromising the structural integrity of the affected building.

Illinois State Representative Brandon Phelps has sought Federal relief for the flood ravaged areas. In order to qualify for such help, there must be at least $16.5 million in damages; however Phelps is confident that the final cost of the damage will far exceed that amount.

"We'll get through this," Rep. Phelps said. "It's just working together and we will. That's one of the reasons I'm here because I want these people to know they're not forgotten."

There will also be a planned fundraiser for flood victims on June 4 at the Williams County Pavilion beginning at 5:30 PM. There will be an auction, food, and music, with all proceeds going to the flood victims.

The 2011 flooding in the Midwest is a vivid reminder that floods can occur anywhere, at any time, and for a variety of reasons, so there is absolutely no reason that one should not make adequate preparations for such an unpleasant eventuality.

While flooding cannot be wholly prevented, there are steps that property owners can take to at least minimize the damage to their home or business.

First off, check your homeowner’s insurance policy. Many people make the mistake of believing that flooding is covered by their insurance. It is not. You can obtain flood insurance for a nominal fee; just make sure that your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and then work with your insurance provider to make sure your property is covered in the event of flood.

Then there are those things that you can do around your property to minimize any possible flood damage. For starters, consult your local emergency management office to examine past flood history. Previous patterns may be able to tell you how much water you can expect in the event of a flood.

Armed with that information, you should look into elevating any valuables, electrical appliances, power outlets, or electrical boxes to a place above any potential flood waters. Of course all electrical rewiring should be performed by a qualified electrician.

You should make sure that all landscaping around your home slopes away from the structure for a distance of no less than ten feet. Ground can only absorb so much water, and once it is saturated, the excess has to go somewhere, so you want to make sure that it is in the proper direction, namely away from your home.

You can also check your gutters and downspouts to make sure that they are free and clear of any obstructions or clogs and properly channeling water out and away from your home.

And of course, you should always retain the number and contact information for a local, IICRC certified flood damage and water restoration professional. These companies should be available 24/7/365 and able to have a technician out to your home within the hour of your call. They will have a full staff of trained professionals, with state of the art equipment, and offer a full range of services designed to repair and restore your property to its pre-loss condition. These services include water extraction, drying, carpet cleaning, mold removal, and structural repair and restoration.

Don’t wait for the weather to turn nasty or worse, for the waters to rise. Go ahead and secure your local IICRC water damage professionals today.

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