Full Notification

McHenry County Division of Transportation reports at 6:30am today that, due to flooding and overnight ice, River Road has been closed in McHenry between Charles J Miller Road and Lily Lake Road. Road closure signage is posted until further notice. This area is open to local traffic only. Make alternative travel plans for this area. Flooding photos have been posted at www.co.mchenry.il.us.

McHenry County offers the following advice for property owners and residents experiencing flooded structures and property damage:
• Department of Planning & Development – Most repairs to flood damaged structures require building and storm water reviews, permits, and inspections from the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development. Removal of damaged carpeting and drywall may proceed without approvals. However, replacement of carpeting and drywall in flood damaged structures requires review to ensure compliance with Federal Regulations regarding the repair of flood-prone structures. Permits are also required for other building repairs, including, but not limited to, structural, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and siding repairs and the replacement of heating and cooling equipment and water heaters. Any site grading or modifications to address flood damage or erosion may also require storm water reviews and permits. Fees may be waived for property owners recovering from flood damage. For more information contact the Department of Planning and Development at (815) 334-4560.
• Department of Health – If your private well cap has been submerged, the water could be contaminated. Use bottled water or previously stored water for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food or baby formula until the water has been tested. The Department will perform free water testing for flooded private water wells. In addition, residents should wear protective clothing when handling debris that has been in contact with flood waters. Remove flood-damaged materials from habitable structures as soon as possible to reduce the risk of mold growth. Contact your waste hauler for disposal of household items; special arrangements should be made for removal of large items such as appliances and furniture. A guide to removal of items that cannot be disposed of in the regular waste (batteries, tires, household hazardous waste, and electronics) is available at The Green Guide http://www.mchenry.edu/recycling/greenguide.pdf. A “Residential Waste and Electronics Recycling” event has been scheduled for May 18 from 8am-1pm, at McHenry County Courthouse (West parking lot) at Route 47 and Russell Court (2200 N Seminary Avenue, Woodstock). Entrance is on Ware Road. A listing of accepted items is available at www.mcdh.info. Call 815-334-4585 for additional disposal options.
• Assessor’s Office – Property owners who have damaged homes or building due to flooding may be eligible for a decrease in the 2013 assessed value of their property which could result in lower property taxes for their 2014 tax bill. The type of damage may include structural damage to the foundation or walls, flooring in the living area, or central heating and air conditioning units. Regardless of whether an official report concerning the natural disaster or accident is issued, the property owner should notify the Township Assessor of the property’s destruction, uninhabitability or unfitness for occupancy or normal use. Contact your local Township Assessor or County Supervisor of Assessments for additional information at 815-334-4290.

For more information on flood-related safety and recovery, visit Ready Illinois at www.illinois.gov/ready/after/Pages/Disaster-Recovery.aspx. For further McHenry County updates, visit www.co.mchenry.il.us.