| Protect Yourself From Flooding |
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By Trustee Dave Diggs
If you live near Tinley Creek, or if you have experienced water problems in the past, you shouldn't wait for the problem to go away. Here are some things you can do: Get the information:
Keep Your Easement Open: One of the biggest causes of flooding problems in Orland Hills has been obstructions built or placed in the drainage easements that were established along lot lines. These areas were set aside to carry water away from your house without flooding your neighbors. Keep them open.
These are discussed in more detail in the Village's Guide to Flood Protection available free at the Village Hall, and in other references in the Library. Get Insured: Flood insurance is highly recommended. Remember, even if the last storm or flood missed you or you have done some floodproofing, the next flood could be worse. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover property for flood damage. Orland Hills participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Local insurance agents can sell a flood insurance policy under rules and rates set by the Federal government. Any agent can sell a policy and all agents must charge the same rates. Any house can be covered by a flood insurance policy. It does not matter if they are in the mapped floodplain or out of it. Detached garages and accessory buildings are covered under the policy for the lot's main building. Separate coverage can be obtained for the building's structure and for its contents (except for money, valuable papers, and the like). The structure generally includes everything that stays with a house when it is sold, including the furnace, cabinets, built in appliances, and wall-to-wall carpeting. There is no coverage for things outside the house, like the driveway and landscaping. Renters can buy contents coverage, even if the owner does not buy structural coverage on the building.
Don't wait for the next flood to buy insurance protection. There is a 30 day waiting period before National Flood Insurance coverage takes effect. Contact your insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage.
Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank when they got a mortgage or home improvement loan. If you have a policy, check it closely. You may only have structural coverage (because that's all that banks require). During the kind of flooding that happens in Orland Hills, there is usually more damage to the furniture and contents than there is to the structure. Several insurance companies have sump pump failure or sewer backup coverage that can be added to a homeowner's insurance policy. Each company has different amounts of coverage, exclusions, deductibles, and arrangements. Most are riders that cost extra. Most exclude damage from surface flooding that would be covered by a National Flood Insurance policy. The cost varies from nothing to up to about $75 for a rider on your homeowner's insurance premium. Basements, split levels and bilevels: There is limited coverage for basements and the below grade floors of bilevels and trilevels. The National Flood Insurance Program defines "basement" as "Any area of the building, including any sunken room or sunken portion of a room, having its floor below ground level (subgrade) on all sides." This includes split levels and bilevels. Coverage under building or structural coverage is limited to specific items needed for the operation of the building, such as a furnace, water heater, clothes washer and dryer. There is very limited coverage for finishings, such as wallpaper and carpeting, and contents. Flood insurance only covers damage when there is a general condition of surface flooding in the area. If you have any questions you can reach the Building Department @ 708.349.4887 |
