The month of April has historically produced more tornadoes, and more tornado fatalities in Illinois than any other month. Violent tornadoes have recently devastated areas across the country, including the strong twister that recently hit southern Illinois destroying hundreds of homes and businesses, killing six people, and injuring and displacing hundreds more. In this edition of County Update, Lake County Emergency Management Coordinator Kent McKenzie provides some important information on how to prepare for severe weather and other emergencies.  Watch now (30 minutes).

On Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., public safety departments across Lake County will hold their National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

The service, provided in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, gives the public an opportunity to safely dispose of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription or over-the-counter drugs and prevent pill abuse and theft.  Only solid medications can be accepted; the service does not include liquid products such as intravenous medicines or syringes.

Improperly disposed medication that is flushed down the drain leaves traces of chemicals in our water that sewage treatment facilities cannot remove entirely.  These chemicals reenter lakes and rivers and threaten our drinking water supply and our natural ecosystem.  Make your home and community safer by turning in your medications!

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is hosting a take-back site at the Deer Park Village Hall, 23680 Cuba Rd. Or, search for other participating sites. 

Companies Use Deceptive Practices in Soliciting Homeowners

Recently, the Lake County Recorder of Deeds office has been getting phone calls from concerned residents about a deed scam. There are two companies soliciting Lake County homeowners - "Local Records Office" and "Illinois Deed Providers" - offering to provide them with a certified copy of their deed. The Recorder's Office is asking residents to be on the lookout for solicitations from these two companies, because they are charging $89 plus $4.50 for postage and handling.

There may come a time when you need to reference the deed to your home. As often happens, people misplace their deeds or in some instances, never actually received the original deed at the time they purchased their home. For your protection, all requests for copies of deeds should be handled directly through the Lake County Recorder's office. The average deed is four pages or less, with a copy fee of only $1 per page. Seniors may request a copy for free. As you can see, these fake businesses are roughly making a $90 profit on every request they handle.

If you have any other questions or concerns, you can contact the Lake County Recorder of Deeds office at 847-377-2575.  View the PSA from Recorder of Deeds Mary Ellen Vanderventer here.