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Flood Update: Recovery Efforts Continue in Lake County
The Lake County Emergency Operations Center remains open, and Lake County continues to coordinate with government agencies on recovery efforts, including debris and sandbag pick-up, and the distribution of clean-up kits.
Current Conditions
Chain O'Lakes/Fox River System
Water levels on the Chain O'Lakes are expected to slowly recede, dropping 2 to 3 inches a day and will take about two weeks to reach minor flood levels. The Lower Fox River below Stratton Dam is still at record flood levels. Until the water levels come down, major flooding will continue on the Fox River.
Des Plaines River
The Des Plaines will fall to minor flood stage at Gurnee on Wednesday evening and at Lincolnshire by Friday.
Weather
Little or no rain is expected over the next five days.
Sandbag Pick-Up
Sandbag removal is beginning along the Des Plaines. Contact your municipality for details about collection in your area. As water recedes, the Lake County Emergency Management Agency is in the process of coordinating sandbag pick-up for unincorporated residents in Lake County. Complete information and details will be provided when available.
Clean-up Kits
While quantities last, residents impacted by flooding along the Des Plaines River can pick up free clean-up kits at their village or township. Please call in advance. The Red Cross provided the kits, which consist of a bucket, mop, bleach, and other supplies, and Lake County is distributing them to impacted areas. The County is delivering kits to villages and townships in the Fox River/Chain O'Lakes and other impacted areas, so they will be available when waters recede starting later this week.
Flood Damaged Items
If you live in a municipality, contact your village for details regarding disposal and removal of flood damaged items. The process varies depending on your waste hauler. Lake County is working with townships to identify specific areas where flood damaged items will be collected. This information will be provided directly to those affected homeowners as soon as it's available.
Civil Air Patrol Provides Aerial Photos
The Civil Air Patrol, the official Air Force auxiliary, recently provided two aircraft and collected more than 500 photos of the flood impacted areas, which are being used to assist with damage assessment. View a mapped set of photos. To republish these photos, please credit: Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol.
Damage Assessment Process Underway
Residents are urged to report any property damage caused by the recent floods. The Lake County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) continues to coordinate with municipalities and townships to compile damage assessment information, and EMA will work with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on potential assistance. It is too soon to determine if state or federal assistance will become available.
If your property has been impacted by the recent floods, you need to report it to your local government agency, as follows:
* If you live in a municipality, contact your city or village.
* If you live in unincorporated area, or a township, contact the Lake County Planning Building and Development Department at 847-377-2081.
Flooded Wells
The Health Department is offering free water testing to residents whose wells are affected by flood waters. Officials remind residents that they need to wait for the water to recede before testing their water. You can pick up sterile bottles to be filled and returned for analysis, and obtain information about disinfecting wells at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, or at township and village offices in the county. (Please call your village or township in advance). For more information, call Environmental Health Services of the Lake County Health Department at (847) 377-8020. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm.
Tetanus Shots
The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is advising residents to take preventive steps if they have been exposed to flood waters. Tetanus can be transmitted by cuts or puncture wounds. Thus, people who have open cuts or wounds and have been exposed to flood waters should consider a tetanus shot. The need for the vaccination should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. The Health Department is also recommending that those who need a tetanus shot should get a Tdap vaccination, which includes protection not only against tetanus, but diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) as well. Tdap shots are available through healthcare providers and at the Health Department's Immunizations Clinic at 2303 Dodge Avenue in Waukegan. For more information call: (847) 377-8470.
Flood Repairs
Property owners may conduct emergency clean-up activities without obtaining a permit, which includes removing water damaged property (i.e. carpeting, cabinets, etc). However, permits for repairs including replacing dry wall, or replacing carpeting, may be required by the municipality, or Lake County (if you live in the unincorporated area). Check with your local government agency with questions about what permits may be required.
Lake County Recorder provides deeds for flood victims
Owners of flood-damaged properties who are seeking financial assistance from Lake County banks and lending institutions will need to show proof of ownership in order to secure loans. The Lake County Recorder's Office will be working closely with government officials and impacted property owners to provide any necessary recorded documents at no cost to flood victims. To obtain a free certified copy of the deed, contact the Recorder of Deeds Office at (847) 377-2575. Lake County military veterans in flood-damage areas may also qualify for additional programs. Veterans may contact the Recorder of Deeds Office to obtain a free certified copy of their Military Discharge Papers, commonly known as DD214s, for proof of military service.
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