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FOX RIVER WATER LEVELS TO BEGIN RECEDING, RECOVERY EFFORTS UNDERWAY
The Lake County Emergency Operations Center remains open, and Lake County continues to coordinate with government agencies on flood response efforts. As of Monday morning, the Des Plaines River at Gurnee has crested and water is slowly receding. The Chain O'Lakes/Fox River is expected to crest today. Officials estimate structures on an estimated 4,000 to 4,500 parcels across the county have been impacted by the floods.
Chain O'Lakes/Fox River System
The Chain appears to be cresting today. Tributaries remain full or nearly full, and there is limited capacity for additional stormwater runoff.
The forecast calls for potentially between 0.5 inches and 0.75 inches Tuesday and Wednesday. It is not expected to significantly impact river levels, although it will cause the rivers to recede more slowly.
Des Plaines River
The Des Plaines at Gurnee and Lincolnshire will remain at moderate flood stage levels until Tuesday or Wednesday. Des Plaines River at Lincolnshire saw major flood levels causing structural damage and evacuations in this area.
Damage Assessment Process Underway
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 village.
* If you live in unincorporated area or a township, contact the Lake County Planning Building and Development Department at 847-377-2081.
Clean-Up Assistance
Property owners that need help should contact their local municipality, township, or Lake County (depending on where you live in the county). These government agencies are working with the Red Cross and other organizations to distribute clean-up kits and coordinate clean-up efforts. Distribution of clean-up kits is still being coordinated, and information will be provided when available.
Debris Removal
Lake County is working with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, municipal officials, and waste haulers to define a consistent strategy for the collection and disposal of flood-contaminated debris, including used sandbags and flood-soaked personal property. More information is expected to be available in the next few days.
Pumping Out Basements
If your structure is surrounded by water, do not pump out your basement until the water recedes because the outside water pressure could result in the floor buckling or walls collapsing.
Flooded Wells
The Health Department is offering free water testing to residents whose wells are affected by flood waters. 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 selected Township and Village offices in the County (check with yours). The Department is urging residents on private wells to have their water tested after the flood waters have receded. 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.
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 permits.
Traffic/Road Conditions
You can follow PASSAGE on Twitter @LCPASSAGE for current road conditions
The public can get up-to-date traffic information at www.lakecountypassage.com, or AM1620.
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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