Watch County Update:  Prepare for Emergencies

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). 

Tax Bills to be Mailed First Week of May

The Treasurer's Office will be mailing tax bills to Lake County property owners in the first week of May. Homeowners that depend on the US Postal Service to "Temporarily Forward" your annual tax bill to a second location should be aware that due to new postal regulations, your bill may not be forwarded as it was in the past. If this applies to you, sign up for the Treasurer's e-news service and an email will be sent when your tax bill is available. If you have not received a bill by mid-May please visit the Treasurer's website or call the office at 847-377-2323 for more information.   Due dates are June 6 and September 6.

Federal Government Invests in PASSAGE

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin recently visited the Transportation Management Center (TMC) in Libertyville to see Lake County PASSAGE in action and shared why the federal government has invested in this state-of-the-art transportation monitoring tool that provides real time traffic congestion information to motorists.  Watch video from Senator Durbin's visit to the TMC and learn how you can save time and avoid congestion with Lake County PASSAGE.

Lake County Needs Volunteers!

Are you interested in volunteering to serve on a government board?

When citizens participate in government, it enhances transparency, openness, as well as effectiveness because government officials benefit from citizens' input, perspective, and expertise. The Lake County Board is seeking volunteers to appoint to various boards, agencies, and commissions. Residents can now visit one page on the County's website to search county board appointed committees/boards/agencies, check eligibility, see if there is a vacancy, and apply on-line. Information about each committee, including term, composition, compensation, and contact information is also available on the appointments page.  You can contact the County Board office at 847-377-2257.

News from the Lake County Forest Preserves

Celebrate Earth Week

Join the Lake County Forest Preserves for a free week of nature programs in honor of Earth Week (April 22). Celebrate spring, learn about ecology, join a nature walk or lend a hand to help save the planet. All programs are free and open to all ages.

Picnic Season Underway

It's never too early to plan some summer fun, especially if you're in charge of the annual picnic for your family, company or club. This year, have your picnic at a Forest Preserve shelter. Permits provide exclusive access to a secluded shelter with ample parking, water, grills and more. For details, call 847-367-6640, or visit LCFPD.org/permits.

Forest Preserve Launches Smartphone App

Stay up-to-the-minute with what's happening in your forest preserves on your smartphone with the new Lake County Forest Preserves mobile app. Find out about upcoming events and alerts, view recent photos from around the preserves, find and map nearby preserves, view trail maps, identify local flora and fauna with the special "ID It!" Nature Identification feature, and more!

Upcoming Community Events

Mother Daughter Tea

Join the Antioch CERT Team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

The training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available.  With training and practice and by working as a team, you will be able to do the greatest good for the greatest number of victims after a disaster, while protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

Classes will be taught by trained emergency personnel, including firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.  The program consists of 20 hours of training and emphasizes hands-on practice.