Flood Response Continues in Lake County

The Lake County Emergency Operations Center remains open, and Lake County continues to coordinate with government agencies on flood response efforts. 

As of Tuesday morning, flooding from the Des Plaines River is slowly receding in Gurnee. The Des Plaines at Gurnee and Lincolnshire will fall to moderate flood stage early Wednesday, and reach minor flood stage by the weekend. The Chain O'Lakes/Fox River system remains at its highest flood level. Water is slowly receding, but will continue at major flood level through the weekend.
Officials estimate structures on an estimated 4,000 to 4,500 parcels across the county have been impacted by the floods.

Clean-up Kits
Starting today, residents impacted by flooding along the Des Plaines River can pick up free clean-up kits at their village or township, but should 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 as supplies last. The County will deliver kits to villages and townships in the Fox River/Chain O'Lakes area later this week.

Flood Damaged Items
If you live in a municipality, contact your village on details regarding disposal and removal of flood damaged items because the process varies depending on your waste hauler. Lake County is in the process of coordinating disposal options for unincorporated residents and will provide this information 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 took more than 500 photos of the flood impacted areas, which are being used to assist with damage assessment. View photos. To republish these photos, please credit: Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol.

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.

Missing Boats
If your boat is missing due to the flood, call the Fox Waterway Agency at (847) 587-8540, and leave a message. The agency will compile the information from boat owners. As the water recedes, the agency will lead the coordination effort.

Read Full Flood Update for more information about:
Flooded Wells - Water Testing
Tetanus Shots
Flood Repairs
Deeds for Flood Victims