 Significant flooding continues in Lake County from the Chain
O’Lakes, Fox River and Des Plaines River. Thank you to all the residents who have handled the flooding by supporting one another and to the volunteers who have given their time or donated items to help neighbors who need support. A big thank you also goes to the village, township and county staff who have come together to keep us informed and provide assistance. Stay safe out there!
Check this newsletter and share with others to receive helpful information, and also remember to visit our 2017 Flood
Information page for the latest updates.
Disaster/Flood Resource Center to Open in Round Lake Beach
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the American Red Cross,
Salvation Army and the Northeast Illinois Community Organizations Active in
Disasters (COAD) will join other disaster service organizations as part of a
Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC). Residents impacted by the floods can come
to this one-stop, resource center in Round Lake Beach to meet with trained
counselors for resources, obtain housing and insurance information and other
assistance from team representatives. Also, the MARC will offer free in-kind
donations. There will be translators available.
Where
965 E. Rollins Road, Round Lake Beach, (The old Garden Fresh
location)
When
Thursday, July 20, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Lunch and dinner will be provided to
clients.
Friday, July 21, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Lunch and dinner will be provided to clients.
Saturday, July 22, 9 a.m. – noon, Snacks will be provided to clients.
Drop-Off Donation Site
To help ensure victims/clients receive the items they need, the
Salvation Army has created a toll-free Donation Hotline (888-369-1349) for donors
to call and get information on the specific items needed. Callers will be
asked to identify what items they have to donate and if they are not useable
items specifically for this flood, the Salvation Army will decline receiving
the donation. If they are non-perishable items that can be used in this
disaster (or future ones), they will be given an Authorization Code and times
the MARC is open to accept their donation. With the Authorization Code, they
may drive to the MARC at their convenience any of the three days and drop off
their items with designated Donation Management personnel. Callers can leave a
message and get a call back should they call after hours or during times of
heavy call volume.
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Form Helps Residents Report Flood Damage
Let us know if you've been impacted by the recent flooding by filling out the form below. A full and complete understanding of the impacts of this disaster is a necessary part of the flood response process. We need your help to properly quantify damages in Lake County. Please fill out the form today!
Local Resources May Be Available
Please contact your local municipality or township to see if assistance is available in the following areas. You can find links to the local municipalities at the bottom of this newsletter.
- Some areas have already set up special garbage collections for disposal of flood-contaminated debris, including used sandbags and flood-soaked personal property.
- Clean-up kits provided by the American Red Cross are being distributed to communities upon request.
- Some local agencies are offering permit fee waivers and/or fast-tracking permits for flood-related repairs. If you live in a municipality, contact your village. Residents in unincorporated Lake County can contact the Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department at 847-377-2600.
 Check Lake County PASSAGE
Major roads have opened up. This includes US 41 between IL 21
and Delany Road, IL Route 60, 173, and 120! For updated road conditions,
visit Lake County PASSAGE or
listen to 1620 AM.
Be Aware of Flood-Related Fraud
Residents should be aware of the increased risk of scammers
attempting to capitalize on those impacted by flooding. Some safety tips
include:
- Check with the Better Business
Bureau and your insurance company to determine the credibility of the
service provider.
- Do not let anybody inside of
your home, unless you have initiated the appointment.
- Obtain several (three or more)
estimates for repair work.
- Take photographs of your
contractor and any work vehicles.
- Before work begins, obtain a
written contract.
- If you see or detect anything
suspicious, contact your local law enforcement agency.
Check Good Standing of Businesses – IL Secretary of State
Report fraud to the IL Attorney General
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Water Wells
Flood waters may contaminate wells. Drinking and/or washing with water from a private well that has been flooded is not advised as the well water may be contaminated with bacteria and other contaminants.
Residents on private wells need to have their water tested after floodwaters have receded. The Lake County Health Department is offering free water testing to residents whose wells are affected by flooding. For information on well water testing, contact Environmental Health Services at 847-377-8020.
 Mosquitoes in Illinois are beginning to test positive
for West Nile virus. The Lake County Health Department
and Community Health Center urges you to “Fight the Bite” and protect yourself
and your family. Make sure to follow
the 4 D’s of Defense to help prevent breeding and protect yourself from
mosquito bites.
Call the West Nile hotline at 847-377-8300
to report areas of stagnant water, report locations of dead birds, and learn the
signs and symptoms of West Nile virus.
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 Did you know 68 percent of Lake County residents have
continued schooling beyond high school, and 43 percent have a bachelor’s degree
or higher? That exceeds the national average by 13 percent! Learn more about
Lake County’s workforce by viewing Lake
County Partners 2016 annual report.
And, government, business and community leaders are continuing
to work together to grow our talent economy. Watch this video
to learn
more as leaders came together to discuss how to attract businesses to the
county at Lake County Partners' Big Event.
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 Locating missing persons, finding weapons and drugs,
tracking suspects and inspecting for bomb threats are some of the ways our K-9
Unit has made an impact in our communities. Watch this video,
and see how Dax, Diesel, Duke, Boomer and their handlers work to help protect
Lake County.
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 Forest Preserve News
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 Gospelfest
Be inspired by
Lake County’s gospel voices on Sunday, July 30 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center
in North Chicago. This annual favorite feature choirs, solo performances and praise
dancers that bring you to your feet. Children can also enjoy fun nature
activities during the event. Learn more
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 Wildlife
Homes
Discover with
your little explorer the places animals make their homes. Hands-on nature
activities include a hike, story, craft, and interaction with live animals.
This event takes place select Thursdays in July and August at
Independence Grove, and it is open to children ages 4-5 with an
adult. Register today
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 The 89th annual Lake County Fair will take place July 26 to
30 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. Don't miss family fun,
including the livestock barns, rodeo, carnival rides, music and much
more. Learn more
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