Lake County Gazette

Gov. Bruce Rauner visited Gurnee and praised the efforts of everyone involved in dealing with flooding that devastated parts of Lake County recently, according to a press release.

“Our first responders have done a tremendous job ensuring the safety of Lake County residents, especially quickly moving patients at Lake Forest Hospital to ensure their safety,” Rauner said. “Everyone, including residents, volunteers, first responders and IEMA (Illinois Emergency Management Agency) have stepped up to assist those in need.”  

Homes, apartments, hospitals, roads and other structured suffered severe damage, but no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

Gov. Bruce Rauner | www.illinois.gov

“IEMA has been in continual contact with emergency managers in the flood-impacted counties to ensure they get any state resources needed as quickly as possible,” James Joseph, director of IEMA, said, according to the press release. “Thanks to strong emergency response capabilities and solid planning in this area, there have been few requests for state resources to this point. We will continue to lean forward in support of these communities as long as needed.”  

Many volunteers have been working with various organizations to help clean up Lake County. American Red Cross shelters in Grayslake, Round Lake and North Chicago have been accepting residents in need.

“I want to thank our public works staff, first responders, volunteers and neighbors across Lake County who are helping us respond to what is expected to be a record flood,” Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor said in a statement. “The past 24 hours have been very challenging for the residents of Lake County. Once the waters recede, recovery, clean-up, and damage assessment will continue for weeks. It's important to remember we are all in this together."  

The Rauner Administration said the governor is working toward getting those who have been affected by the flood damage the help they need.