July 14, 2017: City to Meet with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The City of Highland Park, along with other Lake County communities, will be meeting with FEMA representatives on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 to discuss flood recovery efforts and future stormwater management in response to the severe flooding that has resulted in a State of Emergency.
The City of Highland Park, along with other Lake County communities, will be meeting with FEMA representatives on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 to discuss flood recovery efforts and future stormwater management in response to the severe flooding that has resulted in a State of Emergency.
Storm Recovery Efforts
Public Works crews in cooperation with the Police and Fire Departments continue to address resident calls, clear inlets, conduct traffic control, and respond to public safety concerns including helping people from their homes. With the Skokie River over-topping and low-lying areas in the community under water, all storm sewers are surcharged, but the Skokie River is slowly receding. Staff has issued six communication alerts via our electronic newsletter, posted on social media, issued an automated notification and are updating our website regularly with storm recovery efforts, which include ComEd, North Shore Gas, and Lake County Health Department recommendations. City staff is on call to address resident needs, and we have Public Works crews working around-the-clock, which will continue through the flooding event.
Lake County has declared a State of Emergency based on the severe flooding. The proclamation was sent to Governor Rauner and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and would authorize state agencies to use all available resources and personnel, as necessary, to cope with the magnitude and severity of this emergency situation. It could also provide assistance to the county in the form of financial, personnel, services, logistical, and technical assistance. Residents are encouraged to keep all photo documentation and receipts.
City staff are monitoring the situation regularly. If individuals need assistance exiting their home, please call the City's Public Works Department at 847.432.0807. For after hours assistance, please use the non-emergency number at 847.432.7730. If emergency assistance is needed, please dial 911.
Storm Recovery Contact Information
| City Public Works Dept. | 847.432.0807 |
| City After-Hours | 847.432.7730 |
| ComEd | 800.334.7661 |
| North Shore Gas | 866.556.6004 |
| Lake County Health Dept. | 847.377.8000 |
| AT&T Landline Service | 800.288.2020 |
| Lakeshore Recycling Systems | 773.685.8811 |
| Emergency Assistance | 911 |
Find helpful flood information on the Lake County Emergency Management Agency website.
Health Risks Related to Floodwater Contact
The Lake County Health Department has provided important health and safety information to protect individuals in the event of a flood. Read their comprehensive tips about how to stay safe when and after flooding has occurred.
How Do I Dispose of Items Damaged by the Flood?
The City is providing for free curbside service through Lakeshore Recycling Systems. If you have items that need to be removed due to flood damage, please call Lakeshore Recycling at 773.685.8811 to schedule a free pickup on one of the following days, July 19, July 26, or August 2. Items should be placed curbside for collection. If you require a dumpster, please call LRS for pricing. No yard waste, electronics or white goods, such as washing machines and refrigerators, are included with the free pickup. If you have already scheduled a pickup, the free collection will be honored.
Why Did We Flood?
Lake County communities experienced more than 4 inches of rain in a short duration, with larger rainfall totals upstream along the Skokie River. The flooding resulted from the amount of rainfall that fell on the Skokie River watershed. As the Skokie River rises it reduces the water carrying capacity of the entire storm sewer system and causes the streets to flood. It is simply too much rain in too short a time. Now that the river is elevated, additional rain will have an intensified effect.
Gas Service on Taylor Avenue
North Shore Gas installed 600 ft. of gas line on Friday off Taylor Avenue. North Shore Gas is testing and then turning on gas service Saturday. A blue notification card will be left with all homeowners who are not home so they can call and have a North Shore Gas representative return to turn on the gas.
Major Street Closures Update
All streets affected by the flooding are now open.
For updated road conditions, please visit Lake County PASSAGE at www.lakecountypassage.com.
Sandbags Available
Sandbags are now available at the Highland Park Recycling Center, 1180 Half Day Road, on a first come, first served basis in the parking lot immediately north of the gate. Sandbags can be picked up anytime.
Flood Cleanup Tool Kits
The City has received a limited number of flood cleanup tool kits from Lake County. Residents interested in obtaining a kit can call the City's Public Works Department during office hours at 847.432.0807.
ComEd Outages Update
Power has been fully restored to Highland Park. Report outages to ComEd at 800.334.7661.
Gas Service on Taylor Avenue
North Shore Gas installed 600 ft. of gas line on Friday off Taylor Avenue. North Shore Gas is testing and then turning on gas service Saturday. A blue notification card will be left with all homeowners who are not home so they can call and have a North Shore Gas representative return to turn on the gas.