Between its streams, lakes, wetlands and floodplains, roughly a fifth of Lake County is covered by surface water, a proportion that likely increased slightly over the last month after multiple heavy rain events.
Now, Lake and McHenry counties, partnering with the American Red Cross, are encouraging residents impacted by recent severe storms and flooding to visit one of two upcoming Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) events for recovery assistance and to connect with resources and agencies.
The first MARC is Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Life Bridge Christian Church at 700 W. Liberty Street in Wauconda. The second is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cary Village Hall.
Residents from both counties can attend either event, although the church MARC event will be aimed at Lake County residents, and the Cary Village Hall event will be geared towards McHenry County residents.
Rebecca Kumar, assistant manager with the Lake County Emergency Management Agency, said the events offer a “one-stop shop” for impacted residents to connect with agencies face-to-face, rather than having to call them one at a time.
“There’s nothing more frustrating than when you’re in a situation trying to recover, get back to normal, that you’re making a bunch of phone calls or getting a bunch of automated lines,” Kumar said.
She encouraged anyone impacted, even in minor ways, to attend. According to a county release, even damage to two or more appliances could qualify someone for financial assistance.
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According to the release, residents can find if they qualify for financial assistance, report storm and flood damage in person, get well water sampling kits, learn about financial assistance for veterans, get cleanup supplies (such as totes, trash bags and gloves), speak to the Illinois Department of Insurance about claims and coverage, connect with support organizations and agencies including the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and connect with cleanup assistance services.
The last month has seen extensive rain, tornado watches, then warnings and flooding as the Des Plaines and Fox rivers were filled beyond capacity, Kumar said.
“Flooding is one of our biggest hazards in Lake County,” she said.