Knowing how to prepare can ensure you and your family are safe during severe storms, flooding, extreme heat or cold and emergency situations. Here are some ways you can sign up to ensure you and your family are in the know when extreme weather is expected in Lake County. Checking the National Weather Service website is one of the best resources of information for updated and accurate weather.

• Sign up for Nextdoor to get alerts that are specific to your neighborhood
• Emergency Alert System (EAS): A national public warning system that includes cell phone notifications
• Emergency Closing Center: Check here for closings in the area during extreme weather
• IBHS Disaster Safety: Visit the Insurance Institute for Business & Home safety site for preparedness tips
• Lake County Skywarn: Check the Skywarn website for live radar forecasts
• Latest Lake County Traffic Updates: Check out Lake County road and traffic updates here
• Ready.gov: Visit this site for a comprehensive for disaster and emergency preparedness

Flooding

• Flood Information
• Flood Safety Tips (American Red Cross)
• Flood Safety Tips (FEMA)

Winter Storms

• Road and Traffic Updates
• Types of Winter Weather
• Winter Weather Preparedness
• Lake County Division of Transportation Snow Plow Routes

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Cold

• Winter Weather (CDC)
• Winter Weather (IDPH)
• Hypothermia and Frostbite

Extreme Cold Tips

• Avoid prolonged time outdoors. If you must spend time outside, follow this guide on how to most effectively dress in extreme cold.
• Have an emergency kit ready in your car. Blankets, flashlights, water, snacks, and jumper cables are a few of the essentials.
• Don’t overexert yourself while shoveling snow. Call 911 if you experience chest pain.
• Prevent your water pipes from freezing.
• Consider the following safety tips when using supplemental heat sources such as space heaters:  
  • Ensure that all combustible items away from the unit 
  • If using a kerosene heater, make sure it’s in a well-ventilated area 
  • Do not run your stove or oven to generate heat  
  • Homes with high-efficiency furnaces should make sure the venting to the outside of the home is clear and not snow covered.  
  • Natural gas safety tips
• Are you seeking shelter for your pet during the extreme cold weather? The Lake County Animal Care and Control Program in Libertyville will board your pet at no charge. Please call 847-377-4700 and press "3" when prompted to page the warden on call. Callers should leave their full name, phone number, and available time(s) to drop off their pets. Unfortunately, Animal Care and Control is unable to pick up your pets. Proof of vaccination must be presented prior to release. Extreme cold is dangerous for pets. Keep your pets safe by following these tips.
• Extreme cold can be incredibly dangerous and can quickly result in frostbite, lead to hypothermia, and other life-threatening situations. Throughout the winter make sure to get the latest weather updates through the National Weather Service. In case of an emergency, call 911.

Shelter and Warming Centers

• Before going to a warming center, please call in advance to confirm availability and hours. View a list of warming centers Lake County has compiled.
• Warming centers are available in state facilities across Illinois.
• PADS Lake County provides overnight shelter, food and hospitality for individuals and families with children experiencing homelessness. View the list of shelters. 

Extreme Heat

• Cooling Center Map
• Cooling Centers (Illinois.gov)
• Extreme Heat Prevention Guide
• Extreme Heat FAQs

Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes

• Know the difference between a "Watch" and a "Warning"
• National Weather Service - Chicago
  
• Power Outage Map
• Prepare for a Tornado