With spring showers and summer thunderstorms on the horizon, Chicagoland homeowners need to get ready for Mother Nature’s wet seasons.

From heavy downpours causing flash floods to high winds downing trees and power lines, severe weather can strike at any time — and the potential for damage is real. These events can cause significant damage and disrupt lives, but proactive steps can minimize their impact.

The Windy City region’s mercurial climate keeps property owners on their toes each year as they brace for extreme wind and rain. Let’s explore how to fortify your home, secure the safety of your loved ones, and mitigate the risk of extensive and costly repairs to your home.

Know Your Risk

Before delving into preparations, it’s essential to assess your home’s vulnerability to flooding and wind damage.

Even if your residence is not situated in a designated flood zone, it could still be at risk due to heavy rainfall, storm surges, or overflowing bodies of water. A recent analysis by Chicago’s ABC 7 I-Team found that more than 200,000 properties in Cook County and the surrounding areas are at major or severe risk of flooding, with 94% of those homes being inadequately insured.

Utilize local resources and online tools to determine your flood risk level and familiarize yourself with the base flood elevation (BFE) in your area. Homeowners should also invest in regular inspections of their homes’ exteriors, plumbing systems, and major appliances to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Additionally, consider purchasing flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program to get coverage for related damages that are not typically included in standard homeowners insurance policies. Remember that it takes time for these policies to go into effect, sometimes up to several weeks.

Be Flood Smart

One of the biggest storm threats Chicagoans face is flooding caused by drenching rains and backups caused by overloaded sewer and drainage systems.

Even properties located outside designated flood plains can be overwhelmed when stormwater has nowhere to go. Taking some simple preventative steps now can keep your basement and living spaces dry.

Start by elevating electrical switches, panels, and sockets at least 12 inches above potential flood levels to prevent water damage to your home’s electrical systems. Likewise, consider relocating vital appliances such as water heaters, furnaces, and AC units to higher floors or raised platforms.

Ensure your home has proper drainage that directs water away from the foundation. Grade the soil so it slopes away from your home’s exterior walls. Keep gutters and downspouts clear so they can efficiently shuttle water off the roof. You may even want to extend downspouts several feet from the house.

To prevent sewer backups, you can install backwater valves or standpipes. These handy devices allow sewage to flow out while blocking it from returning to your drains and into your home. For added security against water infiltration, use a waterproof sealant or caulk to seal any cracks in your foundation walls.

If a major storm is predicted, move furnishings, electronics, and valuables up from your basement to higher levels. Unplug appliances and electronics, and don’t run major appliances if there’s a chance of flooding. Stockpile emergency supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting, sump pumps, and battery-operated sump pump backups.

It’s smart to locate and prioritize irreplaceable items like family heirlooms, documents, and photos. Store them in waterproof containers and consider relocating them to higher floors within your home.

Batten Down the Hatches

Spring is the Windy City’s windiest season, with average wind speeds of almost 12mph. With the Climate Prediction Center indicating a warmer-than-normal season, after a concerningly mild winter, less ice cover on the Great Lakes could translate to more lake-effect rainstorms and extreme weather.

Now is the ideal time to prepare your property for high winds, flying debris, and downed trees and power lines by consulting with a trained and licensed arborist. Take the time to anchor or store away anything that could get whipped up by strong winds.

Securely lock down fences, swing sets, and trampolines, and remove hanging planters or lightweight yard decor. Close exterior and garage doors and be sure to check your windows, as broken ones leave your home extremely vulnerable in a wind event.

Be sure your home’s roof is in good repair to better withstand gusts and keep water infiltration at bay. Inspect for any loose or missing shingles and have them repaired or replaced well before the storm. Loose shutters or siding can also peel off in high winds, damaging your home’s exterior, so be sure everything is properly repaired.

Inside your home, identify a safe, interior room to take shelter if a tornado or high wind warning is issued. Keep emergency supplies on hand like bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio. It’s a good idea to back up critical files and data on your computer as well.

When Disaster Strikes

Even the most diligent preparation can’t prevent every mishap. When severe weather results in flood damage, roof leaks, fallen trees, or other destruction, seeking professional help can expedite the recovery process.

An experienced disaster restoration team like PuroClean of Evanston can guide you through insurance claims and assist in restoring your home to its pre-storm condition.

Our Paramedics of Property Damage™ are available 24/7 to help you navigate the aftermath and get back on your feet as soon as possible — save our number today!