The Ultimate Guide to Flood Preparedness for Homeowners

Severe flooding is becoming more common in the United States and causes billions of dollars in damage each year. According to the Federal Emergency Management Administration, just one inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage.

For homeowners in the Chicagoland area, being prepared for potential floods is crucial to protect your property and ensure the safety of your family. 

This comprehensive guide will provide you with essential information and actionable steps to prepare for, survive, and recover from a flood.

Assessing Your Risk

Before diving into preparedness strategies, it’s crucial to understand the flood risks specific to the Chicagoland area. 

Urban flooding can occur when heavy rainfall overwhelms city drainage systems, leading to street and basement flooding. River flooding is another concern, as the Chicago River and its tributaries can overflow during heavy rains or rapid snowmelt. 

Lake Michigan flooding is also a risk, with strong winds and high water levels causing lakeshore flooding and erosion. Additionally, flash floods can happen due to sudden, intense rainfall in low-lying areas.

FEMA provides flood maps which can help you determine your level of risk. If you live in a high-risk zone (zones AE or VE), consider obtaining an Elevation Certificate from a licensed surveyor. This document determines the elevation of your lowest floor compared to the base flood elevation (the level a flood is expected to reach). This information can be crucial for flood insurance purposes.

Review your property’s elevation and compare it to nearby water sources and surrounding areas. Inspect your home’s foundation and basement, looking for cracks, gaps, or signs of previous water damage. 

Finally, evaluate your property’s drainage to ensure proper grading and make sure you have functioning gutters that direct water away from your home.

A Critical Component of Protection

One of the most important steps in flood preparedness is obtaining proper insurance coverage. It’s crucial to note that standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding. To ensure you’re protected from this type of damage, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance to homeowners in participating communities. However, there’s typically a 30-day waiting period before the policy takes effect, so it’s essential to act well in advance of any potential flood threats. 

Essential Measures

Creating an emergency plan is a crucial first step in flood preparedness. Develop a family emergency strategy that includes evacuation routes, meeting points, emergency contact information, and a communication tree for family members. Don’t forget to include plans for your pets and livestock.

Assembling an emergency kit is equally important. Your kit should contain non-perishable food and water for at least three days, first aid supplies and medications, flashlights with extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, waterproof containers for vital paperwork, cash and credit cards, and changes of clothes with sturdy shoes.

Regular property maintenance can significantly reduce flood risks. Clean gutters and downspouts regularly, repair foundation cracks promptly, ensure proper landscaping and grading around your home, and trim trees to remove dead branches that could damage your home during storms.

Take steps to minimize potential water damage:

• Seal basements and crawlspaces: Use waterproof sealant to close cracks and gaps in foundation walls, floors, and around utility penetrations. Consider installing flood doors on basement entries.
• Elevate utilities: If possible, elevate electrical panels, water heaters, furnaces, and other utilities above the anticipated flood height. Consult a qualified electrician or plumber for proper installation.
• Backflow prevention valves: Install backflow prevention valves on sewer lines to prevent sewage backup into your home.
• Improve your drainage: Regularly clean downspouts to ensure proper water drainage away from your foundation. Consider extending your spouts to discharge water at least ten feet from your home’s exterior.
• Sandbags: Purchase or create sandbags to use as temporary barriers against rising floodwaters.
• Important documents: Keep copies of essential documents like insurance policies, property deeds, and financial records in a waterproof container or safe deposit box. Consider creating digital backups as well.
• Appliances: Unplug appliances before a flood to prevent electrical hazards. Store them on elevated surfaces if possible.

Sign up for local emergency alerts and warnings. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio provide critical information during emergencies. Familiarize yourself with your community’s evacuation routes and shelter locations.

Recovery and Restoration

Once the floodwaters have receded, prioritize safety for your loved ones and pets. Once you have been cleared to re-enter your home, take detailed photos and videos of flood damage to your property. 

Keep all receipts for flood-related repairs and discarded items. This documentation is essential for filing insurance claims. Your insurance provider will assess the damage and work with you to determine coverage and reimbursement.

Open windows and doors to promote ventilation and drying. Remove and discard flood-damaged carpets, furniture, and drywall to prevent mold growth. For items you plan to keep, professional cleaning and drying services may be necessary.

For extensive flood damage, PuroClean of Evanston is here to help. We have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively dry out your home, prevent secondary damage from mold, and restore your property to its pre-flood condition.

Floods can be devastating, but with proper preparation, you can significantly reduce the damage and stress they cause. Don’t be overwhelmed — call the Paramedics of Property Damage™ today!