Storm Preparation & Response

Preparation

Village staff takes a proactive and interdepartmental approach to flood mitigation and management during a storm event. The weather forecast is monitored, and if there is a clear threat of flooding, barricades with signage are pre-deployed in low lying areas so that they may be used to inform motoring public of underpass & street closures. Protocols are in place to temporarily divert traffic at major intersections if street closures become necessary and personnel will assist with traffic management until flooding recedes.

If a storm event is predicted, personnel are deployed to clear catch basins and conduct street sweeping operations to reduce potential sewer blockages. Personnel will continue catch basin clearing efforts throughout a rain event when feasible. Residents can assist in the effort of keeping catch basins clear by removing debris or contacting the Department of Public Works at (708) 579-2328 to report debris that are preventing drainage. Catch basin lids should not be removed to encourage faster drainage, as rates of drainage are impacted by pipe sizing. The grates serve an important function of keeping large debris out of the system, preventing clogs that can impede the proper function of the sewer system. Public Works personnel and residents are prohibited from removing lids as this also creates a safety hazard (voids cannot be seen underwater). 

A Street Division employee will be assigned to report to work at the beginning of the predicted event to monitor the storm and to call in additional crews/resources as necessary.

Flood Prevention Resources

• View the Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management Guide to Flood Protection in Northeastern Illinois.
• View the Mitigation and Basement Flooding Presentation and Repairing Your Flooded Home resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• View the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's Green Neighbor Guide focusing on stormwater management projects you can build or install on your property.
• The Community Development Department provides technical consultation to residents evaluating drainage conditions on their properties and considering the installation of permeable pavers, dry wells, overhead sewers, rain gardens, and bioswales. 
• Disconnect your home’s downspouts so they drain onto pervious (absorbent) surfaces instead of into the sewer system. It is important to make sure the disconnected downspout does not direct water toward your foundation or a neighbor’s foundation. Consider directing flow to a rain barrel or rain garden. Rain barrels are available for purchase from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and allow rain to be saved for reuse around your yard. 
• A Sewer Backup Prevention Grant program serves to address the backup of sewer systems into homes. Review the factors that determine eligibility and the application process.  
• Materials from Village Board Meetings and educational workshops hosted by the Village are available. 
• The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District has a helpful website on flood prevention steps.

Flood Response

Public Works will respond to calls/observations (during normal working hours) or the non-emergency police staff (after hours) to address clogged inlets, flooded streets, etc.

To report and document the conditions of a flooding event, please fill out a Flooding Event Report Form which will be followed up on in the days following the event. Incidents can also be reported to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District by completing their Incident Reporting Form.

If necessary, non-emergency flooding calls occurring outside of normal business hours, (7:00am-3:30pm; Monday - Friday), please call the LTACC Dispatch Non-Emergency number at (708) 352-2059. Please note that during a heavy storm event, call volume can be significant. Information regarding proper cleaning of a flooded home is available through the Illinois Department of Public Health. For more information, visit www.floodsmart.gov which has several resources including steps you should take after a flood.