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Overbank Flooding: Des Plaines is subject to overbank flooding from the following streams:
The Flood HazardRemember: Floodwaters are not clean, even if they appear clean. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the bacterial analysis of the floodwaters showed three (3) times the amount of toxins and bacteria than are allowed. The occupants will also be exposed to health problems aggravated by pollution, sediment, mold, mildew, and the stress of knowing they could be flooded again. The 1986 flood was followed by a second major flood in August 1987. Since then, the Des Plaines River exceeded flood stage in 1996, 1997,1999, 2004 and August 24, 2007. The other streams have gone over their banks, too, from locally heavy rains or backwater from Des Plaines River flooding.
Local Drainage: Des Plaines is very flat and subject to local drainage problems. Water collects or "ponds" in yards. Sometimes, this causes or aggravates basement flooding. To improve local drainage, developers are required to construct storm sewers. In the older areas of the City, storm sewers were combined with sanitary sewers. The sewers are designed to drain streets and ponding areas, but they can be overloaded by heavy rains or blocked by debris. Stormwater can sit for hours or days, waiting for the sewers to drain or be cleared. Overloaded sewers were a widespread problem when nearly 13 inches of rain fell on the area during four days in August 1987.
Sewer Backup: If the receiving rivers are flooding, if there is a blockage, or if the sewers are overloaded, water in the sewers back up and flow into the lowest opening in the line. Sanitary sewers back up into basements and storm sewers back up into streets. An overloaded combined sewer backs up into basements first and, if the water gets deeper, into streets. With the completion of the Deep Tunnel connection, the combined sewers have been better able to handle their wet weather flows.
Emergency measures: No matter what kind of building you have, some last minute emergency measures can always help. For example, you could move valuable items (photos, antiques, and other “irreplaceables” etc.) or items that are most damaged by floodwaters (upholstered furniture, stuffed toys, mattresses, foam rubber, etc.) up to a higher level. You can place sandbags or plastic sheeting in front of doorways and other low entry points. Whatever emergency protection measures you use, it is always best to have a plan written in advance to make sure you don’t forget anything after you hear the flood warning. Keep in mind the flood safety hints later in this letter. Flood ProofingSee also "Guide to Flood Protection in Northeastern Illinois" at the library. Flood proofing a house means altering it so floodwaters will not cause damage. Different flood proofing techniques: are appropriate for different types of buildings. Use the following as a guideline:
Flood Insurance
There is no coverage for things outside the house, like the driveway and landscaping. Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank when they got a mortgage or home improvement loan. Usually these policies just cover the building's structure and not the contents. If you have a policy, check it closely. During the kind of flooding that happens in Des Plaines, there is usually more damage to the furniture and contents than there is to the structure. Flood insurance is highly recommended because no floodproofing measure is 100% foolproof. Most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover a property for flood damage. The City of Des Plaines participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Local insurance agents can sell an NFIP policy under rules and rates set by the Federal government. Any agent can sell a policy and all agents must charge the same rates. Any house in Des Plaines can be covered by a flood insurance policy. Detached garages and accessory buildings are covered under the policy for the lot's main building. There are two types of coverage that can be purchased separately:
An NFIP policy covers sewer backup and basement seepage if there is a general condition of flooding in the area. You may do better by checking out the sump pump failure or sewer backup coverage that might be available as an addition to your homeowner's insurance policy. Each company has different amounts of coverage, exclusions, deductibles, and arrangements. Most exclude damage from surface flooding that would be covered by an NFIP policy. The cost varies from nothing to up to about $100 for a rider on your homeowner's insurance premium. Flood Protection Regulations
ALWAYS CHECK WITH THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT 847-391-5380 BEFORE YOU BUILD ON, FILL, ALTER, OR REGRADE YOUR PROPERTY. A permit is needed to ensure such projects do not cause problems on other properties. Every piece of trash can contribute to flooding. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug channels. If your property is next to a ditch or storage basin, please do your part and keep the banks clear of brush and debris. DO NOT DUMP OR THROW ANYTHING INTO THE DITCHES OR BASINS. Dumping in our ditches and storage basins is a violation of City Code. New buildings in the floodplain must be protected from flood damage. Our City Code, Title 14, requires that new residential buildings must be elevated one foot above the base flood level. The ordinance also requires that a substantial improvement to a building be treated as a new building. A substantial improvement is when the value of an addition, alteration, repair or reconstruction project exceeds 50% of the value of the existing building. In the case of an addition, (not a substantial improvement) only the addition must be protected. In the case of a substantial improvement to the original building, the entire building must be protected (foundation elevated, no basement, compensatory storage, etc.) For example, if a house in the floodplain is flooded, has a fire, is hit by a tornado, or is otherwise damaged so that the cost of repairs is more than 50% of the value of the building before the damage, then the house must be elevated above the base flood level (no basement). These regulations are designed to protect you and your neighbors. By keeping the drainage system clear and getting the proper permits before you build, we can prevent flooding and other drainage problems. Contact Public Works at 847-391-5464 if there is excessive debris in the curb or in the ditch. Lots in Des Plaines were originally designed so water would flow away from the building and along property lines to the street, storm sewer, or ditch. Fences, railroad ties, landscaping and regrading block this flow. Natural and Beneficial Functions
The many Forest Preserve and Park District properties along area streams have kept or restored woodlands and prairies close to their natural state. These flood prone areas are used by a variety of wildlife and provide habitat for species that cannot live or breed anywhere else. It is important that we preserve such natural areas and wetlands. While some development is allowed, the City along with County, State and Federal agencies make sure that the natural benefits of any filled wetlands are compensated by creation of additional or improved wetland habitats nearby. Another concern is water quality. The storm drain system carries untreated stormwater runoff directly to our streams. Pouring wastes into storm drains directly impacts our environment. Oil, anti-freeze, paint, fertilizer and pesticides pollute the water, destroy plants, and endanger wildlife. For example, one quart of oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water. The oil from one motor oil change can create an eight-acre oil slick. Therefore, you should do your part to help keep our streams and storm drains free of pollutants. FLOOD SAFETY TIPSDo not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there before you go through an area where the water is not flowing. Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in cars than anywhere else. Don’t drive around barriers; the road may be washed out. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to Commonwealth Edison at 1-800-334-7661. Look out for animals that have been flooded out of their homes and who may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals. Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.
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Floodplains should
be seen in their natural context. They are more than just hazardous
locations for human development. Open and natural areas, such as the
Forest Preserves, absorb much more rain and floodwater than
urbanized areas, reducing flood flows on downstream properties.
Wetland plants filter stormwater runoff, making it cleaner for those
downstream.
