Flash Flood Preparedness Chicago – How to Protect Your Home

How to Prepare Your Home for the Next Flash Flood — A Guide for Chicagoland Homeowners

Published by ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Flash floods in Chicago aren’t just inconvenient—they’re dangerous, fast, and increasingly common. If you live in the city or suburbs like Evanston, Skokie, Glenview, or Oak Park, you’ve likely seen heavy storms overwhelm sewers, back up basements, or cause street-level flooding. But is your home actually ready for the next one?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to protect your home—and your family—before, during, and after a flash flood.

1. Why Flash Flooding Happens So Often in Chicago

Chicago’s aging infrastructure, dense development, and changing climate have made it one of the Midwest’s most flood-prone metro areas.

Key contributors:

• Combined sewers: Many older neighborhoods share storm and wastewater lines, which overflow easily in heavy rain.
• Flat terrain: Little elevation change means water has nowhere to go.
• Hard surfaces: Paved streets, driveways, and sidewalks prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground.

FACT: According to the National Weather Service, Cook County has experienced over 45 major flood events since 2000.

2. Flood Watch vs. Flash Flood Warning: Know the Difference

Alert Type - What It Means - What You Should Do

Many homeowners confuse the different flood alerts, but understanding the terminology can help you respond faster and stay safer. A Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for flooding, so it’s time to check your sump pump, gather emergency supplies, and stay alert. A Flash Flood Watch is more serious—it indicates that flooding is likely in low-lying areas and can happen with little warning, so you should be prepared to act quickly. The most urgent alert is a Flash Flood Warning, which means flooding is either already happening or about to occur. In that case, move to higher ground immediately and avoid entering your basement, where electrical hazards and structural dangers may be present. To stay ahead of these threats, sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts or use apps like FEMA, AccuWeather, or Ready Illinois to receive real-time notifications.

Tip: Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts, or use apps like FEMA, AccuWeather, or Ready Illinois to stay informed.

3. Top 10 Ways to Flood-Proof Your Home

Minimizing damage starts with preparation. These preventive steps are the foundation of flood readiness:

1. Install a sump pump with battery backup
2. Clean gutters and downspouts regularly
3. Seal foundation cracks and basement windows
4. Install a sewer backflow prevention valve
5. Cover window wells
6. Grade landscaping away from the home
7. Raise utilities and appliances off the basement floors
8. Use smart water sensors near key risk zones
9. Store valuables in plastic bins on upper shelves
10. Maintain documentation for all improvements and upgrades

🔧 Bonus Tip: Schedule an annual plumbing inspection to spot weaknesses before the next storm season.

4. Your Emergency Flood Supply Checklist

Every Chicago homeowner should have a flood emergency kit on hand, especially if your basement has ever taken on water.

Essentials include:

• Flashlights & batteries
• Portable phone chargers
• Waterproof boots & gloves
• First aid kit
• Sump pump alarm
• Wet/dry vacuum
• 5-gallon buckets & towels
• Waterproof document bags

5. Does Insurance Cover Flash Flooding?

Here’s the truth: standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.

To be protected:

• Purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• Ask your agent about water backup endorsements
• Take photos/videos of your home in good condition, including the basement and foundation

For more: See RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset
Available on Amazon

6. What To Do During a Flash Flood

If a flash flood hits while you're home, follow these steps immediately:

• Stay upstairs — avoid basements, garages, or crawl spaces
• Shut off power only if it’s safe
• Don’t walk through water — 6 inches can knock you off your feet
• Listen for evacuation orders or boil water advisories
• Keep children and pets away from floodwaters

Floodwater may be contaminated with sewage, bacteria, or chemicals.

7. What Needs to Be Cleaned or Replaced After a Flood

Not all damage is visible. Act fast to avoid long-term problems like mold or structural decay.

Replace:

• Soaked drywall, carpeting, and insulation
• Upholstered furniture exposed to dirty water
• Cardboard or paper goods stored in basements

Clean & disinfect:

• Concrete floors and walls
• Wood framing with professional antimicrobial treatments
• HVAC systems, if they drew in floodwater

Mold can begin to grow in just 24–48 hours after a flood.

8. When to Call a Professional Restoration Company

Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons immediately if:

• There’s more than 2 inches of standing water
• You smell gas or suspect electrical damage
• Your drywall, insulation, or wood framing is soaked
• You need documentation for insurance claims

We provide:

• 24/7 rapid response across Chicagoland
• Certified drying and remediation experts
• Direct billing to insurance
• Complete basement cleanup and structural drying
• Post-flood reconstruction (licensed and insured)

Call us anytime at (847) 316-9145
Contact us online

9. Why Trust ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons?

With over 40 years of local experience, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has helped thousands of homeowners across Chicago, Skokie, Oak Park, and the North Shore recover from flash floods, sewer backups, and extreme storms.

We’re:

• IICRC-Certified Master Water Restorers
• RIA Members (Restoration Industry Association)
• Nationally recognized for storm response (Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ike)
• Proud authors of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset

Additional Resources

• Residential Water Damage Services – Chicago
• Our Chicago Office
• Blog Resource Hub