Is Your Home Prepared for a Flood Warning? — Chicago’s Complete Flood Readiness Checklist (2025 Edition)

A Wake-Up Call for Chicagoland Homeowners

Every year, Chicago and its surrounding suburbs face thousands of flood-related insurance claims—many from homes nowhere near a river or lake. Between intense spring rain, sudden fall storms, and aging infrastructure, flood warnings are becoming a seasonal norm across the region.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve helped Chicago homeowners recover from every kind of flood: from burst pipes in Logan Square, to sewer backups in Oak Park, to flash flooding in Lake Forest. Each event reinforces one truth—the time to prepare for flooding isn’t when the warning hits. It’s before it starts.

This guide breaks down how to get ready before the next alert, what to do during a flood warning, and how to act fast once the rain begins to fall.

1. Understanding Flood Risk in Chicagoland

Chicago’s flood vulnerability comes from a combination of factors:

• Aging Combined Sewer Systems – Many neighborhoods share the same pipes for stormwater and sewage. When they overflow, basements can back up even in areas far from major waterways.
• Flat Terrain – With little elevation change, water tends to pool rather than drain.
• Urban Surfaces – Concrete and asphalt prevent natural absorption, forcing water into drainage systems already near capacity.
• Seasonal Extremes – Freeze–thaw cycles cause cracks in foundations and pipes that worsen water intrusion.

Even if you don’t live in a designated floodplain, you’re not immune. During Hurricane Ike’s remnants in 2008, hundreds of homes in neighborhoods like Albany Park, Skokie, and Des Plaines flooded due to overfilled sewers. More recently, the 2020 North Shore storms caused widespread basement flooding from Winnetka to Wilmette—proof that “minor” rainfall can still lead to major damage.

2. What To Do Before a Flood Warning

Create a Household Flood Plan

• Assign roles: Who grabs emergency supplies? Who turns off utilities?
• Identify safe routes for evacuation—know how to reach higher ground.
• Save emergency contacts for local utilities, insurance, and restoration professionals like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons.

Inspect & Maintain Critical Systems

• Sump Pumps: Test monthly. Clean pits. Add battery or water-powered backups.
• Downspouts & Gutters: Clean twice a year. Extend at least 6–10 feet away from your home.
• Foundation: Seal cracks and check window wells for drainage.
• Sewer Line: Have a camera inspection done every few years to spot tree root intrusions or blockages.

Protect Valuables & Utilities

• Move electronics, furniture, and documents off basement floors.
• Anchor fuel tanks and elevate major appliances.
• Photograph valuables for insurance documentation.

Prepare an Emergency Flood Kit

Include:

• Portable chargers and flashlights
• Bottled water and non-perishables
• First aid supplies and essential medications
• Important documents in waterproof sleeves
• Cash, since ATMs may go offline

Install Smart Sensors

Smart water leak alarms near sump pits, water heaters, and laundry areas can notify you instantly—whether you’re home or away.

3. When a Flood Warning Is Issued

Flood warnings mean flooding is imminent or already happening. Take immediate precautions.

• Unplug electronics and shut off gas and electricity if water is rising near outlets.
• Move cars to higher ground or park on elevated driveways.
• Avoid basement entry—floodwater can be electrified or contaminated.
• Stay tuned to alerts via NOAA Weather Radio, local TV, or phone notifications.
• Evacuate if ordered—don’t wait until streets flood. Six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet; a foot can sweep a car away.

4. After the Water Recedes: Act Fast

Once officials say it’s safe to re-enter:

Document Everything

Take photos of structural damage, flooring, and contents. Don’t discard wet materials until your insurance adjuster approves.

Avoid Contaminated Water

Floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals, and bacteria. Never attempt cleanup without PPE (gloves, boots, respirators).

Start Professional Drying Immediately

Within 24–48 hours, standing water begins to destroy drywall and flooring and foster mold growth. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons deploys industrial dehumidifiers, air movers, and HEPA filtration to dry structures safely and quickly.

Check for Hidden Moisture

We use thermal imaging to detect water behind walls and under flooring—a critical step to prevent future odor and microbial growth.

Work With Your Insurance Company

Keep receipts for temporary lodging, meals, and repairs. We provide adjuster-ready estimates and documentation to help streamline the claims process.

5. Chicago’s History of Flooding—And What It Teaches Us

From the 2008 Ike remnants to the 2013 spring floods and 2020 flash events, Chicago’s rainfall intensity has increased by nearly 20% since 1950 (Illinois State Water Survey). Basement flooding now affects properties well outside historic flood zones.

Cities like Wilmette, Glenview, and Evanston have expanded local stormwater retention basins—but homeowners still remain the first line of defense. Preparation isn’t just wise; it’s essential.

6. How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Helps Homeowners Recover

ServiceMaster was founded in Chicago in 1929, making it the nation’s oldest restoration company. Locally, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has served the Chicagoland area for over 40 years, providing emergency mitigation and reconstruction after water, fire, and mold disasters.

We are:

• IICRC Certified in Water, Fire, and Mold Remediation
• Members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
• 2025 Inc. 5000 Honorees
• Winners of the Chicago Star Award, BBB Torch Award, and Stevie® Award for Business Excellence

Whether you need floodwater extraction, basement drying, or full reconstruction, our team restores more than property—we restore peace of mind.

7. Your Chicago Flood Preparedness Checklist

• Clean gutters and downspouts twice a year
• Extend downspouts 6–10 feet from foundation
• Seal foundation cracks and check grading
• Test sump pump and add battery backup
• Elevate or relocate valuables from basements
• Install backwater valves on combined sewers
• Store important documents in waterproof containers
• Run a dehumidifier from May to September
• Keep ServiceMaster’s 24/7 number handy

Chicago & Northwest Suburbs: (773) 376-1110

North Shore & Lake County: (847) 316-9145

8. Related Reading

• How to Protect Your Basement From Flash Floods — A Guide for North Shore Homeowners
• The 2025 Chicago Water Damage Report: Trends, Risks & How Homeowners Can Protect Their Property
• 6 Hidden Ways Flooding Can Start in Your Chicagoland Home — And How to Stop It Fast

9. About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a multi-award-winning, IICRC-certified firm serving Chicago, North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County. Co-owned by CEO Nasutsa Mabwa and COO Sam Simon, the company provides expert Water Damage Restoration, Fire Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation, and Specialty Cleaning services for homes and businesses.

Under their leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has become one of the Midwest’s most trusted disaster restoration firms, earning national recognition for excellence, ethics, and community service.

FAQs: Flood Preparation in Chicagoland

Q1: How can I prepare my basement for flooding in Chicago?
A1: Test your sump pump, seal cracks, clean gutters, and install backwater valves. Add a dehumidifier and move valuables off the floor before spring or fall storms.

Q2: What should I do when a flood warning is issued?
A2: Unplug electronics, shut off utilities near water, move vehicles to higher ground, and monitor official alerts. Avoid basements and flooded roads.

Q3: Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
A3: Standard homeowners policies do not. You may need separate flood insurance or a sump pump rider. Always confirm your coverage in advance.

Q4: How fast should I call a restoration company after flooding?
A4: Immediately. Water damage begins within 24–48 hours. The faster professional drying begins, the lower the cost and risk of mold.

Q5: Who should I call for emergency water removal in Chicago?
A5: ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides 24/7 emergency response for Chicago, North Shore, and Lake County.

Chicago & Northwest Suburbs: (773) 376-1110
North Shore & Lake County: (847) 316-9145

Further Learning

Explore more in RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset — a practical guide co-authored by Sam Simon and Nasutsa Mabwa to help homeowners navigate water, fire, and mold disasters.

Services

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning