Flood Awareness

Properties in the Village of Glenview are subject to flooding from overbank river flooding, sanitary sewer backup and local drainage.

Flooding has also been an historic issue in parts of Glenview and other Chicago area communities not immediately adjacent to rivers. In these areas, heavy clay soils, flat topography and a lack of well-defined drainage paths can contribute to poor drainage conditions. Severe storm events in August 2007 and September 2008 resulted in overbank flooding along both the West and Middle Forks of the North Branch of the Chicago River, greatly impacting homes, businesses and other properties in the community.

Past projects, such as construction of the Techny Basin Reservoir have resulted in additional flood water storage along the river. The Village is continuing to work with other agencies to implement additional regional projects.

Several areas in the Village have been identified as areas that are susceptible to sanitary sewer backups into basements. The Village is continuing to evaluate and consider capital projects to reduce the rate and volume of rainfall-related inflow and infiltration into its public sanitary sewer system. Currently, the Village is offering one-time cost-sharing assistance to residents that convert to an overhead sanitary sewer at their home. Full details about this program are available here on the Village website.

Many areas of the Village developed before the early 1970s were built without storm water detention and other currently accepted engineering standards. Many of these areas are subject to local drainage issues which may result in damage to structures and limit vehicle access. Assistance is available to residents for local drainage issues. Please contact the Community Development Department at (847) 904-4340 for more information.

The following common sense guidelines can help you from the dangers of flooding:

• Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around barriers.
• Do not walk through flowing water. Currents can be deceptive. Six inches of water can knock you off your feet.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. If your house is about to be flooded, turn off the power at the service box. Electrical current can travel through water. Electrocution is the second leading cause of death during floods.
• Be alert to gas leaks. Turn off the gas to your house before it floods. If you smell gas, report it to Nicor Gas at 1-888-642-6748. Do not use candles, lanterns or open flames if you smell gas or are unsure if your gas has been shut off.
• Keep children away from the flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains. Flood waters can carry unimaginable items that have been dislodged. Culverts may suck smaller people into them rendering them helpless.
• Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their home may seek shelter in yours.
• Do not use gas engines, such as generators, or charcoal fires indoors during power outages. Carbon monoxide exhaust can pose serious health hazards.
• Clean everything that has been wet. Flood water will be contaminated with sewage and other chemicals which pose severe health threats.

If you do not have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Flood insurance is only available to those participating communities in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Because of our floodplain management programs that attempt to protect us from the multiple flooding hazards, Glenview is part of the NFIP and, thus, residents are able to obtain flood insurance. Additionally, because the Village participates in FEMA’s CRS program, flood insurance premiums are discounted.

Be sure to check your policy to ensure you have adequate coverage. Usually these policies cover the building structure, but not the contents. Contents coverage can also be obtained by asking. There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage becomes effective. Plan ahead; do not wait until a flood is predicted before purchasing flood insurance.

If you are building inside the floodplain, the purchase of flood insurance is mandatory if using a federally regulated/insured bank for a loan.

A Village Development Permit is required for all development within the 100-year floodplain (construction of buildings, as well as filling, excavation, fence and other related work). Applications must be made prior to doing any work in a floodplain area. Contact the Community Development Department at (847) 904-4340 to receive all the information in order to properly perform work in the floodplain. You may report any illegal development activities to the above number as well.