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Health & Fitness

FLOODING NEWEST BIG CHALLENGE OF CHICAGO WINTER

This winter has been challenging for Cook County. There was measurable snowfall in 30 of the first 48 days of the year. Many of us were relieved to see the mercury rise as the sun came up on Tuesday.

The warmer weather is a nice respite from this winter’s Artic chill and watching snow piles that are beginning to resemble a mountain range start to melt down is a welcome site. But when you’re dealing with approximately six feet of snow around the county, you start to wonder where all that water will go…

Unfortunately, flooding is the next big obstacle Cook County residents will face as our temperatures climb into the 40s. The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is working with local municipalities to plan and carry out a response to anticipated flooding.

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Residents who live in and near flood plains know the kind of devastating effects flooding can have on homes. Whether you live in a flood plain or not, melting snow can turn your basement into a wading pool. But a wet and messy basement could be just the beginning of your problems, especially if water starts to seep into your house. When homes or businesses flood, the risk of bacteria and black mold can also threaten your pocketbook and your health.

Even though some negative impact may be inevitable, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk to your property. Let’s start from the top of your home and work our way down. Are your gutters still clogged with ice dams? The time to clear them out is now, rather than allowing them to thaw on their own. Stores sell environmentally-friendly snow melting products that will clear out gutters and drain pipes. Make sure your drain pipe’s joints are secure and that the splash block diverts water away from your home.

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Now take a look around the perimeter of your home. If you can’t see the foundation, it is time to pick up a shovel and move the snow several feet away from your home.

Consider investing in a sump pump that will take care of any water that may seep into the lowest level of your home. Also know what your insurance policy covers. Often, if you have not specifically purchased flood insurance, you will not be covered for damages to your home caused by flooding.

Even if you take these steps, you may still be a victim of flooding. Always remember, your first priority should be your safety and the safety of your family. Since we know area flooding is imminent, prepare now by packing a “go bag” with items you’ll need, including medications, in the event you have to evacuate your home. Also, unplug electrical devices and move important items to upper levels of your home.

If the flooding in your home becomes more than a financial threat, please find a way to get yourself and your family to a safe place. Never walk through moving water. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. And try to avoid flooded areas, because you may not be able to tell just how deep the water is. If flood water does start to rise around your vehicle, abandon it and move to higher ground if it is safe to do so.

Always remember, possessions can be replaced, you and your loved ones cannot. 

Michael Masters is the executive director of the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM). Under the leadership of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, DHSEM integrates first responders, their departments and resources from 134 Cook County municipalities, and serves as the central agency in Cook County for coordinating efforts to prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from all incidents, whether man-made or natural. For more information, visit our website at www.cookcountyhomelandsecurity.org.

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