Your Location
Your Home
Your Flood History
View Your Report
Enter your address to start the online assessment of your home flooding risks
Your Location
Resilience Opportunity
Business Districts, Shopping Centers, and Downtown Houses and Neighborhoods Industrial Centers and Railroad Corridor Open Land and Natural Areas
Learn more about Robbins' Resilience Opportunities here: Robbins RainReady Plan
Learn more about Riverdale's Resilience Opportunities here: Riverdale RainReady Plan
Learn more about Dolton's Resilience Opportunities here: Dolton RainReady Plan
Learn more about Calumet City's Resilience Opportunities here: Calumet City RainReady Plan
Learn more about Calumet Park's Resilience Opportunities here: Calumet Park RainReady Plan
Learn more about Blue Island's Resilience Opportunities here: Blue Island RainReady Plan
Do your neighborhood streets flood when it rains?
Tip: Check your street’s sewer grates for litter and leaves. If the sewer grates are clear, but street flooding still occurs, your municipality may have installed restrictor valves in the street's sewer inlet. The purpose of these devices is to slow the flow of water entering the sewer system. This reduces the risk of sewage and stormwater runoff backing up into your basement.
However, if the street flooding is so deep that the water travels overland and into your house, or damages your car, you should take a photograph and speak to your municipality about a solution.
Tip: Take a look at your street when it next rains, and take photographs. Look to see if it is flooding in areas where there is a street sewer grate. This might help identify the cause of the street flooding. The sewer grate could be clogged with litter or leaves. If the sewer grates are clear, but street flooding still occurs, your municipality may have installed restrictor valves in the street's sewer inlet. The purpose of these devices is to slow the flow of water entering the sewer system. This reduces the risk of sewage and stormwater runoff backing up into your basement.
However, if the street flooding is so deep that the water travels overland and into your house, or damages your car, you should take a photograph and speak to your municipality about a solution.
Is your home or yard lower than your neighbors, or the alley or street?
Tip: The next time it rains, go outside and take a look around your home. Watch how water flows over your property. If rain is flowing towards your yard and building, it can seep through your foundation walls, or flow under doors or through deteriorated window sills. Take photos where possible; this will help inform your discussions with contractors.
Tip: The next time it rains, go outside and take a look around your home. Watch how water flows over your property. If rain is flowing towards your yard and building, it can seep through your foundation walls, or flow under doors or through deteriorated window sills. Take photos where possible; this will help inform your discussions with contractors.
Does your neighborhood have an older municipal sewer system?
Tip: Older sewer systems may be "combined sewer systems, " handling both sewage and stormwater runoff in the same pipe. Combined sewer systems serve about 40 million people in 32 states. The pipes and storage facilities of older systems are often too small to handle today’s storms. When too much runoff during heavy rains enters the sewer system, human sewage and stormwater can back up into the home through sewer pipes. It can also overflow into nearby streams or lakes.
Tip: Older sewer systems may be "combined sewer systems, " handling both sewage and stormwater runoff in the same pipe. Combined sewer systems serve about 40 million people in 32 states. The pipes and storage facilities of older systems are often too small to handle today’s storms. When too much runoff during heavy rains enters the sewer system, human sewage and stormwater can back up into the home through sewer pipes. It can also overflow into nearby streams or lakes.
Your municipality will know whether or not your community has a combined sewer system, or separated sewer system for the sanitary sewer and stormwater sewer. The information may be on the municipal website, or you can contact the Public Works department.
Is your home in or near a FEMA mapped floodplain?
Tip: If your home is in a FEMA mapped floodplain1, sometimes referred to as the floodplain, it is at greater risk of flooding by a body of water, such as a creek. According to FEMA, there is at least a 1 in 4 chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage.
The types of building improvements recommended My RainReady are not designed for floodplain areas. This type of flooding is best addressed through a community wide approach. Read more about the RainReady Community approach here.
If you are in a floodplain, some local governments offer voluntary buy-out programs for homes that have suffered repeated major flooding. You should also consider purchasing NFIP insurance for your home. For more information, see our factsheet “Protecting Your Home With Insurance Policies (PDF).”
1The FEMA mapped flood zone for your property is taken from the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). FIRMs model how likely it is that your property will be flooded by a water body, such as a river or stream. It does not include information about flooding from sewer backup or seepage.
Tip: FEMA provides online floodplain maps1 for many locations. You can search by address at FEMA’s National Flood Hazard online map. If your area is not mapped, you can call your local zoning office.
1The FEMA mapped flood zone for your property is taken from the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). FIRMs model how likely it is that your property will be flooded by a water body, such as a river or stream. It does not include information about flooding from sewer backup or seepage.
Tip: FEMA provides online floodplain maps for many locations. You can search by address at FEMA’s National Flood Hazard online map. If your area is not mapped, you can call your local zoning office.
If your home is in a FEMA mapped floodplain1, sometimes referred to as the floodplain, it is at greater risk of flooding by a body of water, such as a creek. According to FEMA, there is at least a 1 in 4 chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage.
The types of building improvements recommended My RainReady are not designed for floodplain areas. This type of flooding is best addressed through a community-wide approach. Read more about the RainReady Community approach here.
If you are in a floodplain, some local governments offer voluntary buy-out programs for homes that have suffered repeated major flooding. You should also consider purchasing NFIP insurance for your home. For more information, see our factsheet “Protecting Your Home With Insurance Policies (PDF).”
1The FEMA mapped flood zone for your property is taken from the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). FIRMs model how likely it is that your property will be flooded by a water body, such as a river or stream. It does not include information about flooding from sewer backup or seepage.
Your Home
What year was your home built?
Tip: All homes require regular maintenance in order to prevent water from entering the building. Problems can be hidden from view. For example, if you have a finished basement, wall cracks or other issues can develop behind the drywall. You can reduce your risk of flooding and water damage though preventative maintenance.
Tip: All homes require regular maintenance in order to prevent water from entering the building. Problems can be hidden from view. For example, if you have a finished basement, wall cracks or other issues can develop behind the drywall. You can reduce your risk of flooding and water damage though preventative maintenance.
Has it been more than 1 year since last rodding and televising your home's sewer line?
Tip: Homes are connected to the municipal sewer system through a home sewer pipe ("lateral line"). The sewer pipe may become clogged by fats, oils or grease; leaves or litter; or tree roots. It can also crack or collapse over time.
Tip: If you don't know, you should hire a licensed contractor to rod and televise your home sewer drain. Homes are connected to the municipal sewer system through a home sewer pipe ("lateral line"). The sewer pipe may become clogged by fats, oils or grease; leaves or litter; or tree roots. It can also crack or collapse over time.
Are your drains or catch basin always full, look collapsed, or have a sheen inside or nearby?
Tip: This may indicate a larger issue with your home's private sewer drain system. Household habits, like keeping oil out of drains, can help prevent clogs. However, maintenance and repairs must be done by a licensed contractor.
Tip: Look for drains and catch basins in your basement floor, outside your basement door, and in your yard. If drains or catch basins look full, collapsed, or have a sheen, this may indicate a larger issue with your home's private sewer drain system. Household habits, like keeping oil out of drains, can help prevent clogs. However, maintenance and repairs must be done by a licensed contractor.
How much of your property is impervious to rain?
Tip: If your property is covered mostly by impervious surfaces – like buildings and concrete patios - rain has nowhere to go. Even compacted turf lawns are not effective at letting rain soak into the ground. When it is raining, impervious surfaces create stormwater runoff that will flow either towards your home, your neighbor or the street. The runoff can damage your property by overloading the sewer system and backing up into your basement, by flowing under basement doors and windows, or by seeping through foundations cracks.
Do you have ponding in your yard? Do you see erosion or pathways that water has carved out as it moves across your property?
Tip: Ponding and erosion indicate poor drainage and/or grading conditions in the yard. These signs can also help you understand how water is flowing on your property and how it might be entering the home. Take a close look and take photos during and after rain.
If water is not entering your home, but yard ponding is a nuisance, you have options for addressing the issue. Before you make any changes, you may wish to check with your municipality or homeowner association (HOA) whether there is a planned drainage path (stormwater “flow path”) on or near your home.
Tip: Next time it rains, take a close look at how water is moving around your property. After it rains, note any spots that stay wet longer. Looks for areas of bare soil, where water might be carving a path. Ponding and erosion indicate poor drainage and/or grading conditions in the yard. These signs can also help you understand how water is flowing on your property and how it might be entering the home.
If water is not entering your home, but yard ponding is a nuisance, you have options for addressing the issue. Before you make any changes, you may wish to check with your municipality or homeowner association (HOA) whether there is a planned drainage path on or near your home.
Is your yard or the concrete surrounding your home flat or sloped towards your building?
Tip: Concrete or grassy areas sloped down towards the home are called "negative drainage." Negative drainage moves water towards the building foundation, where it can cause seepage and water damage.
Tip: The next time it rains, go outside and take a look around your building. Watch whether the rain flows towards or away from your foundation. Concrete or grassy areas sloped down towards the home are called "negative drainage." Negative drainage moves water towards the building foundation, where it can cause seepage and water damage.
Describe your gutters and downspouts:
Gutters and/or downspouts are clogged or damaged?
Tip: Damaged and clogged gutters and downspouts are a common cause of water damage. Rain and snow melt can spill over onto building walls and foundation, seep through foundation cracks, and damage your home.
Tip: Take a look at the photos to see examples of damaged and clogged gutters and downspouts. Damaged downspouts are a common cause of water damage. Rain and snow melt can spill over onto building walls and foundation, seep through foundation cracks, and damage your home.
Downspouts are connected to the sewer?
Tip: Connected downspouts carry stormwater directly into the sewer system and can overload the system during heavy rains, causing water to backup into basements. Connected downspouts can also be cracked or collapsed below ground, where you can’t see the damage. If rain enters a damaged downspout, the water can seep through foundation cracks, and damage your foundation wall.
Tip: Take a look at the photos to see examples of connected downspouts. Connected downspouts carry stormwater directly into the sewer system and can overload the system during heavy rains, causing water to backup into basements. Connected downspouts can also be cracked or collapsed below ground, where you can’t see the damage. If rain enters a damaged downspout, the water can seep through foundation cracks, and damage your foundation wall.
Downspouts are disconnected from the sewer and extended at least 5 feet away from the home?
Tip: If downspouts discharge rain next to the home, the water can seep into the foundation and damage your home.
Tip: Take a look at the photos to see examples of disconnected downspouts. If downspouts discharge rain next to the home, the water can seep into the foundation.
Does your home have areas that show efflorescence, mold, spalling or water stains or damage?
Tip: These are signs that water may be seeping through the building’s walls and damaging your building. There are many causes for this. If you see water seeping into the basement, check the outside of the building, and vice versa. Seepage might be caused by poor drainage (“negative drainage” ) outside your building. Water might also be traveling through damaged walls, damaged gutters or downspouts, or an open chimney. The building’s original foundation drain may have collapsed or become clogged over time.
Tip: Efflorescence, spalling, mold and water stains are signs that water may be seeping through the building’s walls and damaging your building. Take a flashlight and walk around the inside and outside of your building, checking the condition of your walls and where the floor meets the wall. If you see damage inside the basement, check the outside of the building, and vice versa. Seepage might be caused by poor drainage (“negative drainage” ) outside your building. Water might also be traveling through damaged walls, damaged gutters or downspouts, or an open chimney. The building’s original foundation drain may have collapsed or become clogged over time.
Are your basement doors or windows, or the frame around your doors and windows, in poor condition?
Tip: Deterioration may be due to water damage. Rain and snow melt can enter door and window openings that are at or near grade.
Tip: Take a look at these photos to see examples of windows and doors in poor condition. Rain and snow melt can enter door and window openings that are at or near grade. Over time, the water causes the doors and window frames to deteriorate.
Describe your basement:
Do you have plumbing in your basement, such as floor drains, a sink or toilet?
Tip: When the sewer system is overloaded or damaged, sewage can back up into basements through drains and plumbing fixtures. Using plumbing during a storm increases the chances for the sewer system to overload.
Tip: Take a look at the photos to see examples of basement plumbing. When the sewer system is overloaded or damaged, sewage can back up into basements through drains and plumbing fixtures. Using plumbing during a storm increases the chances for the sewer system to overload.
Is your basement finished, used as a living space, or used to store valuable items?
Tip: Take a look at these photos to see examples of finished basements. Flooding can be dangerous! If someone lives in your basement area, or if you keep pets or precious and valuable items there, it's especially important to protect them with an emergency plan in case flooding occurs.
Are your windows or doors below or at grade? Or do you have sliding windows without a window well ?
Tip: When it rains, stormwater runoff can enter through windows or doors that are below or near grade. Sliding windows can be more vulnerable to leaking than glass block windows.
Tip: Take a look at the photos to see examples of below grade and at grade windows and doors. When it rains, stormwater runoff can enter through windows or doors that are below or near grade. Sliding windows can be more vulnerable to leaking than glass block windows.
Your Flood History
Have you experienced flooding at your home?
Tip: Regular maintenance of your yard and building systems, and preventative options such as foundation drains and backwater valves, can help keep your home dry.
Tip: New homeowner or considering purchasing a home? You can request an insurance claim history for the property. Read our factsheet, “Buying RainReady: A Checklist for House Hunters (PDF).”
Check all types of flooding that apply
-
Tip: When the sewer system is overloaded or damaged, sewage can back up into basements through drains and plumbing fixtures. Any use of a plumbing during a storm makes it more likely for the sewer system to overload.
-
Tip: If water is entering your home from adjacent areas, the best solution might be to work with your neighborhood or community.
-
Tip: There are many causes for seepage. If you see water seeping into the basement, check the outside of the building, and vice versa. Seepage might be caused by poor drainage (“negative drainage” ) outside your building. Water might also be traveling through damaged walls, damaged gutters or downspouts, or an open chimney. The building’s original foundation drain may have collapsed or become clogged over time.
How many times has your home flooded (1 to 10+)?
Tip: If water has entered the property in the past, it is can happen again unless the problem has been solved. In a survey of homeowners in Cook County, Illinois, most respondents said they flooded repeatedly - 70% said they had flooded at least 3 times in the last 5 years. And flooding isn’t limited to the FEMA-mapped floodplain. Read more in CNT’s report, “The Prevalence and Cost of Urban Flooding (PDF)."
What's your estimate of the total amount of damage from floods that you have experienced at your home?
Tip: You can take action to manage your risk of flooding losses. Keep people, pets and valuables away from flood-prone parts of your home. Find the source of water, and consider options for flood prevention. You may also consider insuring your home against damage from sewer backup and overland flooding. See our factsheet, “Protecting Your Home with Insurance Policies (PDF).”
Your summary report below highlights:
- The risks your property faces when it rains
- The range of protective improvements you might want to consider
- Use this report to guide discussions with plumbing, building and landscaping contractors
My RainReady Report
Property Location
--
Flood Risk Indicators
Your Location
RainReady neighborhood flood risk score 
- No risk indicators!
- FEMA flood risk: --
- Home is at lower elevation
- Served by old sewer system
- Flooding in streets
- Clogged sewer grate
Your Home
- No risk indicators!
- High % of impervious surfaces
- Backyard ponding / erosion
- Yard or concrete slopes towards building
- Trees in yard or parkway
- More than one year since rodding home's sewer line
- Drains or catchbasin always full / collapsed or have sheen inside
- Clogged or damaged gutters and/or downspouts
- Damaged Downspouts
- Connected Downspouts
- Inadequate downspout discharge
- Foundation damage (efflorescence, mold, spalling or water stains)
- Windows susceptible to stormwater
- Door or window frames susceptible to stormwater
- Finished basement / livable space
- Basement plumbing
Your Flood History
- None reported
- Previous flooding (1 times)
- Water backup through drains (ex., floor drains, bathtubs, sinks)
- Water enters the building from an adjacent property, street or stream
- Water seeps through basement walls
- Estimated Cost of Damages: $0
page break
My RainReady Report
Property Location
--
Community Solutions
Here's how other communities have come together to solve flooding:
Blue Island: rainready.org/calumet-corridor/blue-island Calumet City: rainready.org/calumet-corridor/calumet-city Calumet Park: rainready.org/calumet-corridor/calumet-park Dolton: rainready.org/calumet-corridor/dolton Riverdale: rainready.org/calumet-corridor/riverdale Robbins: rainready.org/calumet-corridor/robbins
The Community of Dolton
The Dolton Steering Committee will reduce flood risk in Dolton while creating a more beautiful, connected, and economically vibrant community.Learn More
Priority Projects in Dolton
Dolton Green Streets Program
Strategy: Create a network of residential green streets, green alleys, and complete streets.
Residential green streets emerged as a viable solution to Dolton’s urban flooding issues through multiple planning processes. Given the relative feasibility of this solution and resident's preferences for green streets, the Village of Dolton should incorporate green infrastructure features (e.g. roadside swales, rain gardens, permeable pavement, tree plantings) into forthcoming improvements to flood-prone residential streets. Over time, these improvements will create a network of residential green streets that will alleviate urban flooding and help stabilize neighborhoods.
Dolton-South Holland Park
Strategy: Develop the Cal-Sag Trail other outdoor recreation amenities.
The residential neighborhood on the far southeast part of town has been dealing with chronic overland flooding issues for decades. Flooding in this area is likely caused by a number of factors such as: a local sewer network that is undersized and degraded, runoff from surrounding areas to the north and northwest (which may be exacerbated by runoff from (I-57), and a vacant land area that does not effectively absorb (i.e. infiltrate or evapotranspirate water). One potential solution to flooding in this area is to create a new naturalized detention basin in the vacant land area that manages runoff from areas to the north and northwest in concert with other sewer infrastructure and drainage improvements. Besides solving a local flooding issue this new wetland can also create new recreational (e.g. walking/hiking, fishing, birding) and environmental education opportunities for nearby residents.
Dolton Green Parks Program
Strategy: Integrate green infrastructure in Dolton’s park system.
Several of Dolton's parks are located in flood-prone neighborhoods. Incorporating green infrastructure features like rain gardens and native landscaping in these parks can help alleviate flooding in the sorrounding areas while creating new environmental education opportunities. Needles Park, Kandy Kane Park, and Dolton Park should be prioritized for green infrastructure improvements.
Learn more about Dolton's RainReady Plan here: rainready.org/calumet-corridor/dolton
The Community of Blue Island
The RainReady Blue Island Steering Committee will create residential and commercial maintenance plans which include green infrastructure best practices that are fair and attainable for all Blue Island Residents.Learn More
Priority Projects in Blue Island
Urban Flood Mitigation Projects in NE Blue Island
Strategy: Reduce widespread flooding in the Northeast neighborhood through coordinated green and grey infrastructure investments.
The City of Blue Island has succeeded in securing numerous grants and partnerships that are dedicated to mitigating urban flooding in the Northeast neighborhood. The City should build on these early successes and continue to work with the MWRD and other partners to install, maintain, and monitor concentrated and integrated green-grey infrastructure systems that reduce flooding in the neighborhood.
Greening the Western Avenue Business Development District (BDD)
Strategy: Bring new life to Blue Island’s Business Development District.
The City of Blue Island is activley working to revitalize the Western Avenue Business Development District (BDD). The City should continue to incorporate green infrastructure features (e.g. planter boxes, tree planting, roadside bioswales, parking lot bioswales, permeable pavement) into forthcoming roadway and streetscape improvements, which will help alleviate urban flooding while creating a more vibrant and walkable pedestrian environment.
Greening the Olde Western Avenue Historic District
Strategy: Bring new life to Blue Island’s Business Development District.
Blue Island has a thriving Historic District. Installing green infrastructure features throughout the Olde Western Avenue Historic District (e.g. trees, bioswales, permeable pavers, and stormwater bump-outs) could reduce urban flooding and create an inviting pedestrian environment that attracts new business and visitors alike.
Learn more about Blue Island's RainReady Plan here: rainready.org/calumet-corridor/blue-island
The Community of Calumet City
The RainReady Calumet City Steering Committee will work with residents, staff, and elected representatives to make Calumet City resilient through green and gray infrastructure improvements in alleys, vacant lots, and expansive parking lots.Learn More
Priority Projects in Calumet City
Complete Blocks in Calumet City
Strategy: Bring new life to vacant residential land.
Several areas in Calumet City experience a combination of flooding issues stemming from the runoff of stormwater from local streets, private property, and poorly graded gravel alleys. These factors may cause water to pool in streets and alleys, backup into basements, and runoff from alleys into garages and yards. This multifaceted problem requires a multifaceted solution, such as a "Complete Block." A complete block could include a combination of solutions such as roadside bioswales, new stormwater parklets on vacant residential property, regrading alleys, and end-of-alley stormwater bumpouts.
New (Green) Town Center
Strategy: Bring new life to Calumet City’s New Town Center and commercial corridors.
The area surrounding Calumet City's City Hall is well-poised to become an active Town Center. Previous proposals for this area have included new "complete streets" that make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists in addition to motorists, a new community garden, improvements to Calumet Memorial Park, and strategies to improve existing homes and redevelop vacant residential property. Incorprating green infrastructure features and programs into these plans (e.g. stormwater parklets, a 50/50 residential improvement program, bioswales, and stormwater bumpouts) will help alleviate neighborhood flooding and support broader economic development goals. These improvements could be packaged as a "Complete Community" program for Calumet City's New Town Center area and rolled out in phases.
River Oaks Nature Preserve
Strategy: Bring new life to underutilized parking lots, especially at River Oaks Mall
River Oaks Mall (or “River Oaks Center”) is key economic driver and defining feature in Calumet City. However, residents have expressed concerns about the large, underutilized parking lots that surround the mall, and the impacts they might have on the community. Ongoing efforts to redevelop River Oaks Center--particularly the outer parking lots areas adjacent to the Little Calumet River--could be done in a way that delivers multiple benefits, such as economic development, new outdoor recreation opportunities, improved stormwater mangement, and the restoration of a portion of the Little Calumet River.
Learn more about Calumet City's RainReady Plan here: rainready.org/calumet-corridor/calumet-city
The Community of Calumet City
The RainReady Calumet Park Steering Committee seeks to eliminate damaging floods through transparent community investment in well-maintained infrastructure, homeowner education, and improved resources for emergency response, while maintaining a tight-knit community.Learn More
Priority Projects in Calumet Park
Calumet Green Streets Program
Strategy: Create a network of residential green streets, green alleys, and complete streets.
Several streets in Calumet Park experience flooding during and after storms. Calumet Park has been proactive in addressing this problem by inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining their local sewer system on a cyclical basis. In addition to continuing the Villages exemplary grey infrastructure maintenance efforts, the Village of Calumet Park could work with residents to explore places where rain gardens could be installed. Such roadside rain gardens--if properly designed and maintained--have been demonstrated to reduce street flooding and beautify neighborhoods.
Green School at Burr Oak Elementary
Strategy: Create green schools and churches.
Burr Oak Academy and Elementary School are located in a flood-prone neighborhood in Calumet Park. Green infrastructure improvements at these schools and the block in which they are siturated (e.g. rain gardens, bioswales, cisterns, permeable pavement) could provide flood-reduction benefits to the sourrounding area while also providing new opportunites for active play and outdoor learning.This "green schoolyard" effort could be modelled off of the Space to Grow initiative in Chicago.
Complete Neighborhood in West Calumet Park
Strategy: Reduce widespread flooding in the West Calumet Park neighborhood through coordinated green and gray infrastructure investments.
The West Calumet Park neighborhood has experienced chronic and severe flooding issues for many years, but there's hope for a drier future! The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) recently completed a plan to reduce flooding in this neighborhood. Plus, Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, recently announced the formation a new Design Engineering Grant Program that will assist municipalities in turning plans into on-the-ground projects. The Village of Calumet Park should continue to work with the MWRD, Cook County, RainReady, and other partners to design and construct an effective flood solution for West Calumet Park.
Learn more about Calumet Park's RainReady Plan here: rainready.org/calumet-corridor/calumet-park
The Community of Riverdale
The Riverdale Steering Committee will use green infrastructure practices to dry and beautify the Village, spurring economic, recreational, and community development. Learn More
Priority Projects in Riverdale
Northeast Sewer Separation/Flood Relief Project
Strategy: Reduce widespread flooding in the Northeast Riverdale neighborhood through concentrated and integrated green (e.g. stormwater) and gray (e.g. transportation) infrastructure investments.
The Village of Riverdale—with the assistance of Cook County—recently secured $7,393,575 of funding for the Northeast Sewer Separation/Flood Relief Project. The Village of Riverdale should continue to coordinate with the MWRD, Cook County, and other partners, to implement this project in a way that demonstrates how a stormwater infrastructure investment can catalyze broder community benefits. If feasible, green infrastructure features should be incoporated into the final design of this project.
Riverdale Prarie Industrial Redevelopment
Strategy: Redevelop industrial sites in a way that reduces nearby flooding.
Riverdale is well-positioned to be a leader in implementing innovative industrial redevelopment strategies that build community resilience. The Riverdale Prairie Industrial Park is an excellent site with which to pilot a resilient redevelopment program and then scale it up to other areas. The Village of Riverdale should continue to work their various project partners to redevelop the Riverdale Prairie Industrial Park in a way that creates new jobs, generates economic activity, and reduces flooding in the sorrounding areas. Such a project could set a precedent for similar industrial redevelopment projects throughout the Southland region.
Riverdale Marsh Nature Preserve
Strategy: Develop the Cal-Sag Trail other outdoor recreation amenities.
Lake Riverdale, or Riverdale Marsh, has been the subject of several planning efforts in recent years. However, efforts to redevelop this 75-acre site have been delayed due to uncertainties regarding the site’s environmental conditions, current ownership and potential end users, and differing opinions regarding the highest and best use for the site. Fortunately, a clear path forward for the site has emerged through the RainReady Riverdale planning process. The Village of Riverdale should create a Lake Riverdale Natural Area that provides residents with new outdoor recreation opportunities, connects to the forthcoming Cal-Sag Trail, manages stormwater from surrounding areas, and activates the 138th Street/Halsted Avenue commercial corridor.
Learn more about Riverdale's RainReady Plan here: rainready.org/calumet-corridor/riverdale
The Community of Robbins
Through the efforts of the RainReady Robbins Steering Committee, Robbins will be economically independent and sustainable through the use of green infrastructure in public areas. Learn More
Priority Projects in Robbins
Historic Town Center
Strategy: Bring new life to Robbins’ historical commercial corridors with a “New Town Center.”
Attracting new businesses and community organizations—that would provide much needed goods and services to Robbins’ residents—is a key community priority. Through coordinated investments in green (e.g. roadside bioswales, permeable pavement, tree plantings) and grey infrastructure (sidewalk and road improvements), and the strategic redevelopment of specific properties, Robbins can revitalize its Historic Town Center. Coordinated investements in green and grey infrastructure could catalyze economic development, reduce flooding in the surrounding residential neighborhoods, and connect residents to the (proposed) Robbins Park area.
Robbins Park
Strategy: Bring new life to underutilized industrial areas through “Robbins Park.”
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is currently working the Village of Robbins and other partners to create a master plan for “Robbins Park” area. This plan aims to re-envision the area in way that reduces flooding while also creating economic development opportunities (e.g. new jobs, new housing, transit-oriented development) and outdoor amenities (e.g. sport fields, fishing, rowing, walking trails). The Village should continue to work the MWRD to create a community-driven plan for revitalizing industrial and vacant lands. Down the line, Robbins Park could be connected to the Historic Town Center through complete streets and trails.
Robbins ComEd Trail
Strategy: Develop the new open space and outdoor recreation amenities.
Through the RainReady planning process, Robbins rsidents indicated that there used to be a recreational trail and fitness equipment along the ComEd utility right-of-way (ROW) in the southern part of town. This ComEd ROW presents a great opportunity to a create a multi-use trail that connects different parts of town to Robbins Park, reduces urban flooding, and improves public health.
Learn more about Robbins' RainReady Plan here: rainready.org/calumet-corridor/robbins
Recommendations for Your Home
Based on the conditions you reported, here are some suggestions to look into. Plumbing, electrical and other such construction work should be performed by a licensed professional, and may be subject to building permit and other requirements.
Add nature-based solutions to your yard
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your property has a high percentage of surfaces that are impervious to rain
- Your backyard has ponding or erosion
- Your home has areas that show efflorescence, mold, spalling or water stains or damage
- Water enters the building from an adjacent property, street or stream
- Water seeps through your basement walls
Your yard offers many opportunities to manage flooding. Many of these solutions are do-it-yourself and cost-effective. Others should be done by an experienced landscape contractor.
- Let rain soak into a rain garden or bioswale that uses porous soil and water-loving plants. Rain gardens are bowl-shaped; bioswales are line-shaped.
- Capture and store rain in a rain barrel, cistern or dry well. Rain barrels and cisterns sit above ground; dry wells are an underground chamber.
- Reduce stormwater runoff by replacing concrete or asphalt with permeable paving.
Nature-based solutions work best when they capture the rain water from your roof. You can do this by disconnecting your downspout and directing it into the rain garden or bioswale. If you use a rain barrel or cistern, be sure to empty it before heavy rains. Some homes use multiple rain barrels to increase the amount of rain that can be stored. Stored rain can be used to water your yard.
See our factsheets, "Making Your Yard RainReady (PDF)" and "Options for Flood Prevention (PDF)" to learn more about nature-based solutions. Check out our videos of homeowners using nature-based solutions to address seepage and yard ponding.
- Typical costs (Chicago, IL):
- Rain garden or Bioswale: $500 to $4,000, depending on size and if you want to do-it-yourself
- Dry well: $2,500
Avoid pouring fats, oils or grease into drains and catch basins
- Recommended because you indicated:
- It has been more than one year since rodding home's sewer line
- Your drains or catchbasin are always full / collapsed or have sheen inside
Fats, oils and grease can clog drains and cause sewer backup. Read our factsheet, “Your Building’s Sewer Pipe” for more information.
Typical cost: Free
Rake sewer grates to clear out any leaves and litter
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your neighborhood streets flood when it rains
- Drains or catchbasin always full / collapsed or have sheen inside
- It has been more than one year since rodding home's sewer line
- Your drains or catchbasin are always full / collapsed or have sheen inside
Leaves and litter can clog sewer lines and contribute to street flooding. If you anticipate a heavy rains or snow thaw, it’s a good idea to clean the grates along your street beforehand.
Typical cost: Free
Clean your gutters and downspouts seasonally, and repair as needed
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your gutters and/or downspouts are clogged or damaged
- Your home has areas that show efflorescence, mold, spalling or water stains or damage
The gutters and downspouts around your home need to be cleaned seasonally so they don't become clogged with leaves and litter. Clean and repair gutters and downspouts so that rain and snow melt doesn’t spill on or next your building, where it can damage your home.
Typical Cost (Chicago, IL): Gutter cleaning: $150
Create a soil berm or concrete lip around the home
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your home is at lower elevation than your neighbors
- Water enters the building from an adjacent property, street or stream
If stormwater runoff flows towards your basement when it rains or thaws, it may be helpful to construct a small lip or "berm" at the top of exterior basement stairwells, and/or in the yard around your basement walls.
Typical Cost (Chicago, IL): Site grading: $500 - $1,500
Disconnect and extend your downspouts
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your downspouts are connected to the sewer
- Your downspouts are disconnected from the sewer but do not extended at least 5 feet away from the home
- Your home has areas that show efflorescence, mold, spalling or water stains or damage
- Water seeps through your basement walls
Disconnecting downspouts can reduce the amount of stormwater entering the sewer system, by allowing it to soak into the ground or be captured by a rain barrel or dry well. However, if you have only one large downspout for your home, it may be best to leave it connected.
If you disconnect your downspouts, you should also attach a downspout extension that drains at least 5 to 10 feet from the home, or more depending on your soil type, grading (negative or positive drainage), and whether you have a basement. You should also add a splash pad at the end of the downspout to prevent erosion. Never point your downspout at the sidewalk or a neighbor's property - you could cause them to flood.
Typical Cost (Chicago, IL): Downspout disconnection and extension: $50 to $400
Maintain your foundation walls with tuckpointing, crack repair and/or waterproofing
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your home has areas that show efflorescence, mold, spalling or water stains or damage
- Water seeps through your basement walls
It’s important to regularly maintain your foundation walls. A regular maintenance schedule, including tuckpointing and repairing cracks, may help prevent seepage. Focus on horizontal cracks and cracks near L-shaped sections of your walls, not hairline fractures. If your home’s foundation drain is in good condition, a moisture-proof fabric can be applied against the walls, allowing seepage to be directed into the foundation drain.
Foundations are typically made of stone, brick or concrete. These materials are designed to "breathe" and allow moisture to move in and out. In some cases, it might not be possible to have an entirely dry basement. If you have an unfinished basement, consider leaving it unfinished. If you decide to finish your basement, be sure to use moisture-resistant construction materials and building practices. Damage from seepage is not typically covered by home insurance, sewer backup riders, or NFIP.
Read our factsheet, "Options for Flood Prevention (PDF)," for more information about addressing seepage.
Typical Cost (Chicago, IL): Foundation crack repair (epoxy injection): $500 to $800
Install a sewer backup prevention system
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your home is served by an old sewer system
- Your basement is finished, used as a living space, or used to store valuable items
- You have plumbing in your basement, such as floor drains, a sink or toilet
- Your windows or doors are below or at grade or you have sliding windows without a window well
- Your home has previously flooded
- Water backs up through drains (ex., floor drains, bathtubs, sinks)
- Water enters the building from an adjacent property, street or stream
There are multiple types of sewer backup prevention systems. Sewer backup preventions systems must be installed and maintained by a licensed contractor. See our factsheet "Options for Flood Prevention" for more information.
1) A backwater valve prevents sewer backup by installing a one-way flap in your private building sewer. Think of it as a one-way swinging door – water can flow out, but if your system backs up it cannot flow back in. Backwater valves can be installed inside your basement, or outside your home.
Backwater valves can either include a pump to move the home sewage around the valve when the valve is closed, or be a “passive” system without a pump. If the backwater valve system includes a pump, you may use your plumbing even when the valve is closed. However, if you choose a passive backwater valve, it will prevent your home sewage from leaving your building, and you should avoid using your plumbing during a flooding event.
Typical Cost (Chicago, IL): $3,500 to $5,000 for a passive system
2) An overhead sewer pumps wastewater from your plumbing up to meet the city sewer. This prevents sewer backup because your home drain is no longer a “low spot” in the municipal sewer system.
Typical Cost (Chicago, IL): $10,000
Install basement window well covers or replace basement sliding windows with glass block windows
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your basement is finished, used as a living space, or used to store valuable items
- You have plumbing in your basement, such as floor drains, a sink or toilet
- Your windows or doors are below or at grade or you have sliding windows without a window well
- Water enters the building from an adjacent property, street or stream
Window well covers keep rain, leaves and animals out of your window wells. Glass block windows are less prone to water intrusion than sliding glass windows.
Typical Cost (Chicago, IL): Window well covers: $600
Install foundation drain with sump pump and sump pit
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your home has areas that show efflorescence, mold, spalling or water stains or damage
A foundation drain is an underground pipe that runs along the bottom of a home’s foundation and helps keep the basement free of excess moisture from groundwater. Homes are built with a foundation drain, but the pipe may become clogged or collapsed. A sump pump and pit collects water, typically groundwater, from the basement floor or foundation drain and pumps it outside the home.
Typical Cost (Chicago, IL): Sump pump and pit (attach to existing foundation drain): $800 to $1,200
Investigate the flooding history of your home
- Recommended because you indicated:
- You do not know whether your home has previously flooded
Read our factsheet, “Buying RainReady: A Checklist for House Hunters (PDF)” for tips on learning about a home’s flooding history.
Typical cost: Free
Flooding can be dangerous. Prepare an emergency plan
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your home is located in a FEMA mapped floodplain
- Your neighborhood streets flood when it rains
- Your basement is finished, used as a living space, or used to store valuable items
- You have plumbing in your basement, such as floor drains, a sink or toilet
- Your windows or doors are below or at grade or you have sliding windows without a window well
Flooding can be dangerous! If someone lives in your basement area, or if you keep pets or precious and valuable items there, it's especially important to protect them with an emergency plan in case flooding occurs. See our factsheet "Preparing for Heavy Rains and Storms (PDF)."
Typical cost: Free
Purchase a sewer backup rider for your home insurance policy
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your home is served by an old sewer system
- Your basement is finished, used as a living space, or used to store valuable items
- You have plumbing in your basement, such as floor drains, a sink or toilet
- Your windows or doors are below or at grade or you have sliding windows without a window well
- Your home has previously flooded
- Water backs up through drains (ex., floor drains, bathtubs, sinks)
Read our factsheet, “Protecting Your Home With Insurance Policies (PDF),” to learn more about sewer backup riders."
Typical cost: Speak to your insurance provider for a quote
Raise appliances, mechanicals and personal property (such as hot water heaters and washing machines) off of the basement floor
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your home is located in a FEMA mapped floodplain
- Your home is served by an old sewer system
- Your basement is finished, used as a living space, or used to store valuable items
- You have plumbing in your basement, such as floor drains, a sink or toilet
- Your windows or doors are below or at grade or you have sliding windows without a window well
- Your home has previously flooded
- Water backs up through drains (ex., floor drains, bathtubs, sinks)
- Water enters the building from an adjacent property, street or stream
- Water seeps through your basement walls
Typical cost: Cost depends on the item that is raised, and whether it will need to disconnected and reconnected to electrical, plumbing or other systems.
Reduce household plumbing use during heavy rains or snow melt
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your home is served by an old sewer system
- Your basement is finished, used as a living space, or used to store valuable items
- You have plumbing in your basement, such as floor drains, a sink or toilet
- Your windows or doors are below or at grade or you have sliding windows without a window well
- Your home has previously flooded
- Water backs up through drains (ex., floor drains, bathtubs, sinks)
When the sewer system is overloaded or damaged, sewage can back up into basements through drains and plumbing fixtures. Using plumbing during a storm increases the chances for the sewer system to overload.
Typical cost: Free
Remove expensive and irreplaceable items from the basement
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your home is located in a FEMA mapped floodplain
- Your home is served by an old sewer system
- Your basement is finished, used as a living space, or used to store valuable items
- You have plumbing in your basement, such as floor drains, a sink or toilet
- Your windows or doors are below or at grade or you have sliding windows without a window well
- Your home has previously flooded
- Water backs up through drains (ex., floor drains, bathtubs, sinks)
- Water seeps through your basement walls
Typical cost: Free
Repair and/or seal basement doors, door frames, windows and window frames
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your basement doors or windows, or the frame around your doors and windows are in poor condition
- Water enters the building from an adjacent property, street or stream
Typical cost: Window frame repair: $365
Repair or repour concrete, or regrade soil, to drain away from the building (“positive drainage”)
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your home is at lower elevation
- Your yard or concrete slopes towards your building
- Your home has areas that show efflorescence, mold, spalling or water stains or damage
- Water enters the building from an adjacent property, street or stream
- Water seeps through your basement walls
Concrete or grassy areas sloped down towards the home are called "negative drainage. " Negative drainage moves water towards the building foundation, where it can cause seepage and water damage. “Positive drainage” moves water away from the building.
A rule of thumb is to grade soil to drop six inches for every horizontal six feet, away from the building. This can change, depending on your soil type and whether you have basement. All concrete should be sloped away from the building.
A concrete walkway surrounding your home can prevent ponding next to your foundation. A polyurethane-based sealant should be applied between the concrete and the building.
Typical Cost (Chicago, IL): Site grading: $500 - $1,500
Speak to your municipality and neighbors about finding community-wide solutions for flooding
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your home is located in a FEMA mapped floodplain
- Your home is at lower elevation than your neighbors
- Your home is served by an old sewer system
- Your neighborhood streets flood when it rains
- Water enters the building from an adjacent property, street or stream
Some flooding issues are best addressed by working with your municipality and neighbors. See our factsheet about working with your neighbors and municipality to address flooding: “Forming a Resident Action Group (PDF).” And read our case study about one community's success: “Community Flooding Prevention in Action - Village of Midlothian (PDF)”.
Typical cost: Free
Televise and rod your home sewer line
- Recommended because you indicated:
- It has been more than one year since rodding home's sewer line
- Your drains or catchbasin are always full / collapsed or have sheen inside
- Your home has previously flooded
- Water backs up through drains (ex., floor drains, bathtubs, sinks)
Your municipality determines where your private sewer line ends, and the municipal sewer line begins. If your contractor determines that the municipal sewer line is damaged, you should contact your municipality so that they can repair it. Your municipality may offer a program to assist homeowners with repairing their private sewer lines. Read our factsheet, ”Your Building’s Sewer Pipe (PDF)” to learn more.
Typical cost: Clean a sewer line: $150 - $425
Purchase NFIP flood insurance
- Recommended because you indicated:
- Your neighborhood streets flood when it rains
- Your home is located in a FEMA mapped floodplain
- Your home at lower elevation than your neighbors
- Your basement is finished, used as a living space, or used to store valuable items
- You have plumbing in your basement, such as floor drains, a sink or toilet
- Your windows or doors are below or at grade or you have sliding windows without a window well
- Water enters the building from an adjacent property, street or stream
Read our factsheet, "Protecting Your Home With Insurance Policies (PDF)," to learn more about NFIP.
Typical cost: Speak to your insurance provider for a quote
Regularly check your building for signs of water damage, and check to make sure flood prevention systems are in good working order
Regularly checking your yard for “positive drainage,” looking at the condition of your foundation walls, and checking on your building systems (such as gutters and downspouts, foundation drains, sump pumps, and sewer backup prevention systems), can help keep your home dry.
Typical cost: Free
Need additional help?
We have a wealth of videos, guides, factsheets, and a photo-library. We also provide award-winning community planning, and home and residential upgrade services. Visit RainReady.org to find out more or contact home@rainready.org.
Stay updated
Sign up for our updates for new developments of My RainReady and our other tools and services
Tell your story
Take the Tell Your Story survey here.
Give us your feedback
Was My RainReady helpful? Please give us your feedback. We are always aiming to improve our tools. Your input can help us help you and many other home and business owners.
Thank you!
My RainReady was generously supported by the Surdna Foundation and the Joyce Foundation. It is a product of CNT’s RainReady initiative.
Disclaimer
Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) has applied prevailing industry standards and reasonable judgment and effort while preparing this webtool. Any recommendations made by CNT should not be construed as an assurance or warranty against flooding, performance or cost-effectiveness of any equipment, product, system, facility, procedure, or policy discussed. The User acknowledges that any changes in flood risk or occurrence of flooding that may be experienced by User will be affected by weather patterns, occupant behavior, maintenance activities and additional factors. No assessment can wholly eliminate uncertainty or risk regarding the potential for flooding at a property.
About My RainReady
My RainReady helps homeowners get ready for rain in a time of climate change. All homes are vulnerable to water damage during heavy rain and storms including sewer-backups, seepage, overland flooding and creek flooding. Developed by researchers at CNT, My RainReady offers step-by-step guidance to help you evaluate your flooding risks and find the best means of prevention. After answering a series of guided questions, My RainReady will provide a report that you can use:
- To guide your discussions with plumbing, building and landscaping contractors
- As proof to insurance agencies that you have taken steps to protect your home .(Use this in conjunction with contractor invoices.)
- To demonstrate to potential buyers of your home that it is rain ready!
We are keen to hear back from you!
Was My RainReady helpful? Please give us your feedback. We are always aiming to improve our tools. Your input can help us help you and many other home and business owners.
City or government agency? We can customize My RainReady for your residents’ needs. We can also providing local building and cost data, and approved contractor information. Please contact us directly for information.
To stay updated on new developments of My RainReady and our other tools and services, sign up for our updates.
Contact Us
RainReady is an initiative of the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), a national nonprofit based in Chicago.
Learn more about the program. If your community is interested in becoming RainReady, CNT staff members are available for presentations and for case-by-case technical assistance. For more information or to schedule a presentation, please contact home@rainready.org.
Get Involved
Is your property affected by flooding or a wet basement? Join a growing alliance of individuals and communities working together to get RainReady. Learn more here.
Sign up for RainReady updates at: www.cnt.org/subscribe
Survey Summary
RainReady neighborhood flood risk score
Your Location
- FEMA flood risk: --
- Home is at lower elevation
- Served by old sewer system
- Flooding in streets
- Clogged sewer grate
Your Home
- Year Built: --- (--- building)
- Lot: --- impervious (---)
- Backyard ponding / erosion
- Yard or concrete slopes towards building
- Trees in yard or parkway
- More than one year since rodding home's sewer line
- Drains or catchbasin always full / collapsed or have sheen inside
- Clogged or damaged gutters and/or downspouts
- Damaged downspouts
- Connected downspouts
- Inadequate downspout discharge
- Foundation damage (efflorescence, mold, spalling or water stains)
- Windows susceptible to stormwater
- Door or window frames susceptible to stormwater
- Finished basement / livable space
- Basement plumbing
Your Flood History
- None reported
- Previous flooding (1 times)
- Water backup through drains (ex., floor drains, bathtubs, sinks)
- Water enters the building from an adjacent property, street or stream
- Water seeps through basement walls
- Estimated Cost of Damages: $0
2 of 19 questions answered
