Chicagoland NW Suburban IL Real Estate: Flood Zones and Bartlett, IL

Flooding has been a concern for homeowners for years – it is something which can cause complete destruction of a home in hours or even minutes. Therefore it is taken very seriously.

Flood Zoning and flood maps are used so that homeowners and lenders are able to monitor the likelihood of the chance of having a flood in a developed area.

Here in Bartlett IL we have four drainage areas, The area west of Route 59 and north of Stearns Road drains toward a tributary of Brewster Creek. The central part of Bartlett and south of the Metra tracks drains toward the southwest, through Beaver Pond to Brewster Creek. The eastern portion drains south via Country Creek. Southeast and southern Bartlett drain toward the West Branch of the DuPage River. Country Creek is a tributary to the West Branch. If an extremely heavy storm event occurs, water from these creeks may flood adjacent properties.

Our Village can cope with storing runoff generated by a 100 year storm – that is, in our case 7.58 inches of rain in a 24 hour period. The likelihood of a storm of this size is 1% per year.

Homeowners should check their flood hazard risk – Flood maps are available online, and at the Bartlett Public Library. Parts of Bartlett do lie in flood plains, so it is important to make sure that if you are in a flood plain, that your home is insured against the possibility of a flood – not just for you, but for your lender if you have a mortgage. Homeowner policies do not typically cover flood damage. However, because Bartlett participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you can purchase a separate flood policy. This insurance is backed by the federal government and available to everyone.

Remember, there are several ways to protect a building from flood damage.

One is to keep water away by regrading the lot or building a small flood wall or earthen berm. This works if the lot is large enough, flooding is not too deep, and if the property isn’t in the flood way. Another way is to waterproof your walls and place watertight closures over the doorways. This is not recommended for houses with basements or if water will get over two feet deep.

What should you do in the event of a flood? Well, if you know that you are going to be flooded make sure you: shut off the gas and electricity and move valuables upstairs as well as making a detailed checklist prepared in advance – not just of possessions – but of procedure.

Over a 30 year period, your home has a HIGHER chance of a flood than of a fire – so be prepared, just in case!

Whether you are a first time buyer trying to determine how much you can afford, or an experienced buyer who is selling your current property and ready to buy your next home I can help you with all your real estate needs in the Chicagoland Northwest Suburban Area.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Bartlett IL, Schaumburg IL and the Hoffman Estates using our complimentary MLS Search service. You can also view our fantastic range of featured properties!

Alternatively please contact me today if you need more specific assistance in your real estate needs. You can call the office on: 847-874-6731 or Cell phone on: 847-913-2606 or of course email me at: Joe@JoeStacy.com

My expertise, experience and dedication to you and your specific needs are anything but average – it’s why this office is number one in the Northwest Suburbs year after year!

Joe Stacy
2570 W. Schaumburg Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60194