Additional Flood Information & Village Services

Flood Hazard Areas


Special Flood Hazard Areas (100-year floodplain) in the Village of Deerfield are located near the Middle Fork and West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River. The eastern portion of Deerfield is in the Middle Fork floodplain, while the western part of town is in the West Fork floodplain. For a detailed map visit the Village of Deerfield website www.deerfield.il.us under maps and information.

 

Guidance on whether your property is in the 100-year floodplain can be obtained by visiting the Engineering Department and having a staff member help you. However, staff cannot make an official determination but can advice residents on the process with FEMA. Maps are available to look at as well as other flood-related information. Contact the Engineering Department at 847-317-2490 for further assistance.


Flood Safety

The following common sense guidelines can help protect 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.

Village of Deerfield Flood Recommendations

  • 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 2nd 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 a Village official or your gas company. 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 dislodged themselves. Culverts may suck smaller people into them rendering them helpless.
  • Clean everything that has been wet. Flood water will be contaminated with sewage and other chemicals which pose severe health threats.
  • 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.

Property Protection Measures

If your property is susceptible to flooding, there are many flood damage reduction measures you can employ:

  • Watertight seals can be applied to brick and block walls to protect against low-level flooding.
  • Utilities such as heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and other major appliances can be elevated to higher floors in the structure or on raised platforms.
  • Temporary measures such as moving furniture and other valuables to higher floors or sandbagging exterior openings will also help.
  • Elevating or relocating the entire structure may also be a feasible option.

Historical Flooding & Natural Floodplain Functions


In addition to floodplain mapping assistance the Village of Deerfield Engineering Department provides the following services:

  • Historical flooding information.
  • Natural flood plain function information.
  • Information on soil types when available.
  • Flood protection assistance recommendations.

The Village of Deerfield Engineering Department also provides assistance with flooding or drainage concerns. Village staff can visit your property, if required, and help to assess the problem and may be able to offer solutions. Also, guidance on whether your property is in the 100-year floodplain, floodway, wetland or historical flooding area, can be obtained by contacting the Engineering Department and having a staff member help you. Maps are available to look at as well as other flood-related information. With questions please contact the Engineering Department at 847-317-2490.

Additional Information


If you should require further or more detailed information regarding flood-related issues in Deerfield, here are some additional sources: