A press release from the McHenry County Emergency Agency:

Spring Snow Melt Could Cause Flooding

WOODSTOCK, IL – After an extremely long and precipitation rich winter, much of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin are covered in large accumulations of snow.

This house on Crystal Lake’s North Shore got four feet of sewage last year as a result of a malfunction at a city pumping station.

As temperatures rise above freezing in the upcoming weeks they will cause rapid snow melt and increase danger of flooding.

Here are some precautions that can be taken in your home to prevent flooding or minimize the damage.

• Flood Insurance – Flood insurance provides year-round financial protection and improves your ability to quickly recover when severe storms strike and cause unexpected flooding. Call your local insurance agent or 1-800-720-1090 to reach specialists with the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Interior and exterior of your home – Check to make sure your gutters and downspout extension pipes are free of snow, ice, and any other objects. Remove any snow, ice, and debris. Move snow on the ground away from your home and provide a clear drainage path. Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage through cracks.
• Belongings – Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors. Unsecured items may be swept away and damaged by flood waters. Move or elevate your furniture, appliances and valuables to higher floors of your home. If flood waters affect your home, higher floors are less likely to receive damage.
• Sump Pump – Ensure your sump pump is working properly by pouring water into the pit. Test backup sump pump batteries. Verify that the sump pump discharge pipe outside of your home is not frozen, clogged, or blocked in any way. Do not connect the sump pump discharge to the sanitary sewer. If you have a backup sump pump, make sure it is readily available if it becomes necessary to do a quick replacement due to failure.
• Sewer Backflow Valve – Installing a sewer backflow valve should prevent sewage from sanitary sewer lines from backing up into your home through drainpipes. Sewage backup not only causes damage, but also creates health hazards.
• Utilities and HVAC – Raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel to higher floors or the attic if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded. Raising this equipment will prevent damage.
• Fuel Tanks – Properly anchor outdoor fuel tanks (propane, diesel and oil). Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by floodwaters. Floating and/or damaged tanks pose serious threats to not only you, your family, and your house, but also to public safety and the environment.

For more information on flooding please visit: http://www.floodsmart.gov.