April showers bring … flooding and tornadoes! It’s spring in Chicago, and there are many ways that you can prepare for this bad weather. Here are just a few tips!
- The city places “Rain Blockers” in catch basins throughout Chicago. These slow down the flow of water from the street and run into the sewer only when it can handle it.
- It’s good if the streets are flooded for a few hours after rainfall. This is because the rain is slowly moving into the sewers and not going into your basement.
- Talk with your neighbors about flooding prevention. You and your neighbors share an underground network of pipes.
- Install drainage systems in your home. This also means cleaning your gutters, extending downspouts, and installing a sump pump.
- Seal cracks in your basement.
- Use solid roofing materials like copper, aluminum, resin, and plastic.
- Adding rolling or plywood shutters can help protect your windows.
- Whenever possible, park your car in a garage to keep it safe. If a garage isn’t available, consider using a car cover or blankets to shield your vehicle from the elements.
- Create an emergency kit to prepare for a tornado, including essentials like food, water, a can opener, medications, a flashlight, cash, and other necessities.
- Know where your tornado shelter is in your home, apartment, school, and workplace.
- If your home doesn't have a basement, the bathtub is a safe place to take shelter, or you can move to an interior room with no windows.
- Avoid large open spaces!
- Trim or remove dead, damaged, or rotting trees and limbs.
- Secure all objects outside your home so they don’t fly away and cause more damage.
- Seal gaps and cracks in your home.
- Use fans instead of air conditioners.
- Close your shades/blinds to prevent sunlight from further warming your home.
- Open windows during the cooler times of the day for more airflow.
- Clean and replace your AC unit filters about once every 1-2 months.
