Residents should prepare for possible flooding next week

With the combination of expected above normal temperatures next week and the recent 22 inches of snowfall, residents and businesses are asked to take proactive steps now to prevent any possible flooding issues.

“The recent blizzard we experienced combined with expected warmer temperatures creates a scenario where flooding is a possibility,” City Engineer Bill Novack said. “City staff from all departments will continue to monitor the latest weather forecasts and take appropriate action as necessary. Please take the time this weekend to test your sump pumps, clear off exterior street drains and check storm grates in your neighborhood. We came together as a community during last week's blizzard, and by working together again we can help mitigate possible flooding issues.”

Residents can take simple precautions in their home to prevent water build-up, including:

• Ensure your sump pump is working properly. If you have a backup sump pump available, make sure it is located near your sump pump pit in case a pump failure necessitates a quick switchout. Now is also a good time to test backup sump pump batteries.

• Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit.

• Check that the sump pump discharge pipe outside of your home is not frozen, clogged or blocked by a mound of snow.

• Ensure the sump pump discharge is clear and free from ice and other blockage.

• Keep interior drains clear of debris.

• Clear exterior street drains of snow, ice and debris. Check storm sewer grates to make sure they are free of ice and snow. Please do not remove the storm grate cover. If you see a storm sewer grate cover that has been removed, please contact the Department of Public Works at (630) 420-6095 immediately.

• Move snow on the ground away from your house.

• Check to make sure your gutters are free of snow and any other objects. Remove any snow and debris.

• If you have downspout extension pipes, make sure they face away from the house.

• Repair leaking or cracked basement walls and cracks in basement floors. Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your basement if you are susceptible to flooding.

As snow and ice melts, icicles hanging from eaves can also fall off and pose an injury risk. Please take the time to remove icicles from your roof prior to the onset of warmer weather next week.

Residents are asked to monitor the city's various communication channels for the latest updates on any possible flooding situation. Information will be made available in the following locations:

• City website – www.naperville.il.us

• E-news – Sign up for the Press Release e-Newsletter at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx to receive press releases at the same time as they are distributed to local and regional media. These releases contain pertinent information about an emergency situation and the city's response.

• WCNC (Ch. 6 – WOW, Ch. 10 – Comcast, Ch. 99 – AT&T) – Emergency messages will be placed in a red “alert” graphic across the bottom of the screen over regularly scheduled programming.

• WPFP 1610 AM – Emergency messages will loop continuously on the city's informational radio station for the duration of the event.

• City Facebook and Twitter accounts – Visit www.facebook.com/NapervilleIL and www.twitter.com/NapervilleIL for emergency information and links to more in-depth information.

For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville's projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.