Flood Information Brochure
DuPage County Guide to Preventing & Repairing Flood Damage
FEMA website
FloodSmart.gov - National Flood Insurance Program
FEMA Floodplain Viewer
Letter of Map Change (LOMC) Fact Sheet - If you are a property owner who thinks your property has been inadvertently mapped in a Special Flood Hazard Area, see how to submit a request to FEMA.

The Village of Bartlett has several floodplain areas within its corporate limits. On the north-west side of town is the Brewster Creek tributary. In the middle of town there is some floodplain in the Wayne Grove Forest Preserve. The northeastern part of the village has the Brewster Creek floodplain, which flows to the West Branch of the DuPage River floodplain.

During the Village’s growth from the 1970s to the present, development included the construction of storm water storage facilities, consisting of wet (retention) or dry (detention) storm water storage areas. Retention areas include the ponds and small lakes throughout the Village. Many detention areas also provide open space for recreation. All of these areas will store storm water runoff during a storm event and release it at a slow rate so as not to “overload” or flood areas downstream.

Storm water storage facilities are designed to store runoff generated by a 100-year storm event. (Currently, a 100-year storm event is defined as 7.58 inches of rain in a 24-hour period.) Keep in mind that a 100-year storm doesn’t mean this storm occurs only once in 100 years, but that the likelihood of a storm of this magnitude occurring is 1% in any given year. It is possible to have 100-year storms two years in a row or even a month apart.

NATURAL & BENEFICIAL FUNCTIONS
Floodplains play a valuable role in providing natural benefits to the Village of Bartlett and the surrounding area. Floodplains that are relatively undisturbed provide open spaces and aesthetic pleasure, as well as function for active processes, such as filtering nutrients.

Wayne Grove Forest Preserve and Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve floodplains are used to filter farm chemical run-off so that these areas can maintain biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability. Both floodplains contain historic and archaeological sites that provide opportunity for education. Both enhance waterfowl, fish and
other wildlife habitats and provide feeding/breeding grounds. And lastly, both floodplains provide natural erosion control and open space so further flooding damage does not occur.

FLASH FLOODS
Flash-flooding is the general type of flooding caused by heavy rain events. A flooding event can occur with 2 to 4 inches of rain in a 3 to 4 hour time period on some streets throughout the village. Several detention areas may rise during these events. However, all of the village streets are designed to additionally store stormwater for a period of time.

During spring and early summer, the village can experience heavy rain events. It is not uncommon for water to stand in backyard/sideyard drainage areas for up to 48 hours. The village has made several drainage improvements in problem areas in the last few years and is continually making improvements throughout the community.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
As simple as it may sound, keeping smaller ditches and streams free of debris can dramatically improve the run-off capacity of low-lying areas and can greatly reduce the occurrence of blockage that significantly contributes to flooding. 

It is illegal to dump materials into a required waterway and violators may be fined. If you see someone in the act of dumping or see debris in one of Bartlett’s watercourses, please contact the Bartlett Public Works Department at 630-837-0811.

Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their perimeter drainage swales. You may have a storm inlet in your yard; if you do, make sure to keep it clear of debris. If you have any flooding or drainage concerns on your property, the Village of Bartlett staff is available to assess your drainage issue. You can report a concern by accessing the Bartlett Connect app.  In addition, the Bartlett Connect app is available on your smartphone or tablet. 

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 onto 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.

FLOODPLAIN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
All development within the 100-year floodplain (not just construction of buildings, but filling, excavation, fences, etc.) requires a village development permit. Applications must be made prior to doing any work in a floodplain area.

Please contact Planning & Development Services at 630-540-5920 to receive all the information you need to properly develop in the floodplain. You may report any illegal development activities to the above number as well. 

FLOOD INSURANCE
If you do not have flood insurance, talk to your agent. Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Flood insurance is only available to communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Because of Bartlett’s floodplain management programs, which attempt to protect property owners from multiple flooding hazards, the village is part of the NFIP. Bartlett residents are able to obtain flood insurance. Additionally, because the village participates in FEMA’s CRS program, flood insurance premiums are discounted.

Be sure to check your policy to ensure you have adequate coverage. Typical policies cover the building structure, but not the contents. Contents coverage can also be obtained by asking.

There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage becomes effective. Plan ahead; do not wait until a flood is predicted before purchasing flood insurance. If you are building inside the floodplain and are using a federally regulated lender/bank for a loan, the purchase of flood insurance is mandatory.

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT/DAMAGE
If the cost of improvements to a building or the cost to repair damages (from any cause) to a building  exceeds 50% of the market value of the building (excluding land value), the NFIP requires that the entire building be brought up to current floodplain management standards. Building improvement projects include exterior and interior remodeling, rehabilitation, additions and repair and reconstruction projects. Contact Planning & Development Services at 630-540-5920 for more information.

FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM
Many times, flooding of streets and parking lots can be predicted, allowing ample time for preparation and evacuation. However, in the event of a flash flood due to a large rain event, there may only be hours to execute a plan. 

Once the Bartlett Police and Bartlett Fire Protection District are notified of an oncoming flood event,  Bartlett’s emergency alert system will be activated. The village can send a Code Red or mass emergency notification system alert to the entire village or a specific neighborhood. Community alerts and additional safety information will also be posted to the village website.

Flood Safety Tips

• Do not drive through a flooded area or around protection barriers. More people drown in cars than anywhere else. 
• Do not walk through flowing water. Currents can be deceptive. Six  inches of water can knock you off your feet.
• 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 second 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 the Bartlett Fire Protection District, the village 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 flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains. Flood waters can carry unimaginable items that have dislodged themselves. Culverts can suck in smaller people, making them helpless
• Clean everything that has been wet. Flood water is 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.