Useful Links and Documents

Real-Time Rainfall and Stream Information

• CoCoRaHS Daily Precipitation Data
• Fox Waterway Agency (Fox River and Chain-O-Lakes water surface info) 
• NWS Stream Gauge Data
• USGS - McHenry County Groundwater, Surface Water & Rain Gage Network Webpage
• USGS - Real-Time Precipitation Data 
• USGS - Streamflow Conditions 
• USGS - Surface WaterWatch
  
  

Flood Maps and Flood Hazard Information - Planning & Development's Water Resources Division may be able to assist you in understanding your flood risk.  Please contact us at 815-334-4560.

• FEMA National Flood Hazard Map Viewer
• McHenry County PlanDev Viewer
• First Street Foundation - Flood Factor
  
  

Documents you may need to remove your structure(s) from a FEMA Flood Hazard Area

• FEMA Elevation Certificate
• FEMA MT-EZ Form
• FEMA MT-1 Instructions & FEMA MT-1 Form
• FEMA Community Acknowledgement Form (to be filled out by local community official)
  
  

FEMA Flood Protection Library Documents

• Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347 (2000)
• Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program, F-084 (2011)
• Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54 (1984)
• Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting (Six Ways to Protect Your Home From Flooding), FEMA P-312 (2014)
• Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards, FEMA P-85 (2009)
• Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA-P-348 (1999)
• Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268 (1996)
• Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, FEMA 511 (2005) 
  
  

Other Pertinent Webpages

• ReduceFloodRisk.org
• FEMA Community Rating System (CRS) Program
• McHenry County Department of Planning & Development - Stormwater Management Ordinance (flood development regulations - note all development within a floodplain requires a Stormwater Management Permit)
• McHenry County Emergency Management - Flood Webpage (flood preparedness and post-flood info)
• McHenry County Emergency Management - Report Flood Damage
• McHenry County Emergency Management - Stay Informed (ways to keep informed about local hazards)
• McHenry County Health Department - Emergency Preparedness & Response
• NWS Flood Safety
• NWS StormReady
• Real Estate Agent Brochure Template
  
  

Flood Insurance 

If you are interested in purchasing flood insurance, contact your local insurance agent or 1-800-720-1090 to reach specialists with the National Flood Insurance Program.  All residents of unincorporated McHenry County are eligible to purchase flood insurance (separate policy from your homeowner's insurance).  Depending on where your home is located, you may be eligible for a 15% discount.  Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase until your policy goes into effect. 

Flood coverage limits for a standard flood policy are:
One to four-family structure = $250,000
One to four-family home contents = $100,000
Other residential structures = $500,000
Other residential contents = $100,000
Business structure = $500,000
Business contents = $500,000
Renter contents = $100,000  

Below is a list of websites that may provide additional information regarding flood insurance and the process to acquire the products.  New in 2021, flood insurance will be revised per the Risk Rating 2.0 model.  Please see below for further information and explanation of the updated way insurance premiums will be quoted.

• FEMA Floodsmart (flood insurance and preparedness information)
• FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• FEMA NFIP Flood Insurance Manual
• FEMA Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action 
• FEMA Flood Insurance Advocate (assistance and answers regarding floodplains and flood insurance)
• FEMA NFIP Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) (funding to elevate/demolish/relocate your home)
• FEMA Educational Flood Insurance Videos
  • Flood Risk (Provides an overview of tools and considerations for assessing flood risk)
  • When Flood Insurance is Required (Explains when flood insurance is required rather than when it is simply recommended)
  • Basements (Describes how basements are defined under the program)
  • The Claims Process (Explains how to file a flood insurance claim after a flood)
    
    

Fox River Flood Control Commission

During the 100th Session of the Illinois Legislation, Public Act 100-0730 was enacted.  This Act created the Fox River Flood Control Commission and tasked the group with presenting a report to the General Assembly by December 31, 2019 regarding problems and solutions to flooding on the Fox River. 

Each community and township within the Fox River Watershed is asked to fill out the following survey regarding the type and extent of flooding in the community.  The results of the surveys will be used to help quantify the problem and formulate solutions for the Fox River Watershed flooding.

Please click here for a link to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources webpage for the Commission. A copy of the final report may be found on the IDNR's webpage.

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