Flood Information and Programs

Mitigation means anything that can be done to reduce the impact of a natural hazard. We mitigate because there are an increasing number of flood events, escalating costs for response and recovery, and repetitive loss from those events. Many of SMC's day-to-day operations focus on flood mitigation efforts and the following are a few of the ways we've been working hard to reduce and/or eliminate flood damages.

All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (ANHMP)

About the ANHMP

In 2006, Lake County and participating Lake County municipalities developed and adopted the first Lake County Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (ANHMP). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires that a community develop and adopt a FEMA-approved ANHMP in order to be eligible for hazard mitigation grant funds. This ANHMP is required to be updated and re-adopted every five years to maintain grant eligibility.

Lake County Stormwater's 2017 ANHMP is the second update for the 2006 ANHMP. This plan is multi-jurisdictional, meaning the County and its municipalities must adopt the ANHMP. The mitigation plan identifies activities and projects to reduce the damages caused by natural hazards such as tornadoes, floods, and severe summer and winter storms. Annual ANHMP reports are published yearly. 

Lake County All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan

January 26, 2022 All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Kick-Off Meeting Presentation (PDF)

January 26, 2022 All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Kick-Off Meeting Video (107M MP4)

February 23, 2022 All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Presentation (PDF)

February 23, 2022 All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Meeting Video (365M MP4)

March 23, 2022 All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Presentation (PDF)

March 23, 2022 All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Meeting Video (89M MP4)

Coastal Flood Information 

Coastal communities can face a wide array of flooding hazards, which can cause extensive damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. 

Check out the FEMA Coastal Floodplain Mapping Application or view the Coastal Flood Hazard Mitigation PowerPoint for more information.

Voluntary Floodplain Buyout Program

The SMC Voluntary Floodplain Buyout Program (PDF) is one of the most cost-effective flood reduction tools SMC has in its mitigation toolbox. Buying and removing flood-prone structures ensure they are not damaged by floods in the future.

Buyout Candidates

SMC maintains a list of properties that are candidates for buyouts when funds become available.

Buyout Program Graphic

SMC's buyout program is heavily reliant on the availability of federal funds, which are then leveraged with local cost-share funds. FEMA, working through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, has provided over $13 million towards SMC's buyout program since 1997. To date, over 200 homes and parcels have been purchased, including the Gurnee Grade School.

FEMA uses a cost analysis formula to rate the structure for a possible buyout. SMC's buyout program follows FEMA's guidelines.

If you would like to be considered for SMC's buyout program or would like more information on the process, contact Sharon Osterby, 847-377-7706.

Flooding PowerPoint Presentations

If you were unable to attend the 2017 Homeowners Floodproofing Expo and Workshop, you can still view the presentations here: