Village News

If you live near Tinley Creek, or if you have experienced water problems in the past, you shouldn't wait for the problem to go away. Here are some things you can do:

Get the information:

• The Building Department can tell you if you are in a mapped flood zone and provide additional information needed for a flood insurance policy. Call them at 349-6666.
• Ask the Building Department staff to visit your property to see what advice they have on the cause of the problem and possible solutions.
• Ask for a free copy of the Village's Guide to Flood Protection. It includes many helpful ideas on what you can do to be ready for the next storm.
• Check out flood protection references in the Tinley Park Public Library.
• More information can be found on the FEMA Website: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/info.shtm

Orland Hills' drainage system is subject to three flood problems: yard drainage problems, underdesigned or obstructed storm sewers, and overbank flooding from Tinley Creek and certain detention areas. This article reviews these problems and what the Village is doing about them.

"Water flows downhill." This basic truth is the basis for the Village's drainage system. This system consists of storm sewers, channels, culverts and storage basins. All of these work to carry water away from buildings, like your house, that can be damaged if flooded.

Public meeting on flood plan: In 1995, the Village of Orland Hills adopted its Floodplain Management Plan, which reviews the problems of flooding from Tinley Creek, storm sewers, and yard drainage. The Plan reviews a variety of measures that can reduce the problems and/or protect people and property when flooding occurs. The Plan has been updated to reflect conditions in 2007.