Page 1 of 6. Community Risk Assessment. City of Streator. Risk Assessment. Communities Tornadoes Floods Winter. Storms.
Community Risk Assessment City of Streator Risk Assessment Tornadoes
Floods
Winter Storms
LaSalle County
Elevated
Elevated
High
Elevated
High
Guarded
Elevated
Elevated
Streator
Guarded
Guarded
High
Elevated
High
Guarded
Elevated
Elevated
Communities
Extreme Temps.
Dangerous Winds
Lightning
Drought
Hail
Location: The City of Streator is located 16 miles south of the City of Ottawa in LaSalle and Livingston Counties. Population: 13,710 (2010 Census) Major Storm Events since February 2008:
June 5, 2010 Tornado: A supercell storm moved east from Magnolia, Illinois in Putnam County where it had produced an EF-0 /EF-1 strength tornado. After lifting, a new tornado touched down near the Marshall and LaSalle County line due south. The tornado tracked along North 12th Road in LaSalle County knocking down trees and power lines. Minor structural damage was also reported. As the EF0/EF-1 tornado continued to push east toward the City of Streator, it intensified to an EF-1/EF-2 strength tornado. As it moved through Eagle Pass Subdivision, trees were toppled, roofs were blown off, and several homes were badly damaged or destroyed. The most intense damage occurred along Hall Street near Southside Athletic Park. In all, 21 homes were uninhabitable and had to be destroyed, another 33 were uninhabitable and required major repair, and a total of 150 received some degree of damage. Seventeen (17) direct or indirect injuries were reported as a result of the tornado. At its strongest, the tornado had winds up to 130 mile per and was one (1) half mile wide. The tornado traveled approximately 18 miles and lasted 22 minutes. April 17, 2013 – April 19, 2013 Flood: A slow moving storm dropped upwards of 10 inches of rain across the region causing rivers and creeks to overflow their banks. One (1) bridge over
Community Risk Assessment Prairie Creek was destroyed and another was damaged. One (1) bridge over Coal Run Creek was also destroyed. The underpass on Bazore Street for the BNSF railroad floods when there is heavy rain. The city is putting in a pump station to prevent future flooding. Multiple homes throughout the city had basement flooding (backups). Tornado Risk: The City of Streator has a “Guarded” risk of tornadoes. The city has tornado sirens that provide full coverage within the city limits. The basement of the city hall is designated as a public tornado shelter but it is not ADA accessible. Flood Risk: The City of Streator has a “Guarded” risk of flooding. Type(s) of Flooding: Riverine Flooding/ Basement Backups/ Urban Drainage- Surface Water Runoff/ Ice Jams Area of Risk: The City of Streator has several sources of flooding including the Vermillion River, which runs along and through the west side of the city, Prairie Creek, which runs through the north side of the city, Otter Creek, which runs through the northeast corner of the city, and Coal Creek, which runs through the south side of the city. An area of town known as Riverside, south of River View Cemetery, is also flood prone. FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the city show the 100-year floodplains for the river and creeks. Westgate Shopping Center, roughly 75 homes, and Marilla Park are located within a floodplain. There are several areas that obstruct or impede the flow of water during floods. These areas include: the Norfolk Southern Bridge north of Bronson Street, the Route 23 bridge over Prairie Creek, Route 23 bridge over Coal Run Creek, and the Norfolk Southern Bridge, south of Lundy Street. The city has a levy along the western shore of the Vermillion River that surrounds West Gate Shopping Center. The levy has been decertified by FEMA because of a gap that is created by the bridge on Bridge Street. The city is working to address the issue to get the levy recertified. Erosion on the eastern shore of the Vermilion River directly north of the Illinois Route 18 bridge placed several homes in danger. The city stabilized the shoreline to protect 15 homes and bought out two (2) commercial buildings. During heavy periods of rain, the city is susceptible to surface water flooding and basement backups. The city’s sanitary and storm sewer systems are 50-60 percent separated. The city plans to have the entire system separated by 2060. Critical Facilities at Risk: The city’s waste water treatment plant (WWTP) is located at the west end of Grant Street. The WWTP is located in a 100-year floodplain. The city’s public works barn is also in the floodplain.
Community Risk Assessment National Flood Insurance Program Participant: Yes Community Rating System Participant: No Winter Storm Risk: The City of Streator has a “High” risk of experiencing winter storms including blizzards, heavy snowstorms, and ice storms. Early frost and freeze events are another form of winter weather that are factored into determining the winter storm risk level. Extreme Temperatures Risk: Extreme heat and cold can have detrimental effects on the human body including illness and death. Exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat rash, exhaustion, and stroke. When exposed to extremely cold temperatures, the human body loses heat quickly. Unable to replace utilized energy, the body is susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. Extreme heat and cold can also be problematic for public water systems. Although water main breaks are thought to occur more frequently during the winter, they can happen anytime of the year. According to AccuWeather.com, prolonged hot and cold temperatures cause the ground to shift more abruptly, which leads to water main breaks. The age and condition of water mains can also play a factor. The City of Streator has an “Elevated” risk for extreme temperatures. Dangerous Winds Risk: This category includes thunderstorm winds, high winds, and strong winds. The City of Streator has a “High” risk of having dangerous winds that can lead to property damage and crop damage. During high winds, people are at a greater risk for injury and death as a result of flying debris and falling trees and power lines. Lightning Risk: Lightning is caused by the buildup and release of atmospheric electricity. Whenever there is a thunderstorm, lightning has occurred. Lightning can strike anywhere and has the potential to cause fatalities, injury, and property damage. The City of Streator has a “Guarded” risk of lightning that could result in property damage or bodily harm. Drought Risk: Drought is caused by a lack of precipitation over an extended period of time. A prolonged drought can have a devastating impact on a region’s economy and quality of life. LaSalle County’s last reported drought was between June 2005 and February 2006. The impact of the drought is not known. The City of Streator and LaSalle County have an “Elevated” risk of drought. Hail Risk: Hailstones can be found within the middle and upper portions of most thunderstorms. Hailstones are compacted layers of ice and snow that look like snowballs. Hailstones may be as small as marbles or as large as softballs. Hailstones cause damage to property and crops. There have been 13 hail events in Streator since 1965. The City of Streator has an “Elevated” risk of hail. Additional Information:
The city’s comprehensive plan was adopted in January 2014. The plan addresses natural hazards, but the future land use map does not reflect floodplain issues. The city’s last zoning ordinance was adopted in 2004. The ordinance addresses natural hazards. The city has adopted International Building Code 2012. New buildings are inspected. The city adopted a storm water management ordinance in 2004. The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross buildings serve as heating/cooling centers during extreme temperatures.
Community Risk Assessment
The city has adopted a disaster recovery plan. Mine subsidence is an issue in the City of Streator. Historic coal mines lie beneath 85 percent of the city. Homeowners are required to have mine subsidence insurance.
Mitigation Activities: 1. Mitigation Strategy: Clearing of channels around bridges over Prairie Creek, Coal Creek, and the Little Vermilion River. Responsible Entity or Person: City Council Priority: High Cost: Engineering/ Clearing Revenue Source: Local Funds/ Stand and Federal Funds Resources: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Benefits: Prevent scouring of bridges. Deadline: 3 Years 2. Mitigation Strategy: Relocation of the city’s public works barn out of flood-prone area. Responsible Entity or Person: City Council Priority: Low Cost: Moving or Reconstruction Revenue Source: Local Funds Resources: City Council Benefits: Provide access to the barn at all times. Deadline: 3 Years 3. Mitigation Strategy: Identify and complete necessary activities to have the city’s levy recertified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Responsible Entity or Person: City Council/ City Engineer Priority: High Cost: Depends on activities Revenue Source: Local Funds Resources: Illinois Department of Natural Resources/ Federal Emergency Management Agency Benefits: Minimize the risk of flooding near the Westgate Shopping Center. Deadline: 3 Years 4. Mitigation Strategy: Continue to separate the city’s sanitary and storm sewer systems. Responsible Entity or Person: City Council/ City Engineer Priority: High Cost: Construction Revenue Source: Local Funds Resources: City Engineer Benefits: Minimize basement backups and prevent the waste water treatment plant from being overwhelmed during high period of rain. Deadline: 1-5+ Years (Ongoing)
Community Risk Assessment 5. Mitigation Strategy: Participate in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System to help residents save on flood insurance premiums. Responsible Entity or Person: City Council/ City Building and Zoning Official/ City Engineer Priority: Medium Cost: Varies depending on activities pursued Revenue Source: Local Funds Resources: Insurance Services Office/ Illinois Department of Natural Resources/ Illinois Emergency Management Agency Benefits: Lower flood insurance premiums for residents/ Activities reduce the impact of flooding. Deadline: 1 Year 6. Mitigation Strategy: Inform residents on the importance of understanding their flood insurance policy. Responsible Entity or Person: City Council and Staff Priority: Very High Cost: Minimal/Letters to residents Revenue Source: Local Funds Resources: Insurance agencies/ Federal Emergency Management Agency Benefits: Residents should be aware that their flood insurance policy may not cover basement backups. A separate sewer and drain policy may be required. Deadline: 1 Year 7. Mitigation Strategy: Participate in the development of a regional stormwater management ordinance that will reduce flooding and protect lives, property, and the environment. Responsible Entity or Person: City Council Priority: High Cost: Staff Time Revenue Source: Local Funds Resources: Residents/ Public Officials/ Hydrologists/ Attorneys/ Planning Officials Benefits: Minimize the adverse impact of stormwater on communities. Deadline: 4 Years 8. Mitigation Strategy: Enforce regulations and ordinances that pertain to development in floodplains. Responsible Entity or Person: City Council/Zoning and Building Official Priority: Very High Cost: Staff Time Revenue Source: Local Funds Resources: City Zoning Official Benefits: Restrict development that places lives at risk; reduce the physical and financial impact of flooding; restore the floodplain to its natural purpose. Deadline: 1-5 Years (Ongoing)
Community Risk Assessment 9. Mitigation Strategy: Consider utilizing CodeRed, an emergency alert notification system, to increase awareness and preparedness of severe weather. Responsible Entity or Person: City Council/ Police Department Priority: Medium Cost: Staff Time/ Annual user fees Revenue Source: General Fund Resources: CodeRed/LaSalle County Emergency Management Agency/ LaSalle County Sheriff’s Department Benefits: Increase public awareness of severe weather. Deadline: 2 Years 10. Mitigation Strategy: Engage in a regional discussion on the implementation of best practices for activating early warning sirens during storm events. Responsible Entity or Person: A regional group consisting of County Emergency Management Agencies for Bureau/ LaSalle/ Marshall/ Putnam/ and Stark Counties, Local Fire Departments, Fire Protection Districts, County Sheriff’s Departments, Local Police Departments, and Local Officials Priority: Very High Cost: Staff Time Revenue Source: Local Funds Resources: NOAA/ Illinois Emergency Management Agency/ Policies for other communities Benefits: Regional guidelines on activating early warning sirens can lessen public confusion and save lives. Deadline: 1 Year 11. Mitigation Strategy: Improve local hazardous weather operations by becoming a StormReady community. Responsible Entity or Person: City Council Priority: Medium Cost: Staff Time Revenue Source: Local Funds Resources: Weather Spotters/ Emergency Responders –Fire, Police, Paramedics/ Emergency Management Personnel Benefits: Immediate disbursement of information to residents during severe weather. Deadline: 1 Year
