This week we took to Twitter to chat about this Heat of the Moment story about how climate change, flooding and inequality are coming to a head in Chicago. We talked preparedness and the what Chicagoans can expect in the future with Shannon Heffernan, the reporter behind the story and the Center for Neighborhood Technology. Catch up below and send any other questions you have to @shannon_h and @rainreadyplan.

We started with some facts about urban flooding, and why it’s hard for residents to find help with the issue.

According to to a study by @IllinoisDNR 92% of flood claims happen outside of the floodplain https://t.co/LCWwzdskJh @WBEZ #HOTM

— RainReady (@RainReadyPlan) May 26, 2016

I heard from residents that bc they were outside a flood plain it made it much harder to figure out insurance #hotm https://t.co/atcWld0SPv

— Shannon Heffernan (@shannon_h) May 26, 2016

Then we honed in on Chicago:

.@WBEZ flooding is a prevalent problem in most cities in the US. We dont have research comparing cities at this time https://t.co/gXJ1Li6w0b

— RainReady (@RainReadyPlan) May 26, 2016

And what other climate issues we can expect in the Midwest going forward:

c In midwest, strangely we can also expect more droughts. When it rains, it will pour. But longer periods w/o rain too. #HOTM

— Shannon Heffernan (@shannon_h) May 26, 2016

Great resource to learn more about midwest & climate change is the national assement: https://t.co/bPKdJJuasn #hotm https://t.co/AW2GhC7c6w

— Shannon Heffernan (@shannon_h) May 26, 2016

The Center for Neighborhoold Technology shared thoughts on what cities and governments should do to protect residents.

Cities need to encourage more “Nature Based Solutions.” #bioswales #wetlands work wonders! https://t.co/tgtwKI93Cm @nature_org #HOTM

— RainReady (@RainReadyPlan) May 26, 2016

Also, we need better policies and knowledge about flooding. Bills like: https://t.co/YqTQEvX5e6 help homeowners take action! #HOTM

— RainReady (@RainReadyPlan) May 26, 2016

And had some tips for those curious about what those solutions look like in real life.

@RainReadyPlan I’m looking for examples of courtyard buildings who are capturing their runoff. Any leads? #HOTM

— Uncle Taco (@bingaman) May 26, 2016

We have a great album of photos for #greeninfrastructure ideas. Check them out https://t.co/jY837SsPO2 #HOTM https://t.co/B3ZBj1hH5i

— RainReady (@RainReadyPlan) May 26, 2016

They also shared ways for individuals to prepare for increase flooding.

Talk with your neighbors and raise awareness of the issue in your community. Most people don’t see this issue #HOTM https://t.co/Xrq2iH8yqt

— RainReady (@RainReadyPlan) May 26, 2016

And we touched on some of the larger themes that play into the story of flooding on the South Side, like race.

@shannon_h: How does race fit into the climate picture? #HOTM

— Beyond the Seal (@BeyondtheSeal) May 26, 2016

Polls show African american communities are more concerned than white communities and believe the science (p2) #hotm https://t.co/HeYBdXmkRt

— Shannon Heffernan (@shannon_h) May 26, 2016

We are in a country/state/city where there are concerns of racial equity… those will show up for climate too #hotm https://t.co/HeYBdXmkRt

— Shannon Heffernan (@shannon_h) May 26, 2016

And health.

@RainReadyPlan @shannon_h I work in public health — are there health risks associated with greater urban flooding with sewage? #HOTM

— Matt Zhou (@yang85225) May 26, 2016

Yes. Respiratory issues for ex. Also, while I know of cases, exposure to sewage can mean exposure to pathogens #hotm https://t.co/q38O16yw0L

— Shannon Heffernan (@shannon_h) May 26, 2016

It also causes some people major anxiety and keeps them from leaving their homes for long periods of time. #HOTM https://t.co/rnX8y1M6P6

— RainReady (@RainReadyPlan) May 26, 2016

And what’s next for Chatham, where the city gets the most calls about urban flooding?

A5: Mostly we will be watching for if the city responds and takes action in Chatham. #hotm https://t.co/T373XGOm7s

— Shannon Heffernan (@shannon_h) May 26, 2016

@shannon_h For Chatham urban flooding, what’s the best solution? Complete installation of backwater valves in neighborhoods? #HOTM

— Matt Zhou (@yang85225) May 26, 2016

We are working on a large scale downspout disconnection and “green infrastructure” strategy. Stay tuned #HOTM https://t.co/VNtDiWFQQK

— RainReady (@RainReadyPlan) May 26, 2016