Be ready for it! Flood prevention in your home and yard is your responsibility. If the snow melts quickly, your home may be at risk of flooding even if it’s never been flooded before.
Tips to help reduce your risk of a snowmelt flood in your home (Some tips involve snow shoveling which is heavy work. Consider doing a bit at a time and please use care and caution. Get help if you have health concerns):
• Remove snow from around your foundation. Pay particular attention to the areas around window wells.
• Most lots drain along the outside edges. Remove snow from these areas.
• Keep the snow in your yard. Shoveling onto streets or lanes could block drainage.
• Help keep catch basins clear. Where possible, safely clear snow, ice and debris from the catch basins in your area.
• Clear snow and ice from around the bottom of your downspouts and extend downspouts at least six feet so water drains away from your foundation.
• Check your roof and eaves troughs for excess snow.
• Consider hiring a professional to clear snow from your roof. A roof rake may help to clear snow and debris from the edge of your roof.
• Consider using sandbags to block water from entering low lying areas beside your foundation.
• If water is getting close to your foundation, use an appropriate pump to drain it to the gutter or back lane. Please use all equipment properly and follow safety guidelines.
Snowmelt - Frequently Asked Questions
My basement has never flooded before. Am I still at risk for a snowmelt flood? Yes. If the snow melts quickly, you may be at risk for flooding if you haven’t taken appropriate steps.
Water too close to your basement wall can seep through tiny cracks and create a damp basement, or even damage the foundation of your house. In extreme cases, water may build up in your basement if the path to the City sewer is obstructed.
There’s so much snow in my yard that I can’t move it all. What can I do? Snow shoveling is heavy work. If you have health concerns, get help from friends, family, neighbors or professionals. Health permitting, consider moving small amounts of snow over several days so it’s not such a big job. Please use caution and care when shoveling snow.
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