Want to be Ready for the Next Flood? Follow these 3 Steps

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Spring isn’t the only time you need to worry about flooding. With some of the heavy storms we’ve had so far this summer, many Ontario residents have unfortunately already experienced flooding’s ill effects.

Although there are certain areas including Grimsby, Beamsville, St. Catharines and the Niagara Peninsula that are more prone to flooding, even low-risk area residents could be impacted by a flood. That’s why everyone – regardless of where you live – should be flood ready. Here’s how!

Prepare Your Family

Similar to any other type of emergency, pre-planning is key. An emergency and evacuation plan is the best way to ready you and your family for a potential flood event. Your plan should include:

  • Contact information for family members and family friends (including personal cell phone numbers)

  • Contact information for workplaces, schools, babysitters and utility companies

  • Copies of important documents including birth certificates, social security cards, insurance policies, photos of your property for insurances purposes and licensing for pets

Compile this information and include it in an emergency preparedness kit. Your kit should also include first aid supplies and an up-to-date list of important items you will need to gather in case of evacuation. Also, be sure to stockpile some emergency supplies including dry goods.

Prepare Your Home

It’s only a matter of minutes before flooding can create extensive damage in your home. Taking the time to protect your property as best you can before a flood is key to minimizing water’s disastrous effects.

Consult with a foundation expert who can make waterproofing recommendations so that your basement stays safe and dry. Your property’s grading is crucial in a flood; it should direct as much water as possible from your home.

Some other tips to follow when preparing your home for a flood include:

  • Mitigating soil erosion with the help of effective landscaping around your home

  • Repairing window-wells that retain water, and flushing out weeping tiles if water pools near your foundation.

  • Directing downspouts five feet away from the foundation and keeping gutters free of debris

  • Sandbagging low lying areas including basement windows and doors

  • Installing a sump pump, battery backup sump pump, and backwater valve

  • Preparing to turn off your home’s electricity, gas and water supply

Protect Your Possessions

When a flood seems likely, move any valuable possessions including heirlooms to higher ground. If possible, consider moving small appliances and any other important valuables stored in your basement upstairs. Any large movable items that cannot be moved to higher ground should be secured so that they do not float away.

Tune into your local radio station to receive flood updates and instructions from officials – and prepare to follow them when asked to do so.

After a flood, be extremely cautious with re-entering your home. If a lot of water got into your home and came into contact with electricity, you need to be extremely cautious before stepping inside. Work with qualified professionals to repair any damage that was caused by water.

At Foundation Fix, we are well versed in repairing basement water damage caused by flooding. Contact us today for more details.