Are you Flood Ready?

7/9/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded community garden in Lake Country in 2017 from high water levels and rain.

There have been a number of extreme flooding events occurring in Canada over the last few decades. Sadly, as a result of climate change, these events are increasing in both frequency and magnitude.

Floods can happen anywhere and at any time of the year here in the Okanagan. It’s important to take time to understand and prepare your home. Below are some helpful tips to ensure your home/property is flood ready

• Downspouts should extend at least 2m from your basement wall. Water should drain away from your property
• During heavy rainfall, check that your roof and eaves are draining properly
• Use rain barrels to catch water runoff
• Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doorways
• Install flood shields/barriers for basement windows and doors. The tops of the shields should extend above ground level
• Raise large appliances, furnaces, hot water heaters, and electrical panels up on wood or cement blocks above the potential water level
• Make sure your plumbing system and drains follow all code requirements
• Install backwater valves or plugs for drains, toilets and sewer connections
• Check to ensure your sump pump is working. Consider installing a battery-operated backup encase of a power outage
• Ask your insurer about your flood insurance and review the coverage
• Create an emergency kit

Take the Government of Canada’s flood ready quiz today! https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/flood-ready/quiz.html