Flooding Preparedness Notice

The Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen cautions residents about home flooding as heavy snow melts, and rain is in the forecast.

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. Snowmelt flooding may also cause contamination of private water sources, such as wells.

Tips to help reduce your risk of a snowmelt flood in your home:

(Some tips involve snow shovelling 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. Shovelling 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 two metres so water drains away from your foundation.
• Check your roof and eavestroughs 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.

Stay Informed:

Monitor weather updates for sudden temperature shifts that could accelerate snowmelt. Follow our website and social media for more information and updates regarding flooding.

Crowe Valley Conservation Authority  http://www.crowevalley.com