From high winds to high water, spring in Alberta is unpredictable. Heavy rains and snowmelts can cause significant damage flooding roads, basements, and fields and even sewer backups.
As more homes are built on flood plains and we experience more extreme weather events, the likelihood for disaster increases and it pays to be prepared for the worst.
Prepare and Plan
There are a number of ways you can prepare your home for unpredictable spring weather to help reduce the risk of damage or accidents.
- Clear eavestroughs of debris and make sure they’re draining at least two metres away from your home, ideally downhill onto grass. Check in the late fall for any leaves or plant matter and in the spring for ice buildup blocking downspouts.
- Inspect for cracks around windows, doors, and foundations. Use waterproof caulking, weatherstripping, or sealant to prevent water from getting in. It can also help keep cold drafts out too.
- Check your roof for missing or damaged shingles and damaged flashing as they could have come loose from ice or wind over the winter. Also look for any areas that appear to be sagging.
- Elevate important systems such as furnaces, water heaters, generators, fuel tanks, and other electrical equipment to keep them off the floor and above water level.
- Landscape or grade the property to help water drain away from your home, including berms, walls or vegetation. Keep trees and bushes maintained to prevent branches from breaking or falling on to your property or house.
- Clear snow away from your foundation and window wells to prevent pooling and flooding.
- Install a sump pump and test it annually. Some are battery powered so they can continue working if the power goes out.
Be Ready
In the event of an emergency, it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit with at least 72 hours worth of water, nonperishable food, basic toiletries, medications, first aid kit, battery or crank powered radio, blankets or sleeping bags, flashlights, spare batteries, power bank, and any supplies needed for kids and pets.
If you live in a flood-prone area – or even if you don’t – it’s important to have an evacuation plan. Create a checklist of actions, compile a home inventory, and keep a list of all important contact numbers to take with you. You can even file these with your insurer too. In the event you do have to evacuate, turn off all gas, electricity, and water mains before leaving your home.
Check Your Policy
Where the water comes from matters as part of your coverage and not every policy offers flood insurance, so you may need to ask for it as an add-on. For example, overland flooding or sewer backup may be covered but flooding through a crack in the foundation because of groundwater might not be.
Review your insurance coverage annually with your broker and discuss flood preparation advice for your property – they can be a valuable resource.
