Emergencies, like flooding, can occur unexpectedly. Each resident plays a crucial role in helping our Town recover quickly by being prepared. We aim to equip you with information about the most likely hazards and risks you may encounter, enabling you to plan, stay ready, and protect yourself, your family, your home, and your property. To assist you in preparing for emergencies, we’ve created a resource for you to read and keep handy: A Residential Guide to Flood Prevention and Recovery. This guide includes essential information on planning ahead, preventing damage to your home, checklists, and local emergency contact numbers.
When lake levels are high, there is an increased risk and lower thresholds for flooding in the Essex County Region. Use the following information; as well as, this link to information from the Essex Region Conservation Authority to help you in preparing for flooding.
Common Residential Flooding
1. Sewer Flooding
Basement flooding can be disastrous, often occurring when water seeps in through clogged drainage or sewer lines. This can lead to significant damage to your pipes and appliances, including issues like water damage from broken pipes, rotting wood, and mold growth. Older homes, especially those with faulty or nonexistent septic systems, are more prone to sewer flooding. Regular maintenance of your septic system can help prevent this type of flooding.
2. Rainwater Damage
Heavy rainfall can also lead to flooding, particularly in areas that experience intense storms. Water can seep into foundations and walls, resulting in problems such as mold, mildew, decay, and structural damage. Often, overflowing gutters or malfunctioning downspouts are to blame. To minimize the risk of rainwater damage, it’s important to clean your gutters regularly and have a professional inspect your downspouts for potential issues.
3. Basement Flooding
Basement flooding typically occurs when water infiltrates through poorly waterproofed areas, such as gaps in the foundation, leaky basement windows, or malfunctioning sump pumps. Water can also enter through plumbing fixtures. The damage from basement flooding can be extensive, impacting not just your basement but other areas of your home as well. Repairs can be costly and may strain your budget.
4. Water Intrusion
Water intrusion can result from a leaky sump pump or a clogged drain pipe. It can also occur through small gaps between the foundation and the ground. Poor drainage or overcrowded basements often contribute to this issue, and heavy rainfall can exacerbate it.
Flooding can severely impact your home, particularly if it’s due to foundation weaknesses or wall cracks. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved by hiring a professional waterproofing service.
Reduce the Risk of Flooding
1. Regular Maintenance of Drains and Gutters:
Ensure that all drainage systems, including gutters and downspouts, are clear of debris. Clogged gutters can lead to water spilling over and causing localized flooding. Regularly cleaning these systems can significantly improve water flow and prevent unnecessary backups.
2. Disconnecting Downspouts:
We recommend disconnecting downspouts from your home’s foundation and directing the water flow away from the base of your property. Downspouts should not discharge directly onto paved surfaces or next to the foundation. Instead, they should direct water at least 6-10 feet away from the foundation to reduce the risk of basement flooding and water damage. In addition, it is recommended that downspouts are not connected to existing drainage structures, i.e. ditches, storm mains, etc. This is due to rainfall surcharges, if the main system is seeing a surplus of water – the water trying to enter the system will not be able to do so. Please view the attached drawing for reference to storm connections.
3. Proper Landscaping and Grading:
Landscaping plays a crucial role in managing storm water. Avoid planting on steep slopes or in areas prone to erosion. Additionally, ensure that the grading around your home directs water away from the foundation. Properly designed swales and berms can help manage surface water runoff.
4. Installing Flood Barriers:
Consider installing flood barriers or sandbags around the perimeter of your property. These barriers can help divert water away from vulnerable areas and reduce the risk of flooding during severe weather events.
5. Improving Soil Absorption:
Enhance the soil’s ability to absorb water by planting vegetation and creating permeable surfaces. Rain gardens, permeable pavers, and grassy swales can significantly reduce surface runoff and allow water to be absorbed more effectively.
6. Rain Barrels:
Installing rain barrels to collect rainwater from downspouts can help manage runoff and reduce the volume of water entering your drainage system. This collected rainwater can be used for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
7. Rain Gardens:
Consider creating a rain garden—a landscaped area designed to capture and absorb rainwater from roofs, driveways, and other hard surfaces. Rain gardens can effectively reduce runoff and promote groundwater recharge while enhancing your property’s aesthetics.
8. Underground Soakaway Pits:
Underground soakaway pits, or soakaway trenches, can be installed to capture and slowly release excess rainwater into the ground. These systems help reduce surface runoff and alleviate pressure on municipal drainage systems.
9. French Drains:
French drains are trench systems filled with gravel or rock that redirect surface water away from your property. They are effective in managing groundwater and preventing water from accumulating near foundations or in low-lying areas.
10. Regular Inspection of Sump Pumps:
If you have a sump pump, ensure it is in good working condition and regularly inspect it. A sump pump is an essential tool in preventing basement flooding and should be maintained to ensure its reliability during heavy rain. In addition to inspection, it is recommended that sump pump systems have a backflow preventer, a check valve, and if necessary a backup sump pump.
11. Ensuring Proper Drainage Around Foundations:
Check that the drainage around your foundation is correctly installed and functioning. This includes verifying that any perimeter drains are clear and properly directing water away from your home. Proper drainage around your foundation is vital in preventing water from accumulating and causing potential damage.
Electrical Safety Information
There is a heightened risk of electric shock when water makes contact with electrical systems that could seriously injure or kill you. The following electrical safety tips could save your life, or the lives of first responders and utility personnel working in the area. When flooding has occurred:
- Do not enter your basement if you know or suspect water has risen above the level of electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, furnace, power cords, or is near your electrical panel. Electricity can move through water or wet flooring and cause electrical shock.
- In the event that flood water has risen above outlets, baseboard heaters, or your furnace, covers power cords, or is near the electrical panel, contact a licensed electrician or your local electric utility immediately and arrange for them to disconnect power to your home.
- Watch out for downed power lines in flooded areas. If you see one, stay out of the water and back at least 10 meters and call 9-1-1.
Natural Gas Information
For your safety, Enbridge Gas representatives will shut off customer’s natural gas supply in affected areas where gas meters can be safely accessed. Workers do not need to enter homes or businesses to do this. If you smell natural gas or detect other signs of a gas leak, please take the following steps:
- Prevent sources of ignition. Do not touch electrical switches, light candles, or use a landline phone.
- Exit the building immediately.
- From a safe area, phone Enbridge Gas at 1-877-969-0999 or 9-1-1.
- Do not re-enter the building until it has been inspected. Do not attempt to relight appliances.
For more information visit: uniongas.com/about-us/safety/flood
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