Ontario homeowners may experience flooding or water damage with the milder temperatures expected this weekend in Toronto and the GTA.
Rain fell overnight, and temperatures are expected to rise to 6 C Saturday morning.
There are steps a homeowner can take to prevent damage to their property.
The Government of Canada has tips to reduce the likelihood of damage before a flood:
- Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and base of ground-level doors.
- Install a sump pump and zero reverse flow valves in basement floor drains.
- Keep important documents and photos at a higher level.
- If you have any furniture or electrical appliances, move it to above ground level.
- Turn off basement furnaces, outside gas valve, and safeguard electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment.
- Shut off your electricity if flooding has not yet begun.
Prepare an emergency kit with basic supplies such as bottles of water, canned-food, a first aid kit, battery-powered flashlight and radio. Remember to have an emergency plan for your household and talk it over with your family.
The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has also provided safety tips for homeowners in the case of flooding or water damage from the melting ice or snow.
- If flood water has risen above outlets, cover your power cords.
- Call your local distribution company and arrange for them to disconnect power to your home if your service panel is near the flood waters.
- Do your wires or plugs need to be replaced? Check with an electrical contractor once your power has been disconnected.
- Do not plug in any electrical appliances that have been wet until an electrical contracter has checked them
If you discover flooding or water damage at odd hours, the City of Toronto website recommends calling 311, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
