Keep your family and home safe when snow starts to melt quickly, and rivers rise

Mississauga experienced one of the snowiest winters in years.

In February alone, the City saw snow accumulations of more than 50 centimetres. This week, Credit Valley Conservation issued a Flood Outlook Statement, which is released as an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts of heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions.

These conditions could lead to high runoff of melting snow, ice jams and shoreline flooding near waterways.

With that, here are some simple things you can do to keep your home and loved ones safe this spring.

Protecting yourself and your family

Protecting your home is important, but protecting the people you love is more important. Keep your family aware of and alert to the dangers of increased water levels due to melting snow and ice.

Check weather and flood alerts

Pay attention to weather forecasts and any local flood advisories this time of year. Spring weather can produce quick thaws compounded by heavy rains onto still frozen grounds. Rapidly melting snow can cause rivers and waterways to overflow, impacting nearby parks, neighbourhoods and other outdoor spaces. Monitoring The Weather Network through their website or their app are great options to remain aware and informed on any approaching problematic weather patterns. You can also monitor Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Conservation Halton  to best prepared and stay safe for a rapid change in seasons and rising water levels.

Educate children, monitor pets on the dangers of rapidly flowing waterways

If you have children in your life, take a moment to educate them on the dangers of fast flowing, rising waters and unstable creek, river and stormwater ponds. It is important that they avoid walking or playing near unstable banks or areas with high water levels. Pets, should be kept on a leash, and owners should avoid taking pets for a walk near rivers and creeks with high water levels.

Have an emergency plan

Take the time to review your community’s flood-prone areas. Sit down with your family and go over the details of how to safely exit your home, review emergency numbers and ensure that everyone has each other’s phone numbers saved to their phones. It is also important to review the proper use of 911 in an emergency situation.

The late winter is also a good time to take stock of your emergency supplies on hand, including first-aid kits, flashlights and your emergency food supplies. Learn more about preparing for an emergency situation, making an emergency plan and ensuring you have needed supplies here. Also, visit the City of Mississauga’s Emergency Preparedness Guide for more information on making your personal plan.

Protecting your house

There are a few simple things you can do to ensure your home is protected from quickly melting snow:

Clear snow away from the foundation of your home

Take proactive steps and ensure snow is shoveled at least three to five feet away from the foundation of your house where possible – including window wells and exterior doors. This can help prevent water from seeping into the basement through foundational cracks when snow is packed up close to the side of your home.

Maintain clean gutters and downspouts

Remove any ice buildup or ice dams from your eavestrough to ensure gutters direct melting snow away from your home efficiently will help keep the inside of your home dry this spring. Double check your downspouts are pointed four to six feet away from the outer walls of your home to avoid pooling water and the risk of water entering your home. Keep in mind that getting out the ladder to check your eavestrough might be difficult and slippery for some. Consider hiring a roofing company to do this work for you or the help of a neighbour to hold your ladder and help keep you safe.

Clear blocked storm drains if you can

With the recent rain and snow melt, it’s important to check that any storm drains on your street or property are free from blockages and debris if you are able. This will ensure proper drainage and help prevent potential water damage to homes and properties.

Overall, being prepared and aware of changes in the weather are your best way to stay safe and your best defence against damage to your home. Plan ahead to stay ahead of quickly melting snow and the dangers that can come with it.

Quick Listen

Ben Gallagher, Manager, Office of Emergency Management, speaks about safety and awareness in protecting yourself and your home during quick spring thaws: download the audio clip here.

Tags

• Emergency and Preparedness
• Public Safety
• Weather Conditions and Warnings