Taking Action Together: Severe Storm Preparedness

In recent times, our community has been experiencing severe storm events that have highlighted the importance of preparedness and preventive measures needed to better cope with the impacts of severe storms and potential interruptions to normal services. As your local municipality, we are dedicated to the safety and well-being of our residents. Therefore, we want to take this opportunity to share information about preventing basement flooding, the common impact of severe storms, and steps you can take to help safeguard your property.

Understanding Severe Storms:

Severe storms, including intense or long-duration rainfall events, can result in excessive stormwater runoff throughout the municipality. In many cases, this excess of runoff is coupled with a loss of power to the home, neutralizing the effectiveness of in-house pumps reliant on the local power grid. These events have the potential to overwhelm municipal drainage systems and increase the risk of basement flooding.

Preventive Measures:

Here are some proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of basement flooding during severe storm events:

1. Sump pump maintenance: Ensure your sump pump is in good working condition. Regularly test it and consider installing a backup battery sump pump in case of power outages.
2. Backwater valve(s): Install a backwater valve to help prevent sewage backup during heavy rainfall. If you already have a backwater valve, ensure that these valves are regularly inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Clear gutters and downspouts: Keep your gutters and downspouts free from debris to allow rainwater to flow away from your home's foundation.
4. Disconnect your downspouts from your weeping tiles/the sewer system: It is best practice to shed roof runoff water over land and away from your home’s foundation.
5. Landscaping: Ensure your yard slopes away from your home's foundation to direct water away from the building.
6. Sealing cracks: Inspect your foundation for cracks and seal them to prevent water from seeping into your basement.
7. Minimize water usage during storms: Reduce water usage (e.g., showers, laundry) during heavy rain events to help lessen the burden on your drainage system.
8. Basement waterproofing: Consider consulting with a professional basement waterproofing contractor. The wide range of services provided by these contractors may make the difference between a wet and a dry basement.
9. Private drain maintenance: If your basement experiences repeated flooding during even mild rainfall events, you may want to consider inspection and potential maintenance, of your private drain connection to the municipal drainage system.

Report Basement Flooding:

When a resident experiences basement flooding, they should first report the incident to their insurance company. It is also important to report basement flooding to the Municipality so the effect of flooding on properties and neighbourhoods can be assessed. This information assists the Municipality with infrastructure and program planning.

Report basement flooding online at leamington.ca/ReportAFlood

Our Commitment:

The Municipality of Leamington is dedicated to enhancing its infrastructure to manage stormwater effectively. We continue to invest in upgrades to drainage systems to minimize flood risks.

Community Support:

We encourage you to share these preventive measures with your neighbours and friends. Community-wide efforts can significantly reduce the impact of severe storms.

For more information, visit leamington.ca/flooding