Extreme Weather

To reduce the likelihood of flood damage:

• • Put a weather seal around basement windows and the bottom of ground-level doors.
  • Make sure your eavestroughs are clear of debris. Make sure downspouts extend two metres from your home.
  • If your downspouts are connected to the sewer, they must be disconnected. In extreme rainfall, too much water running from downspouts to the sewer can cause sewer backups. Learn more on the Utilities Kingston website.
  • Do not store your important documents in the basement. Keep them at a higher level, protected from flood damage.
  • Consider installing a sump pump and a backwater valve to help prevent sewage from backing up into your basement. Utilities Kingston offers up to $3000 in support to cover eligible plumbing costs to prevent floods, even if you have not had a problem before. Learn more information about their Preventative Plumbing Program.

• Take precautions to safeguard electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment.
• If there is enough time, consult your electricity or fuel supplier for instructions on how to proceed.
• Keep your emergency kit

• DO NOT try to turn off your electricity if water is present. Doing so can be extremely dangerous. If water is present, leave your home immediately and do not return until authorities say it is safe to do so.
• Do not go into a flooded basement. Wait for a professional to say it is safe. Utilities Kingston offers instructions on what to do if your basement has flooded. You can contact them online or call at 613-546-0000.

• If an emergency official tells you to leave your home, go! Refusing to leave your home during an evacuation order not only puts you at serious risk, it puts emergency responders at risk if they need to rescue you.
• Bring your emergency kit
• Plan for your pet’s safety
• If there is time, leave a note saying when you left and where you are going. Put it in your mailbox if you have one.

Never cross a flooded area

• Flood waters can contain unseen hazards such as sewage or debris which can harm you or make you sick.
• If you are on foot, avoid flooded areas as water can rise without warning and strong currents can sweep you away.
• Do not drive through flooded areas or underpasses. The water might be deeper than you think and your car could get stuck or carried away by fast water.

• Do not re-enter your home until emergency officials tell you it is safe to do so.
• If your utilities were not turned off during evacuation, do not enter your home until your utilities have been inspected and declared safe by a professional.
• Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and pollutants. Do not eat plants from a garden that has been flooded. If your home is serviced by a well, do not drink the well water until it has been tested safe.

Cleaning up your property

• Keep children and pets away from contaminated areas during cleanup.
• Use gloves, masks and other protective gear.
• Remove water from your flooded home slowly. Drain it in stages - about one third of the volume daily. If the ground is still saturated and water is removed too quickly, the walls or the floor could buckle.
• Use pumps or pails to remove standing water, then a wet/dry shop vacuum to mop up the rest.
• Carpets that have been soaked in sewer or flood water should be disposed of immediately.
• All insulation materials, particleboard furniture, mattresses, box springs, stuffed toys, pillows, padding, cushions and furniture coverings that have been exposed to flood water should be disposed of.
• Consult a professional for any items you wish to salvage.
• Break out walls and remove drywall, wood panelling and insulation at least 50 cm (20 inches) above the high-water line.
• If mould is present, you may need to have your home professionally cleaned. Your insurance agent can provide you with more information.

Getting rid of waste

Large items, construction materials and heavy waste will not be taken with normal waste collection. Instead, these items should be taken to different waste disposal locations (fees might apply).

• • Progressive Waste Solutions, 1266 McAdoo's Lane, 613-548-4428.
  • Kimco Steel Sales Limited, 1325 John Counter Boulevard, 613-542-1822.
  • Waste Management Canada, 62 St. Remy Place, 613-549-7401.
  • Westendorp Disposal, 1709 Westbrook Road, 613-384-8555.