Modern living: You can just worry about flooding … or you can do something
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The Canadian Climate Institute observes that 'as climate change worsens, Canadians will experience a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of these kinds of flood events.'
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A prime example of such an 'event' was the 10 centimetres of rain that fell within the span of three hours in Toronto last year, flooding homes and leading to a power outage for 167,000 residents.
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In light of rising concerns over climate change, it should come as no surprise that 66 per cent of respondents in the just released Weather and Property Survey – commissioned by First Onsite Property Restoration say they now worry about flooding.
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And certainly the financial impact of flooding can be devastating. The Government of Canada website shares that the average cost of a flooded basement is $40,000.
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As a first line of defence against such a disaster, one action homeowners can take – as emphasized in my last column (Stay Warm, Keep the Lights On After a Power Outage) is to have a backup battery system in the event flooding causes a power outage.
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First Onsite's senior vice-president Jim Mandeville says that even if you can't afford a whole home backup solution 'if you're going to be without power for several days, what's really critical, especially this time of year, is that you (at least) have power for your sump pump.' That alone he says 'could save you (from having) a really big mess in the basement.'
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Other easy to implement defensive measures homeowners can take Mandeville says, include 'making sure there's no snow or debris in the catch basin at the end of your driveway (where the water runs off) or at your neighbour's driveway (because) if the drain is plugged and it rains and the snow is melting, that water will back up and it will end up in your and your neighbours' homes.
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Another precautionary measure he recommends is to 'take a quick walk around your house and make sure that there are no low areas where water is pooling up against the building. If there's a negative grade where water is running towards the building, you're going to have a problem and you're going to need to contact a professional,' to help regrade the property so that water flows away from your home.
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Mandeville is also a big proponent of adding a backflow preventer to your plumbing that prevents water from flowing backwards in your pipes which he says would cost 'in the neighbourhood of hundreds or a few thousand dollars depending on the way your house is built.'
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Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'This is one of the largest evacuations in our province's history,' Lisa Naylor, the Manitoba minister in charge of emergency management, said Monday. 'The government anticipates there may be a need for more hotel rooms as the wildfire season continues. For that reason, we are urging Manitobans and Canadians to reconsider non-essential travel and event plans within Manitoba. 'There are thousands of evacuees currently displaced and the provincial government along with its partners have been working quickly to find accommodation that fits their comfort, medical and family needs.' Naylor acknowledged it was a difficult announcement to make. 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