Top 3 Tips on how to be Prepared for Potential Basement Flooding

As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, but here in Mississauga, showers bring the potential for basement flooding. With Emergency Preparedness Week around the corner, May 5 to 11, now is a great time to prepare you and your family in the event of a disaster. Here are three tips to help prevent basement floods:

1) Have the right insurance for flood emergencies
It’s important to have the right insurance coverage to protect your property and belongings in the event of a flood. Not all insurance policies are alike. So, it’s best to speak to your insurance representative about yours to make sure your home and property are adequately covered. Check out the Top 10 Emergency Preparedness Tips: Insurance for Disasters.

2) Disconnect your roof downspouts 
If your downspouts are still connected to the standpipes against your foundation, consider diverting some of these downspouts to the lawn or garden at least two metres from the house or into a rain barrel or a raingarden. Be sure that the water doesn’t flow onto adjacent properties, driveway or sidewalks.

3) Report any blocked catch basins, creeks or culverts 
If you notice blocked catch basins, creeks or culverts in Mississauga, you can report it to 3-1-1 (or 905-615-4311 outside city limits). You can also report a catch basin or culvert problem online.

To learn more about how you can protect you and your family from a potential basement flood, you can visit mississauga.ca/portal/stormwater/flooding or read the Residential Guide to Flood Prevention and Recovery.