EDMONTON- When it comes to preventing flooding in your home and on your property, are you prepared? If not, the City of Edmonton has a service that can help.
“Today’s day we’re getting these one hour, two hour flash floods. So we need to prepare ourselves differently around the homes,” explained Robert Netter with the City of Edmonton Drainage Services.
There’s no doubt a flooded yard or basement can cause serious damage. It can also cost homeowners both time and money. As a result, the city’s Flood Prevention Program was developed. Through a one-on-one inspection process, city officials help homeowners pinpoint and resolve drainage issues on their property, to minimize the risk of flooding.
“We’ll check the eavestroughing, grading, voids under steps and decks, window wells… and it’s all free education,” said Netter, who added the program has been extremely successful since it began in 2005.
According to Netter, one of the most common exterior problems that can lead to flooding is when residents forget to put it their eavestrough downspouts back down after cutting the grass.
“If we have a storm, the first thing it’s going to do is drain beside the foundation then overload the foundation.”
During the inspection, a drainage specialist will also check the interior of the home, including sump pumps and backwater valves.
“It’s usually an hour and a half to two hour inspection,” said Netter.
Edmonton resident Dave Gourley had his home inspected Thursday morning, and says he wasn’t hit by many surprises.
“I knew some of the things were going to have to be worked on. But the backflow drain, definitely, is something I’m going to have to look at.”
He says the inspection was definitely worthwhile.
“I think it’s important for people to know what can happen with improper drainage in your yard.”
The service is available to any residential homeowner in Edmonton. However, preference for booking an appointment is given to homeowners that have a history of flooding. To schedule a complementary appointment, call 780-944-7777.
If you have experienced flooding in your home, the city suggests following the checklist below:
For more information on flood prevention, read the information below or visit the City of Edmonton’s website.
Homeowner’s Guide to Flood Prevention
With files from Shane Jones, Global News.
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