Tips to flood-proof your home from rapid snow melt

City officials in Saskatoon are ready to deal with the possibility of melting conditions out on the streets. Today the city has issued a reminder that homeowners have a role to play to stop flooding on private property.

Here are the city’s top tips to get ready for a rapid snow melt.

• Remove snow from around your home's foundation. Pay particular attention to the areas around window wells.
• Most lots drain along the outside edges. Remove snow from these areas.
• Keep the snow in your yard. Shovelling onto streets or lanes could block drains.
• Help keep catch basins clear. Where possible, safely clear snow, ice and debris from the catch basins in your area.
• Clear snow and ice from around the bottom of your downspouts and extend the downspouts at least two metres so that water drains away from your foundation.
• Check your roof and eaves troughs for excess snow. Consider hiring a professional to clear snow from your roof. A roof rake may help to clear the snow and debris from the edge of your roof.
• Consider using sandbags to block water from entering low lying areas beside your foundation.
• If water is getting close to your foundation, use an appropriate pump to drain it to the gutter or back lane. Please use all equipment properly and follow safety guidelines.

More information on dealing with rapid snow melt can be found on the city's web page.