How to protect your home in a heavy rainfall in Oakville, across Halton

Oakville | Burlington | Halton | Halton Hills | Milton | Community | Latest News |

By

Published August 9, 2024 at 6:18 pm

Ontario, Halton Region, Oakville, Burlington, flooding, rainstorm, basement,

Recent heavy rainstorms have caused plenty of damage in Halton Region.

Residents of Burlington were devastated after a torrential downpour last month flooded homes and businesses and did thousands of dollars in damage.

Oakville boat owners were helpless after heavy flooding sent the parts of a dock and almost 20 boats drifting into Lake Ontario after they brook loose down Sixteen Mile Creek.

Homeowners and city officials alike are looking for funding and grants to help them pay for the massive damage done by the mid-July flash flood.

A special weather statement was issued once again in Halton of possible heavy rainfall and flooding overnight Thursday and into Friday, though it appears the Region has managed to avoid that.

While one can’t control the weather, you can help yourself prepare for flooding and possibly avoid or limit the damage done by these freak rainstorms and prevent basement flooding.

Halton Region offered tips by one of its flood prevention experts on social media Friday on quick and easy things you can do to make sure your home is protected from heavy rainfall.

“The best part is these are relatively easy for you to do yourself,” said Matthew Stefanik, an Operations Support Coordinator with Halton Region.

While a costly tip, one that could save you thousands of dollars in damage would likely require work on your yard. Keeping the water from rolling downward toward your home is key.

“Make sure your yard slopes away from your house and not towards it,” said Stefanik.

A less costly tip, but another that will prove quite effective during heavy rainfalls, said Stefanik, is making sure your downspouts and eavestroughs are free of debris.

“Make sure your window wells are clear as well and functioning properly,” he added.

A trip to the nearest home renovation centre could also help you better prepare for possible flooding.

“Consider adding weather protection sealant around doors and baselevel windows,” said Stefanik.

Basement flooding can be a common occurrence for some residents during storms, so it’s important that the water doesn’t build up and has somewhere to go.

“Make sure that your floor drains in your basement are clear,” said Stefanik.

If you do get flooding, here are some helpful tips on cleaning up.

  • Wear proper protective equipment and clothing when removing water and handling items damaged during the flood.
  • Mould can grow on wet surfaces in as little as 48 hours. If you notice mould growth anywhere in your home after the flood, remove the source of moisture and clean the affected area.

For more information about basement flood prevention and the subsidies available to residents of Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills, visit halton.ca/flood.

INhalton's Editorial Standards and Policies