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Storm Preparedness Tips for Toronto
Residents |
August 30, 2005
As a precaution in the event of heavier than expected
rainfall caused by the remnants of Hurricane Katrina,
the following tips and information are provided for
Toronto residents.
Flood Prevention:
- Clear eavestroughs, downspouts and catch basins of
leaves and other debris that prevent proper drainage.
- Be sure grading around your home drains water away
from all exterior walls, window wells and below grade
doors. Even clear eavestroughs can overflow in intense,
prolonged rainstorms; so make sure water can run away
from the home.
- Make sure disconnected downspouts are draining
properly, ideally 1.8 metres (six feet) from basement
walls.
- Ensure storm sewer grates (catch basin grates) both on
and near your property aren't blocked by garbage, leaves
or other debris -- especially plastic -- that would
prevent proper drainage and potentially lead to
flooding.
- Fix leaks in walls, floors, windows or foundations.
- Empty rainbarrels.
If your basement floods due to a sewer backup, follow
these simple steps:
- Call Toronto Water immediately at 416-338-8888, 24
hours a day, seven days a week to report the flooding.
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible to
report property damage caused by the flooding.
- Be mindful of health and safety when cleaning up your
flooded basement. If as a result of sanitary sewer
backup, get help with the clean up from professionals
check the Yellow Pages under 'Water Damage Restoration'.
If you're doing the clean up yourself, keep these
tips in mind:
- Shut off the electrical power (if possible).
- Wear overalls, gloves, protective eyeglasses, rubber
boots and a mask.
- Stay away from electrical equipment and do not attempt
to change any fuses if standing in water or on damp
ground.
- Open windows to let in fresh air.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect anything affected by
floodwater such as furniture, carpets, walls, floors,
and clothing.
- Throw out any food that may have been affected by
flood waters (including food in cans or jars).
Also, do not switch on the gas or electricity again
until someone from the utility company has first checked
your home. Any submerged gas appliance needs to be
inspected before being restarted.
If your basement has been prone to flooding in the past
after a heavy rainfall, it would be prudent to move
items off the floor to avoid any potential water damage.
Residents are reminded to stay away from creeks, streams
or rivers, whose water levels may rise in heavy rains.
Drivers are asked to be cautious in areas where there is
the potential for flooding such as the lower end of the
Don Valley Parkway and the Bayview Extension. Drive with
extra caution in any severe weather and be aware of
pedestrians and any debris on the roads. If an underpass
is flooded, take an alternate route. Do not attempt to
drive through flooded underpasses.
Homeowners should secure waste containers, including
blue boxes and grey boxes. Put one box on top of the
other, or tie newspapers together.
Emergency Preparedness:
As part of emergency planning, all Toronto residents
should have a three-day supply on hand for each family
member of the following:
- drinking water (keep water in containers and fill your
bathtub)
- canned food and a manual can opener
- batteries for flashlights and radios
- a first aid kit
- gasoline for your car
- a transistor radio
- cash
Residents are reminded to:
- keep cell phone batteries charged
- know the locations of all electrical panels and water
and gas shutoff valves in your home
- keep flashlights where you can find them in the dark
For more information and advice about emergency
preparedness, please visit
www.toronto.ca/oem.
For information about City of Toronto services contact
Access Toronto at 416-338-0338 or accesstoronto@toronto.ca.
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