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Heavy Rain- How to Keep Your Home Safe & Dry

on November 27th, 2018 by The Afro News 0 comments

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As strong storms hit parts of BC, homeowners needs to be prepared in case of potential flooding.

Enter Brandon Vaters, Regional General Manager, Canada Furnace Heating & Air Conditioning, as he offers the following tips to safeguard one’s homes against the wet weather:

Before a Flood:

  • Bring important belongings from the basement to the main floor or second floor. Valuables and family keepsakes should be stored off the floor or put in Ziploc bags and put in the dishwasher.
  • Prepare an emergency kit that contains the essentials from flashlight to medications; make sure the kit is waterproofed.
  • Check to make sure that furnace units and outdoor gas valves are turned off and unplug electrical appliances.
  • Secure outdoor furniture or bring it indoors. If floodwaters sweep away outdoor furniture, there’s a good chance you’ll never see it again.
  • Make sure your pet has proper ID and that the pet’s food and any medicines are well stocked in waterproof containers. Get them to the top floor of your home.
  • Know where your sump pump is as it is an essential—but often overlooked—tool in preventing major flooding disasters. Its purpose is to pump accumulating water out of residential basements and into a nearby storm drain, thereby keeping homes dry and helping property owners avoid costly repairs.

During a Flood:

  • If your basement is flooded use a stick to check that there is nothing in front of you.
  • Evacuate the premises if advised by authorities and seek higher ground.
  • Do not attempt to shut off electrical equipment or appliances if water is present.
  • Do not attempt to access the basement while there is standing water around your furnace and water heater – wait until the water has receded and it is safe to assess.

After a Flood:

  • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from the floodwater can contain sewage and chemical. Make sure you are properly dressed too.
  • Do not use waterlogged appliances or electrical outlets until they’ve been checked by your utility company. Replace any damaged parts as soon as possible.
  • Once the standing water has been cleared, assess whether the water reached your furnace and/or water heater.
  • If water reached your appliances, contact a qualified professional to have the equipment inspected before using.
  • Replace filters inside furnaces, if they have been flooded.
  • Inspect your sump pump for damage or debris that might clog the pump or prevent it from properly draining the groundwater around your home.

With wind and rainfall warnings issued by Environment Canada for much of the south coast, now is the time to speak with Brandon to learn more about how one can safeguard their home from rising waters.

By Jill Lewis

Filed under: Education, Environment, Environment, Health & Home, Point of View, Self Improvement Tagged With: Heavy Rain in Vancouver, How to Keep Your Home Safe & Dry, rainfall warnings issued by Environment Canada, tips to safeguard one’s homes against the wet weather

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