Avoid flooding risks with short-term January thaw ahead

HAMILTON, ON – With warmer weather in the forecast over the coming days, the City of Hamilton is reminding residents to take steps to prevent flooding in and around their homes, and be cautious around frozen or moving water.

Tips to reduce the risk of flooding

City crews are working proactively to clear catch basins and inspect flooding hot spots across the city, and the City is providing the following tips for residents to reduce the risk of flooding:

• Keep catch basins in front of your home clear of snow and ice and other debris.
• If your home has a backwater valve installed, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to ensure that it is functioning properly.
• Check your sump pump to make sure it is working properly.
• If your home or area is prone to flooding you may want to consider ensuring any valuables are up off of basement floors.

Conditions may result in road flooding and/or ponding in low lying areas such as backyards and drainage areas. Residents should exercise caution around all bodies of water and keep children and pets away from frozen water that may be unstable. Motorists should be cautious if driving on flooded roads.

Given the January thaw is expected to be short-lived and followed by a significant temperature drop later this week, melted snow and ice could result in icy conditions over the weekend. Winter roads crews are standing by with de-icing materials as needed.

Please call 905-546-2489 to report sewer back-ups, flooding over roadways, fallen trees or debris in drainage ditches or culverts.