City’s storm response and clean up tips for residents

HAMILTON, ON - City of Hamilton crews are cleaning up this morning after significant winds and rain caused localized damage in parts of Hamilton last night.

Forestry crews received nearly 100 reports of storm related tree issues and are continuing to prioritize their responses based on public safety. Crews have mobilized and this morning are beginning the removal of large trees from five homes in the lower east city today.

Residents cleaning up their own properties are advised to properly dispose of debris and branches. Tips for proper recycling of leaf and yard waste:

• Use paper bags, not plastic
• Use open top reusable rigid containers (i.e. bins, baskets or a garbage can without a lid) preferably marked with a City of Hamilton yard waste sticker.
• Do not use cardboard boxes or blue bins for yard waste
• Ensure bags and containers weigh less than 50 pounds
• Bundle branches and twigs and tie them together with string in bundles no longer than 1.2m (4ft) and .75m (2.5ft) in diameter. Individual branches can’t be larger than 7cm (2.5in) in diameter. Branches that are more than 7 cm (or 2.5 in) in diameter should be dropped off at Community Recycling Centres.
• Do not let branches stick out of the yard waste bag
• Do not put leaf and yard waste in the Green Bin

Given there is still some rain in the forecast, residents can follow the following tips to avoiding flooding on or around their properties:

• Keep catch basins in front of your home clear of 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.

Residents can call 905-546-CITY (2489) to report sewer back-ups, flooding over roadways, fallen trees and branches on public property or debris in drainage ditches or culverts.