Checklist of Flood Preventative Measures

The following is a list of checks that the City recommends that you the resident do which may help save your property from flooding.
 

Prior to a Storm

Window Well or Basement Door Drains
Check that your window wells or basement door drains are free flowing by running water through them and seeing if the water drains satisfactorily. If not, clear the drains.

Sump Pumps
If you have a sump pump in your basement, check that it is in working order by lifting up the float. The pump should kick in. If your pump does not kick in, or if you have had problems with your pump on other occasions, you should consider replacing it, or having your plumber check it out.
 

Power Outages During Storm
If you have a sump pump and a power outage occurs during a storm, the pump will not protect your basement. Consider getting a battery backup or generator, available at hardware stores.

Back Water Valve
Public sewers can block or be overloaded during a storm. The National Plumbing Code requires that you have a back water valve installed to prevent your home basement from flooding due to the street storm being blocked or overloaded. You should check that you have a back water valve. You should also check that the valve is in good operating order by unscrewing the valve lid, or by calling a plumber.

Yard Grades Towards House
If you are aware that water runs towards your house during a storm, you may be able to avoid damage during a storm by placing sandbags.

We also recommend reviewing Three Steps to Cost-Effective Home Flood Protection, an action-focused one page infographic, to help families protect their homes from the Canada’s number one threat to home safety - flooding.

Based on Canada’s national guideline for home flood protection and risk reduction, this simple, step-by-step guide, was developed specifically for residents by the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, an applied research centre at the University of Waterloo, that helps residents, businesses and governments understand and limit their risks related to climate change and extreme weather events.

During a Major Flooding Event

If Your Basement Becomes Flooded
If your basement has water backing in it, do not enter the basement until you have had the power cut off by Newfoundland Power. Doing so risks electrocution.  City staff are instructed not to enter a basement with water ponding in it unless the power has been cut off from the outside.

Dangers along Coastal Areas
The City cautions persons to avoid approaching open coastal areas where wave action may be significant and pose a hazard such as Cape Spear and areas along the East Coast Trail.