HAZARD HELP SHEET: WARMER TEMPERATURES & FLOODING RISKS

With warmer temperatures on the way, melting snow could lead to basement flooding, foundation damage, and moisture issues in your home. Take steps now to prevent costly damage and keep your home safe!

 

🌡️ Why Is Snowmelt a Risk?
Melting snow behaves like heavy rainfall — it needs somewhere to go. If the ground around your home is frozen or oversaturated, water can seep into cracks, stress your foundation, or flood your basement.

On average, 13 inches of snow melts into 1 inch of water, so even small amounts of melting snow can cause big problems.

 

🏠 Key Areas at Risk:
• Cracks in your foundation, walls, or floors
• Where the floor meets the wall
• Top of foundation walls
• Window and door frames

 

✅ How to Protect Your Home:
• Keep snow away from your home – Avoid piling snow against your foundation, basement windows, or doors.
• Check and clear drains – Ensure any exterior drains or ditches near your home are free of ice and debris.
• Maintain gutters & downspouts – Clean them out so melting snow from your roof drains properly.
• Inspect your sump pump – Make sure it’s working, the pit is clean, and the power supply is connected.
• Fix cracks & leaks – Address small foundation issues now before they become big problems.
• Act fast if flooding occurs – Contact a professional for basement flooding or moisture issues.

 

Being prepared can help prevent costly damage! If you have concerns about flooding risks, take action today.

For more emergency preparedness tips, contact the MCA Emergency Measures Program.

For any emergencies, please contact Central Dispatch at 613-575-2000.