Reduce flooding with these tips from the City of Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton is sharing tips to help residents reduce localized flooding ahead of heavy rainfall.

With significant precipitation anticipated, the City is preparing to respond to possible ponding, flooding and potentially hazardous conditions. City crews are proactively clearing catch basins and inspecting flooding hot spots across Hamilton.

Prior to any significant rainfall events City staff inspect critical low-lying areas to ensure catch basins, culverts and ditches are free of obstruction. In addition, staff are ready and mobilized to deploy traffic control equipment on roads that experience significant ponding and require closure.

The City’s roads and drainage systems, such as catch basins, are designed to direct excess precipitation away from properties and into stormwater infrastructure.

Residents are encouraged to take steps to prevent flooding in and around their homes.

Additional tips for residents include:

• Keep catch basins in front of your home clear of debris
• Inspect and clean your eavestroughs and downspouts to ensure they aren’t blocked. 
• 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 works properly.
• If your home or area is prone to flooding, you may want to consider removing any valuables from basement floors to higher ground.

Motorists are urged to drive carefully as road flooding and/or ponding in low lying areas can occur. Residents should always exercise caution around any bodies of water, but especially near creeks, bridges, culverts and dams. 

Learn more:

• Residents can report downed branches, damage to trees, roads and watercourse through the City’s emergency after-hours service at 905-546-2489 (CITY) or via my.hamilton.ca 

Additional resources: