City says it is prepared for Toronto's "significant rainfall" this weekend
Toronto is expecting a lot of rain this weekend. In fact, Environment Canada is forecasting a total rainfall amounts of 25 to 50 mm, which The Weather Network said could be close to all of January’s average rainfall.
And following Environment Canada’s special weather statement for Toronto, issued for the city on Saturday due to potential significant rainfall, the City of Toronto says it is preparing for the extreme weather.
“Toronto Water’s storm readiness plan is in place,” said the city in a release, adding their crews are available 24/7 to respond to flooding calls.
“The city undertakes regular inspections, cleaning and maintenance of more than 10,000 kilometres of sewer pipes to ensure that the system operates well and has long-term capital plans to help alleviate basement flooding.”
Toronto is advising residents to be cautious this weekend, as the significant rainfall may cause limited visibility for motorists and cyclists.
“Transportation Services staff are ready to support the storm response by monitoring conditions on roadways and actively patrolling roads to clear debris and keep catch basins clear,” the city said. “Residents are asked to assist in clearing catch basins on their streets, where safe to do so, if they become clogged, as clogged catch basins can result in street flooding and potentially in basement flooding.”
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As well, forestry crews will be on standby to respond to any fallen trees.
The city said that 311 is expecting high call volumes and delays, and to be patient when trying to contact them.
“Please call 911 in the event of an emergency situation.”
Heavy rainfall is in the forecast for Toronto. Ensure eavestroughs and downspouts are clear of snow, ice and other debris, and are working properly. Where safe, please clear debris from catch basins. More basement flooding prevention tips: https://t.co/hEFME5zyuU #CityofTO pic.twitter.com/A7gt908vac
— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) January 9, 2020
The City of Toronto has released ways to stay safe, and what to do in the event of flooding.
As per the city, the information is below:
Safety during significant rain or storms
There are several ways homeowners can protect themselves and their families in the event of a flood:
- Try to remain indoors.
- Move valuables in your basement to shelves or upper floors.
- Take cleaners, paint or chemicals off the floor so that they do not further contaminate potential floodwater.
- Ensure eavestroughs and downspouts are clear of snow, ice and other debris, and are working properly.
- Shovel the snow and ice away from your foundation and onto a lawn, not onto the road.
In the event of a flooded basement
- Call 311 immediately to report basement flooding. During extreme weather conditions residents should expect high call volumes and some delays. Calls will be answered by the first available agent.
- Do not enter a flooded basement. If flooding occurs in your basement and your power is on, call Toronto Hydro at 416-542-8000 to disconnect your power.
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report property damage caused by flooding.
- Reduce or eliminate water use in the home (don’t do laundry, wash dishes, flush the toilet, etc.), if you have already experienced a sewer backup or your backwater valve has been activated, as this household water could end up in your basement.
- Be mindful of your health and safety when cleaning a flooded basement. Do not stand in flood water – call a professional for assistance.
On roads and sidewalks
- Avoid driving, biking or walking especially in low-lying areas where flooding is known to occur.
- Exercise caution when driving and biking and avoid low-lying roadways and underpasses.
- Do not drive, bike or walk through deep water.
- If traffic signals are out, drivers and cyclists must treat the affected intersections as a four-way stop.
- Residents can assist by cleaning catch basins in front of their house to help water run off the roads and reduce the risk of flooded streets.
- Where City crews are responding/present, please drive or cycle carefully around them so that they can work quickly and safely.
- Streams, creeks and rivers may have higher water levels during and in the days after heavy rainfall – avoid such areas whenever possible and use extreme caution.
Near or around trees
- Strong winds and ice accumulation can create hazardous conditions including tree failures and increased damages to trees.
- Report fallen trees, branches or other hazards by calling 311.
- When fallen City-owned trees need to be cleared, Urban Forestry crews will perform this work. Crews prioritize hazards to public safety or property, as well as roads that need to be cleared. They also prioritize assistance to Toronto Hydro where work needs to be done to restore power.
- Urban Forestry staff will investigate concerns of dangerous privately owned trees or branches. Clean-up related to privately owned trees is the property owner’s responsibility and residents should contact a tree service company.
Be cautious with your pet
When there’s high water expected, please;
- Be cautious with your dogs and always keep them on a leash when outdoors.
- Avoid areas with ponding.
- When in doubt, stay inside with your dogs and always keep your cats indoors.
Use this as an opportunity to take precautions in advance of the next storm to protect your properties from possible flooding
- Take advantage of the city’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, in which the city offers owners of single-family, duplex, and triplex residential homes a subsidy of up to $3,400 per property to install flood protection devices.
- Disconnect your downspouts from the sewer system.
- Be sure the grading around your home drains water away from all exterior walls.
- Check for and fix leaks in basement walls, floors, windows and foundations.
- Clear eavestroughs and downspouts of leaves and other debris preventing proper drainage.
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