One of the simplest and most effective ways you can safeguard against overland flood risk is to ensure water flow inside and outside the property is safe and unimpeded. This means:

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• Removing any household items from blocking floor drains;

• Cleaning your eavestroughs regularly;

• Preventing and safely removing ice dams in winter;

• Clearing debris from nearby storm drains, ditches, and culverts;

• Shovelling snow away from the property foundation;

• Cleaning sump pump lines and backwater valves;

• Positioning downspouts away from the property foundation and extending them if necessary;

• Using rain barrels to catch excess water; and

• Checking your roof for excess wear and damage twice a year.