Spring Thaw! Are You Prepared?

It’s been a long cold, snowy winter but it looks like Spring may finally be starting to slowly arrive!

With the spring melt starting all this snow will start turning into water, and we have a lot of snow that’s going to melt! Although most of us are welcoming spring with open arms, the spring melt can also create issues.

The Town’s Public Works Department has been busy preparing. They’ve been busy working on clearing snow/ice and steaming culverts throughout the community to help remedy any drainage issues as the snowmelts.

We appreciate your understanding and patience at this busy time of year as they work their way through the community. This is normal in the spring, and as temperatures dip below freezing overnight they may have to thaw culverts multiple times throughout a week.

Public Works will be continuously monitoring and keeping up to everything as best as they can while also ensuring normal daily tasks and emergency situations, such as water breaks, are also being taken care of.

If you see a blockage or a drainage issue that is in danger of damage to infrastructure or property, please contact the Town Office at 306-729-2202 or email [email protected].

When you see the crews and equipment in the area, please make sure you are slowing down and keeping an eye out for workers (our crew always appreciates a friendly wave too).

ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPRING THAW TOO?

Remember that as a property owner you should be preparing and ensuring your home is protected.

At the Town Shop (200 2nd St W) by the blue water tower there is a pile of sand with a shovel and sandbags for any residents who are requiring some sandbags to protect their property. These are available as a courtesy and residents are required to fill their own sandbags.

Test your sump pump – the job of a sump pump is to keep the area under your home dry. If your pump fails, there is nothing to prevent the water from building up under your home which can lead to flooding or foundation damage.

Roof and gutters – remember that water damage can strike from above too. If you can, rake any residual snow off your roof. Also, check your gutter to see if there are any blockages due to ice dams or debris. You want melting snow to have a quick and clear path off your roof.

Extend downspouts – getting the snow off your roof will mean there isn’t as much dripping and draining, which can keep the perimeter of your house from getting as saturated with water as it would be otherwise; however, it’s never a bad idea to have extenders for your downspouts.

Shovel snow away from the side of your house – if there are mounds of snow built up against your home, you should spend some time to clean up those areas.
Also, make sure you are checking your basement for signs of moisture or flooding a few times a day—especially on heavy melt days. You want to be able to spring into action if something goes wrong.

Septic Tanks – Ensure the snow is cleared around your septic tank, Water shouldn’t be going into your septic tank but if you find your filling faster then normal, this may be a sign of other damage that the property owner may have to take care of and you may need to have an inspection done.

Contact your insurance company at the first signs of damage.

By following the tips listed above, you should be able to avoid the threats of the spring melt and get beyond them to enjoy a brighter, warmer season.

https://www.sgicanada.ca/news?title=protect-your-basement-from-flooding 

https://www.sgicanada.ca/news?title=thaw-safely--tips-to-protect-your-home-in-the-spring-melt