Flooded basements and how to prevent damage during melt

The risk of flooding has Environment Canada warning much of Nova Scotia's Atlantic Coast to expect between 20 and 40 millimetres of rainfall beginning this evening.

The warnings come just as the province has been making headway to clear the massive amounts of snow after two massive snow events last week.

Corey Mosher of Ridgeback Basement Systems says people need to check their drains tonight as most remain covered in snow.

He says that will cause water to flow right into their homes.

Mosher says he expects to be so busy this week, his company has upgraded its phone system and added three extra lines.

Here are a few tips to help prevent flooding as the snow melts:

• Remove snow from around your home's foundation. Pay particular attention to the areas around window wells.
• Most lots drain along the outside edges. Remove snow from these areas.
• Keep the snow in your yard. Shovelling onto streets or lanes could block drains.
• Help keep catch basins clear. Where possible, safely clear snow, ice and debris from the catch basins in your area.
• Clear snow and ice from around the bottom of your downspouts and extend the downspouts at least two metres so that water drains away from your foundation.
• Check your roof and eaves troughs for excess snow. Consider hiring a professional to clear snow from your roof. A roof rake may help to clear the snow and debris from the edge of your roof.
• Consider using sandbags to block water from entering low lying areas beside your foundation.
• Ensure sump pumps are working.
• If water is getting close to your foundation, use an appropriate pump to drain it to the gutter or back lane. Please use all equipment properly and follow safety guidelines.