y tea 1G BASEMENT FLOODING GUIDE Protect Your eee i NEED MORE INFO Te eT aE Call our customer service representatives Menno Eee 905-546-CITY (2489) or visit our web site at PA ead Bree) Drea Try Hamilton ERT aPatera ti icerel cr cory ’ Water is Life BASEMENT FLOODING GUIDE INDEX Emergency Contact Information Special Safety Precautions bsg led Housing ering & Sanitizing Financial Considerations : Help Prevent Flooding Types of Flooding Situations Hamilton's Sewer System Potential Causes of FloodingEMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION City of Hamilton Services 905-546- CITY (2489) \wvwwhamilton.ca + Emergency Shelter + Public Health Services * Flooding on Municipal Roads Report water main breaks or water quality issues 905-546-4426 Risk Management Insurance claims must be made within 2 years from the date of loss 905-546-2424 ext 5742 F600. AWARE wrahanitoncafoodavare Horizon Util jes 905: 522- 6611 “Hydro One ‘1-800-434-1235 ‘Union Gas_———_—1-877-969-0999 CMHC 416-221-2642 Senada Moree 1-866-389-1742 & Housing Corporation Hamilton Fire Department 905 546- 3333 Ontario Provincial Police 1 888- 310- 1122 Hamilton Police Denaenen 905-540-6420 bispatch Fire, Police and EMS During a major flooding incident, the Emergency Services will be experiencing a higher than normal volume of calls. Dial 9-1-1 only to: Report a Fire ‘© Report a Crime in Progress © Save a Life Ontario Ministry of Transport Report Flooded Provincial Highways 905-637-4117 Ontario Ministry of the Environment Report Hazardous Spills to the Spills Action Line 1-800-268-6060ical Haz In any flooding situation, be aware of electrical hazards associated with submerged live wires, electrical equipment, and weter damaged apolances and devices. OF POTENTIAL D until a qualified electrician has assessed the situation. Electricity must be shut off at the main switch on the electrical panel before entering a flooded basement or room. Even after the ‘water has receded there stil may be a danger of electrical shock. f you must enter a flooded area to shutoff the hyo, contact a licensed qualified electrician to ensure all safety precautions are followed Flood water can damage natural gas installations and appliances and create a potential safety hazard I a natural gas odour is present: ‘Leave the house immediately * Contact the Union Gas company and the Fire Department from a safe place ‘© Dor't touch any electrical fixtures telephones or ‘switches to reduce any source of ignition ‘© Don't light matches or smoke cigarettes Gas ‘ ‘Natural gas equipment including gas meters that are impacted by floodwaters will require the gas service to be disconnected, Union Gas wil inspect any affected gas meters and all associated appliances prior to your service being restored. If your home is not liveable as a result of flooding, the City may assist in finding emergency housing.CLEANING & SANITIZING The most important element when cleaning isthe use cof soap or detergent, "elbow grease” and hot water. Thoroughly lean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent. For personal protection during cleanup always wear rubber gloves, rubber boots, protective eyewear and a clsposable dust mask, Avoid direct skin contact with contaminated material. When cleanup is completed put personal protection materials in the garbage as they may be contaminated by floodweter or sewage. Thorough scrubbing with bleach, soap and water is recommended to clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces. The correct measurement of bleach to water to. clean up mould is 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered fumiture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, ‘wall coverings, and most paper products) Always wash your hands with soap and clean water after being in contact with flood water, sewage or touching items that have been contaminated by either, or if you participated in flood cleanup activities, Foods Affected by Flooding ‘The following foods should be considered unsafe and ‘thrown away if they have possibly come into contact with contaminated flood waters: +» Food and food products stored within paper, cloth or cardboard boxes/containers ‘ Home canned foods «Flour, grains, sugar and coffee in canisters or bags Fresh meat, poultry and seafood ‘© Any food in cellophane Fresh fruits and vegetables that do not have a peel or shell that can be removed before eating ‘* Opened canned juices, bottled water, condiments (mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise), peanut butter and jams Commercially canned food without dents, leaks or bulges are considered safe if properly cleaned and sanitized. To sanitize: Remove the label, thoroughly ‘wash the cans in warm soapy water and rinse with clean water, soak for 30 - 60 minutes in a solution of 1 part bleach per 10 parts water, re-label cans with a permanent marker, making sure to include the expiration date.Dishes, eating and cooking utensils should be ‘thoroughly cleaned with a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water © Throw away any plastic utensils, paper and plastic plates, wooden bowls, chopping boards and kitchen tools or any other non-food items made from a porous material Food preparation surfaces should be wiped down using hot tap water and soap. Use bleach and water to sanitize after cleaning «IF any plates, glasses, pots or pans are badly chipped or damaged do not use ‘Any appliance that has been partially or wholly immersed in water will have wet insulation with no insulation value. cannot be died without removal. A qualified service technician should be contacted before the appliance is put into service. Once the safety of the appliance has been verified, it should be deened in the folowing way. * Ensure electrical power is tumed off * Clean the unit thoroughly with a detergent solution, rinse with clean water, then wash with a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water * Allow to dry with door kept open Water soaked wals and insulation should be removed Allow the area and studding to dry thoroughly. Walls constructed of gyproc, plaster or wood will dry out in time but insulation in these walls is no longer effective. As insulation becomes water soaked the ‘weight causes it to settle and compact at the bottom, leaving a large portion of the wall no longer insulated. Mold and Mildew ‘Most common types of molds are generally not harmful to healthy incviduals. However, exposure to mold can cause reactions depending on overall health, age and the amount of time a person is exposed to the mold. The elderly pregnant women, infants and young children, people with allergies, chronic respiratory illness andi/or chemical sensitivities and those with weakened immune systems are most likely to experience adverse health effects from mold. Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove moisture. Removing items from the flooded area as soon as possible wil assist in the drying process.‘Small amounts of mold (less than 1 square meter) can bbe cleaned by physically scrubbing it from surfaces. Then the surface can be disinfected with a bleach and water mixture (1 part bleach, 10 parts water). if the mold comes back, isin multiple locations oris greater than 1 square ‘meter, contact Flood Restoration Contractors and Indoor Air Quality Investigators. Household Furnishings Upholstered furniture, mattresses, carpets and rugs affected by sewage contaminated flood waters should be thrown away, Clothing, bedding and other softifabric articles should be laundered on a hot wash (60°C or the highest temperature indicated on manufacturer's instructions). Flood Restoration Contractors Insurance companies usually send flood restoration companies to restore your propery. Call your insurance company immediately. Othennise, flood restoration experts will restore your propery for @ fee and can be found in the Yellow Pages. Hazardous Products Containers that hold hazardous materials such as pesticides, fuel or gasoline may have spilled indoors during flood. If there is a noticeable chemical odour and/or a spill, avoid skin contact with contaminated materials or contaminated water and keep the area well ventilated. Contact the fire department for guidance. Household Garbage Pickup in the event of basement flooding you might have additional garbage pickup requirements: please call 905-546-CITY (2489) to discuss amangements. INSURANCE CONSIDERATIONS There is no such thing as a standard homeowner's" ‘or tenants insurance policy. Coverage varies, soit is important to have your insurance representative explain it to you in detail before you agree to a policy. In general, surface flooding or water which finds its way into your dwelling through a window ‘well, doorway, or cracks in your foundation is not something that is covered by most home insurance polices. Flooding from a sewer backup through a drain in your dwelling may be covered if your policy has a sewer backup clause. You may need to pay ‘an additional premium for sewer backup coverage. Talk to your insurance representative and know your options. Insurance companies will need a complete Ist of allitems in the flooded area, Ensure you track items as they are removed. Take lots of photos. Remember to track and report all hurs of cleanup to your insurance company. Keep financial insurance papes out ofthe basement, including items that are valuable or sentimental. Maintain and save a checklist that includes ‘company names, when you contacted them, phone numbers and a spot to include the reference. numbers. You will need to contact many ‘companies such as hydro, gas, insurance etc., each will provide a reference number that must be used for future contact.Compassionate Grants The City of Hamilton has two compassionate grant programs available for enactment by City Coun in the event of widespread flooding due to heavy rain events, Regional Municipal Disaster Relief Assistance Program - Residential Basement Flooding Council will set a maximum grant amount available to residential property owners and tenants who experienced property damage due to basement flooding on a given date. A telephone hottine will be established, Applications for the grant will be mailed to all qualifying callers. Details regarding eligibility and qualifying expenses are posted immediately on the City's website, Advertisements about the grant program are placed repeatedly in local newspapers Supplementary Relief Grant Coun will set a maximum grant amount available to residential property owners and tenants whose ability to make an insurance claim for flooding on a given date has been adversely impacted by past flooding claims, The most common examples of adverse insurance impacts are sewer backup coverage cancellation, deductible increase, and coverage limit caps. A telephone hotline is established and applications for the grant will be mailed to all quealfying callers, Details regarding eligibility and qualifying expenses are posted immediately on the City's website. Advertisements about the grant program are placed repeatedly in local newspapers. HELP PREVENT FLOODING The City of Hamilton is committed to assessing, analyzing and implementing storm management improvements where possible. However, municipal drainage systems can not guarantee every house complete protection against basement flooding, By working together, we can help reduce the possibilty of flooding, In Your Home and Neighbourhood You may be eligible to participate in the City's Protective Plumbing Program (3P), Call 905-546-4426 to see i ypuae elgbe outed dou the tran shey canvcase buldns of fat inside the pipe and restrict wastewater from flowing through the sewer lateral ‘© Ensure your sewer laterals are functioning properly + Seal cracks in your basement floor and foundation walls ‘© Keep your eavestroughs clean. Eavestroughs are designed to direct rain water away from your home and foundation. When they are not maintained, rain water is more likely to enter your home through cracks in your foundation * Investigate disconnecting eavestroughs from the sewer system, Ensure that neither you nor your neighbour will be negatively impacted by the diverted rain water and be aware of creating icing hazards on walkways in the winter ‘© Minimize points-of-entry for overland flooding, i.e. use window wells and window: well coversIn the past few years large and small ‘municipalities across Canada, including Hamilton, have experienced urban flooding due to extreme rainfall events with intensities, durations and frequency of reoccurrence that is unprecedented. Basement flooding can cause serious damage, as well as personal and financial hardships. ‘When landscaping, ensure the grade of your lt flows away from your home infiltration Flooding ‘© Use permeable surfaces for drivenays and walkways ‘© When the soil around your home becomes so that water can soak into the ground saturated or when the ground water level rises ‘ Gardens, plant materials and trees are good at higher than your basement, water may infiltrate absorbing water basements through cracks in the foundation «Ensure the swale between you and your's neighbours walls and floor, property is maintained. The swale is a shallow trough- Ike depression along the property line, that carries water away during rainstorms and snow melts + Ensure catch basins on the road closest to your property are clean: keep leaves and yard waste from piling up in the roadway, ditches and sidewalks which can clog the sewer systemOverland Flooding ‘© When water flows overland it may enter basements through windows, doors, vents and other openings. This could be due to improper lot grading, exposed ‘window wells, an extreme wet weather condition that exceeds the capacity of overland routes or underground pipes. Sewer Backup Flooding © Extreme weather events can overwhelm the City's sewer system and result in flooding. When this happens the water level in the system rises above normal design levels, and this condition is referred to as surcharge. Basement flooding can cause serious damage and create a health hazard if not addressed properly HAMILTON'S SEWER SYSTEM Sanitary Sewer (wastewater) The sanitary sewer receives wastewater from toilets, bathtubs, sinks and laundry machines through your home pipes. The saritary sewer is located Under the street and transfers the waste to the nearest sewage treatment plant. Storm Sewer (rainwater) The stotm sewer is located under the street and catties surface water from lawns and streets, and groundwater from weeping tiles and foundation drains, through pipes to local streams Combined Sewer Hamilton has one of the largest combined sewer systems on the Great Lakes In older areas ofthe city both the sanitary and storm water flows go to one combined sewer pipe, which goes to the nearest sewage treatment plant. This can put considerable pressure on the system during intense rain events,POTENTIAL CAUSES OF FLOODING Weeping Service connection Weeping Tiles and /or Downspouts Connected to the Sanitary Sewer During heavy rainfall, the water from the eavestroughs that are connected to the weeping tile through downspouts may cause the weeping tiles to become overwhelmed. If your ‘weeping tiles are connected to the sanitary pipes, this may cause rainwater or sewage to back up into your home. Solution: Disconnect weeping tiles and downspouts from the sanitary sewer system Have a qualified plumber investigate disconnecting your weeping tiles and downspouts from the sanitary sewer system. Install a sump pit and sump pump to transfer the rainweter from the basement to the ground surface outside your home. It is important to ensure you are not directing water towards your neighbour's lawn, Your plumber may also recommend instaling a backwater valve ‘on your sanitary sewer as additional protection, For City Program Information Call 905-546-CITY (2489) ae. Fesble pipe with adaptor Malfunctioning Sump Pump if your home is equipped with a sump pump, it may have malfunctioned — causing your basement to flood. Solution: Replace your sump pump Ensure that your sump pump is properly maintained, if your sump pump has malfunctioned in the past, consider contacting a qualified plumber and having it replaced, It is common for homes to lose power during severe storms which can affect sump pump ‘operation. You may wish to have a battery backup installed on your sump pump for such occasionslevel oor lot grading ‘through cracks | notwerking or ees Service connection tesanlary sener Surface Water Causing Basement Flooding Basement flooding can occur when the ground is saturated around your foundation walls and/or your weeping tiles are not working or are none existent Solution: Smart Landscaping Check that the ground around your house is sloping away from your foundation wall. Ths reduces the possibility of water entering through cracks in your foundation or overloading the weeping tiles. Direct your downspouts where water can be easily absorbed, such as your lawn or flower bed. Dawnspouts connected to rain barrels are beneficial. Ensure the rain barrels overflow hose is directed towards your lawn oi flower bed and not onto your neighbours property Gity Sanitary Sewer Pipe Full ifthe City's sanitary sewer pipe is fll due to large amounts of rainwater ftom various sources — such as private Solution: Flood-proofing devices Homes prone to flooding may benefit from plumbing improvements, These can include: a backwater valve, sewer lateral repairs, installation of sump pits and pumps, and downspout disconnection. Property ‘owners are encouraged to consult an expert before completing any work to achieve the protection they seek, For City Program information Call 905-546-CITY (2489)