Tips for protecting your home in spring

Spring is coming and it is safe to say that the landowners of Saskatchewan could use useful tips to protect their homes during the spring melt after the snowfall that the province recently received.

"There's a lot you can do to make sure that the snowmelt flows to the drain rather than your home," said Don Thompson, director of operations at SGI in Canada.

"A little time could save you a big headache now when the weather gets warmer, so much snow, so late in the season, could cause a very rapid meltdown."

READ MORE: Streets of snow after winter storms are blocking Regina

Here are some tips on flood protection from SGI Canada:

• Rake the remaining snow on the rooftops.
• Check gutters and gutters for signs of ice dams and / or remove residues that may slow down the flow of water.
• Hunting snow from the foundations of your house.
• Check the slope in the yard to see if it tilts on the base and the meltwater moves away from the houses.
• Extend the downspouts outside the house by at least two meters.
• Check the backflow prevention valves on the main pipe of your sewer. If your house has one, does it work?
• Check the sump and well pumps to make sure everything is in good condition and ready to melt water.
• Check the basements regularly for signs of water.

SGI said that if it comes to water damage, be sure to check with your insurance agent if you have flood protection and contact your insurance broker immediately to file a claim. if you experience floods.

While you wait for the dispatcher to assess the damage, you can take a number of steps to prevent your property from suffering major damage or loss, if that is certain.

SGI Canada has the following advice:

• Clean as soon as possible. Seek professional cleaning advice and take all reasonable measures to minimize the extent of the damage.
• Do not throw anything. Store damaged items in a safe place so the expert can see you when you arrive.
• Before use, inspect any equipment (including heaters) that has come in contact with water with a qualified electrician, dealer, or service person.
• Do not touch any electrical systems or cabinets before you know this is safe, especially in wet or humid conditions.
• Move damaged items to a dry, well-ventilated location.

SGI reminds people that they should keep an eye on the cleaning costs as they are considered part of the insurance claim and take pictures or record a video of the damaged property that they can give to the adjuster.

As always, you can visit www.sgicanada.ca/tips for more information on protecting your home.

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