This weekend will melt the snowpack fast, which means folks will need to be ready for basement floods.
Whenever the weather flips from -3 C to 18 C, it's cause for concern, even more so when a foot of snow is piled up against the house. That snow will be looking to drain into any cracks or crevices once it starts melting.
Larry Empey, co-owner of ServiceMaster in Swift Current, encourages people to take precautionary steps before the heat hits.
"We've got a lot of areas, not just Swift Current, but for some of our rural communities that have large amounts of snow everywhere in town," said Empey. "With these temperatures where we're thinking it's going to be pretty intense for a couple of days."
Empey noted that the easiest and one of the most effective things to do is shovel snow away from the foundation. This prevents an immediate build-up of water right along the seam between the concrete and the soil.
"Because with this amount of water and the ground still frozen, the water just travels on top of the ground quicker," said Empey. "It's definitely going to affect a lot of basements."
Another thing to do is to ensure window seals are good and check that the sump pump is functioning.
"Basically just monitoring your outside environment and making sure that you're keeping water away from the house as best you can," Empey said.
Once water is inside, folks should try to remove their belongings to a non-flooded area upstairs or outside. Things like pictures and other sentimental should go first, and then electronics.
"If we're talking you got inches of water, then electrical situations are also a concern," Empey clarrified. "We don't want anyone getting electrocuted trying to play in the water. Like I said, just move as much content as you can to safe levels."
Large items like couches and beds can be replaced and aren't worth getting hurt over. Taking only the essentials is key, and only before the water is too deep.
In Swift Current, Empey says that the northwest corner of town has a higher water table and is a little more of a hotspot for basement floods, as they are also at the foot of a hill. The other concern for them is the older homes which may have cracked foundations, no sump pumps, and other issues with older designs.
"In my own house, we got water in it, and we've lived in it 20 years and never had a water issue," shared Empey. "So I don't think anyone's safe. Just do what you can to keep the snow and water away from your foundation."
If you end up having severe flooding this weekend, you can give ServiceMaster a call at 855-980-6773.