The weather forecast indicates that warm weather can be expected for Calgary this weekend. The warm weather combined with the large amount of snow received in recent weeks will likely result in significant snow melt and this could create challenges for all of us.

Here are some tips to protect your home and your family this weekend:

Shovel snow away from the foundation of your home and window wells to prevent seepage into your basement. If you are moving or piling snow, check furnace and exhaust vents to make sure snow and ice are not blocking them. Carbon monoxide can build up within your home as a result. Ensure your downspouts (eavestroughs) are clear and pointed away from your home/foundation. Once the snow begins to melt and the storm drain is visible, clear snow away from the storm drain. Once the melt begins, you can clear away snow from the storm drain. If you find that the storm drain is iced over, do not try to remove the ice yourself. Call 311 and a crew will clear the ice for you. Don’t chip away at ice on storm drains as you may damage it or injure yourself. If water pools by the storm drain, give it 90 minutes to drain. The City of Calgary has special devices in the storm drains that allow the water to drain slowly and not overload the stormwater system. If you see pooled water on a roadway, be careful – don’t drive through deep water as you can’t see potentials risks or conditions that might be unsafe. Check the function of your sump pump. Clean out your back flow prevention valve which should be cleaned every 6 months.

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