In British Columbia, winter weather can mean high winds causing power failures or flooding. Here are some steps you can take to prevent impacts to you, your home and neighbours:
- Guard your home from falling branches by pruning dead branches and removing dead trees on your property.
- Secure belongings and objects that might blow away in a storm, including garbage cans and lawn furniture.
- In the event of a high wind warning, be watchful for fallen trees, and never touch hanging or downed power lines.
- Do not blow leaves onto City streets, as that increases the flooding risk.
- Clear gutters and catch basins of leaves and debris.
- Clear ditches and culverts.
- Shut off outside water (in preparation of freezing temperatures) to protect plumbing and built-in sprinkler systems and to prevent flooding.
- Clean foundation drains and sumps.
- Repair broken or damaged pipes.
- Have an emergency kit with flashlights and batteries in case of power failure.