October’s wet, windy weather signalled the start of storm season, and with it comes a reminder to residents: a few preventive measures will go a long way to keep neighbourhoods dry and safe.
The City of Langford Engineering Department has been preparing for the rains and inclement weather and will continue to monitor the municipality through for weather-related concerns, but residents are also vital to preventing flooding and safety concerns.
“Simple steps like ensuring their the drain covering is clear of leaves and debris make a big difference,” notes George Henshall, Langford’s deputy director of engineering. “We just encourage people to be on top of it.”
Here’s what you need to know for Langford’s storm season:
1. Gutters, downspouts and yard waste
Clear your gutters, downspouts and any surface that drains, such as driveways and stairwells, of all leaves and debris and ensure they remain clear through the winter.
2. Trees
Trees on a property are also the homeowner’s responsibility. If any are in poor shape, it’s best to have an expert in for an assessment and maintenance before a storm brings them down, potentially damaging fences, homes and other property in the process, Henshall says.
3. Water, drains and Culverts
Flooding issues can be easily avoided by cleaning up leaves before they clog drains. Reminding residents they are responsible for clearing the driveway culvert fronting the property, the City of Langford asks residents to help improve stormwater flow in their neighbourhoods by removing leaves and debris from the on-street catch basins and culverts near their homes.
If standing water continues to be an issue after removing leaves from drains, contact the Engineering Department, Henshall says, noting staff also watch for problems during their regular patrols.
The City also provides sand and sandbags for Langford residents in preparation for inclement weather:
Centennial Park, 2805 Carlow Rd.
Firehall #2, 3213 Happy Valley Rd.
Firehall #3, 2872 Sooke Lake Rd.
Millstream Elementary, 626 Hoylake Rd.
Please take only enough to meet your needs and if no sand or sandbags are available, contact Fire Dispatch at 250-478-7770. Don’t forget to bring your own shovels!
4. Recycling
With the increase in windy days, Henshall encourages residents to put out their recycling the morning of pickup, rather than the night before, and secure the materials in the box and bag to help prevent debris blowing around the neighbourhood. The property owner is responsible for cleaning up these materials, which can clog drains and increase flooding issues, in addition to being unsightly, Henshall notes.
5. Snow and Ice
Wet, windy weather means the cold won’t be far behind. Residents are reminded they are required to clear snow and ice from any sidewalks fronting their property.
Learn more about the City of Langford’s engineering services, in addition to homeowner resources, at cityoflangford.ca. Email engineering@cityoflangford.ca or call the Engineering department at 250-474-0068 (for after-hours flooding, call 250-478-7770).