City of Brampton shares safety reminders for residents during heavy rainfall
The Voice of Canada :
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a special weather statement for Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with rainfall expected to continue through this evening begin Wednesday night and continue throughout Thursday. The slow-moving event is expected to bring 15 to 25 mm of precipitation, which, combined with melting snow, may lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas and water pooling on roads. Ground conditions are frozen and unable to absorb the rain, exacerbating potential flooding issues.
City flood operations
Public Works and Engineering (PWE) staff are actively monitoring and clearing catch basins, outfalls and inlets and PWE Operations Maintenance Inspectors are tracking road conditions and water levels. Parks Maintenance and Forestry staff are monitoring stream and river levels in parks to protect park users. Residents are advised to avoid parks and trails near stormwater ponds, streams and rivers during this time.
Due to rising temperatures, snow is melting, which may lead to water ponding near the curb line and at the end of driveways. Ponded water may persist on properties for up to 72 hours after the rain stops. If water remains beyond 72 hours, residents should notify the City.
The City is working with Brampton Emergency Management Office (BEMO) to assess the situation and coordinate any necessary response, while City facilities are being regularly inspected for potential issues related to the rainfall.
Flooding safety tips
Residents are urged to follow these important safety precautions:
- Keep yourself, family and pets away from flood waters.
- Avoid standing water, as it may be electrically charged, and stay away from downed power lines.
- If water in the basement has risen above electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, or other electrical systems, do not enter the basement until the power has been disconnected.
- Do not walk or drive through floodwaters, as they can pose a risk of drowning and can quickly erode roads and structures.
- Avoid low-lying areas and do not cross flooded areas the water may contain sewage, chemicals and debris.
- Keep eavestroughs, roof downspouts and storm drains clear, and check that sump pumps and backwater valves are in working order.
If residents can see the catch basins and are able to clear them, this will help water to drain more effectively.
If you notice any areas of concern or flooding on municipal roads, contact Service Brampton by dialing 3-1-1 or 905-874-2000 (outside Brampton).
Requests will be responded to in a priority sequence, such as requests related to obstructing access for emergency vehicles. Service Brampton is available 24/7, with only urgent service requests handled between 12 am and 7 am. Non-urgent requests should be submitted through the 311 app (available on the App Store and Google Play) or online at 311brampton.ca. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Residents can consult the City’s flood prevention and recovery guide at brampton.ca/prepared.
Brampton Recreation
Recreation programs and services may be impacted by weather conditions. For the latest updates, follow @BramptonParksRec on Instagram or visit brampton.ca/recreation.
Brampton Transit
Weather may affect transit services. For real-time updates, call the Brampton Transit Contact Centre at 905.874-2999 or follow @BramptonTransit on X.
The City of Brampton continues to monitor weather conditions and adjust our operations accordingly to protect the safety and well-being of our community.
