Floodwater Preparedness in the Home

Water is always moving downhill. From a raindrop rolling down your window to Lake Superior’s slow flow through the other Great Lakes and into the ocean, water finds a way. And never is this more obvious than during springtime in the Northland. Snowmelt and stormwater rush downhill over the still-frozen ground, pooling in any low points they can find. In these environments, it isn’t so much a question of whether or not water will find its way into your home, but a question of when. It might be caused by overland flooding, sump pump failure, or sewer backup; but no matter the cause, it’s best to plan ahead and be prepared.

How can I prepare for flooding in my home?

• For below-ground storage areas, keep belongings in plastic tubs and/or off the floor.
• If you have a sump pump, check that it’s in working order. Make sure sump pumps are directed away from foundations and not connected to floor drains or sinks. The practice of connecting sump pumps to sanitary sewer lines taxes the wastewater treatment plant and is illegal in the WLSSD region.
• Unplug electronics in below-ground storage and living areas.
• Monitor gas fireplaces, hot water heaters, and furnaces for potential natural gas leaks. If water extinguishes a pilot light, make sure you know how to safely relight it.
• Move hazardous materials off the floor. This includes paints, stains, adhesives, automotive fluids, and pesticides. These substances can contaminate flood waters and pose a threat to both your health and the environment.

There’s water in my home! Now what?

• Assume the water may have come in contact with sewage, environmental contaminants, and/or hazardous chemicals. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, nose, or mouth. Assume wet belongings are contaminated.
• Seek professional assistance for removal of any significant amount of water. Contaminated water should not be poured down drains or dumped outside.
• Dispose of contaminated possessions, including clothing, books, furniture, and anything else that absorbed floodwater.
  • Hazardous materials (paint, stain, automotive fluids, solvents, and other chemicals) should be disposed of at WLSSD’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility
  • WLSSD’s Materials Recovery Center is one of several facilities in the region that accepts contaminated textiles, furniture, mattresses, appliances, and demolition waste.
  • It is especially important to dispose of contaminated waste properly during flooding and high-runoff storm events. Waste left on the curb or beside trash cans can contaminate runoff and clog storm drains.

I see water pouring out of a manhole/street drain. What do I do?

• If a road is impassably flooded, call 911 to alert authorities.
• If you notice water coming out of a manhole or street drain, note the location and call WLSSD at (218) 722 – 3336. Our staff will take steps to mitigate the problem or notify the appropriate city or county authorities.