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Tips from the City of Langley to Prevent Flooding

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Heavy rain can overwhelm storm and sewer systems in a short period of time. Even if you haven’t had problems with flooding before, your home can still be at risk.

Every year, Engineering, Parks and Operations Department prepares for the possibility of flooding. The City of Langley would like to protect homeowners by providing some preventive tips to protect residents and their property from flooding.

What do I need to do when the sewer or drain backs up and causes flooding?

When your sewer or drains back up, the City of Langley recommends the following tips:

  • Contact the City, we will come out and work with you to try to determine where the blockage is and who is responsible for it.  The City of Langley Operations division can be reached during regular business hours at 604-514-2910 after hours emergencies can be reported to Surrey Fire dispatch at 604-543-6722.
  • Minimize any more damage to personal property by removing undamaged items from the area if it’s safe.
  • Call your insurance agent as soon as possible. Find out what coverage your home insurance policy provides.
  • Arrange for cleanup as soon as possible. You can pay for this yourself or go through your insurer.

During the fall and winter seasons, please help prevent localized flooding in your neighbourhood by taking a few moments to clear leaves, debris, snow and ice from catch basins grates. Clogged/damaged catch basins can be reported by phone at 604-514-2910 or online at rfs.langleycity.ca.

If you have any other questions or concerns, contact the City Engineering Operation Department at 604.514.2910 or engineering@langleycity.ca

How can I protect my home from flooding?

To protect your property from flooding, the City recommends the following:

  • Clear eavestroughs, downspouts and catch basins of leaves and other debris that may keep water from draining away from your property.
  • Keep your drain system clean and in good repair.
  • Fix leaks in walls, floors, windows or foundations.
  • Check for moisture along the walls and floor. Fill and seal any visible cracks.
  • Make sure that no garbage, leaves, ice or other debris blocks storm sewer or catch basin grates on or near your home.

What do I need to do during a flood?

During a flood minimize the damage by removing all undamaged items from the critical area if it’s safe to do so.

To protect your property, the Government of British Columbia has provided resources on Flood Preparedness.

If you need to protect your property, sandbags are available at the Langley City Public Works Yard, 5713 198 Street – for residents only. The Langley City Operations division can be reached during regular business hours at 604-514-2910 after-hours emergencies can be reported to Surrey Fire dispatch at 604-543-6722.

Flood and Emergency Information for Residents

Download and print an Emergency Preparedness basic kit checklist (Grab & Go Kit). There are several resources that you can access to be prepared in the event of a flood.

The following government websites provide information on flood and emergency preparedness: getprepared.gc.caPreparedBCLangleyPrepared.ca and fraserhealth.ca