Help prevent flooding and support emergency fire response this winter

With rain and snow on the way, it’s easier for streets to flood and harder for emergency responders to access a fire hydrant. But you can help! Here are two simple ways you can prevent flooding and keep fire hydrants accessible all year long:

1. Help keep catch basins clear

Catch basins are typically found curbside and covered with a slotted lid or grate to collect stormwater run-off and move it to a stormwater management pond. To do this, they must be kept clear to allow melting snow and rain to drain. The resident living closest to a catch basin is encouraged to help clear it of snow, ice and other debris, if it’s safe to do so, to help prevent water ponding or flooding.

To report sewer or street flooding, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email service@vaughan.ca. For more information on the City of Vaughan’s stormwater system, visit vaughan.ca/stormwater.

2. Keep fire hydrants and the surrounding area clear

In an emergency, every second matters. Blocked, concealed or difficult-to-access fire hydrants can delay emergency fire response.

As outlined in the City’s Water By-Law 106-2022 (PDF), citizens who have a fire hydrant on their property or City property adjacent to theirs are responsible for ensuring the hydrant is always visible and unobstructed. Ensure snow, ice and other debris are not blocking the area surrounding a hydrant and an accessible path from the street to the hydrant is always maintained.

To learn more about the City’s fire hydrants, visit vaughan.ca/water.

For additional winter safety tips, visit vaughan.ca/snow.

For the latest updates, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.​