One of the flooded basements some North Battleford residents had to face following the heavy rainstorms this week. (Anthony Russell/Facebook)

By Angela Brown

Flooding Woes

North Battleford residents struggle with flooded basements following rainstorms

Jul 9, 2020 | 5:33 PM

Some North Battleford residents are dealing with flooded basements this week, following heavy rainstorms overnight Tuesday and throughout the day Wednesday.

Anthony Russell, who lives in the Centennial Park area, said when he awoke early Wednesday he was greeted with over two inches of water in his basement.

“The previous house we had, every time we got weather like this we knew we would have an issue,” he said. “This house we purchased we viewed the day after a huge storm, and there was nothing. The sump pump had done its job.”

But when his family walked into the basement Wednesday morning, they were “absolutely devastated” to see it flooded.

Some guitar pedals, microphones, amplifiers and speakers on the floor were damaged in the music room in the basement. The flooring, dry wall and furniture were also ruined.

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“It’s not good,” Russell said. “The whole basement needs to be renovated now.”

He believes the sump pump may have not been working properly at the time.

Russell said insurance will help with the costs but there was significant water damage.

A separate resident who did not wish to provide his name said he was also challenged with flooded basement woes. He discovered his whole carpet soaked on Wednesday after the storm.

Fortunately both residents have insurance to help with the costs.

Stellar Insurance Service Inc. owner and insurance broker Evelyn Cooper said it is always best to have insurance for protection against these types of incidents. She said property owners should make sure they have water-protection coverage.

Cooper recommends people follow some basic procedures to reduce their risk. They should ensure their eavestroughs are clean from debris and the down-spouts are extended away from the property. Landscaping should be sloped away from the property as well. Property owners should also check to ensure the local drainage system is kept clear of debris and not blocked, to help direct water away from their house.

Cooper said anyone with water damage should also try their best to clean it up as soon as possible, and incorporate fans to dry out the area. Those affected should also take notes and pictures of the damages. So if they do have a claim, this information will be able to assist the adjuster.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW