For the second time in three days, the City of Chestermere is experiencing overland flooding due to a severe thunderstorm.

Crews are on scene responding to the reports of flooding, and any residents concerned about their electrical are asked to call 911.

Mayor Patricia Matthews says motorists are asked to avoid any water-covered roads if possible, to avoid splashing water back into homes.

"What happens when you drive through those intersections is you push the water back onto people's yards, and that seeps back (into the system) through their property," she says. "So, if we could let the systems do what they're designed to do, which is to drain, that would be fabulous. And, we're asking Chestermerians to try to keep their water usage down, so that the pressure on the system is reduced."

Over 300 homes were affected by the flooding on Sunday, and it's unknown at this point how many are affected by Tuesday's floods.

If you need to report flooding and don't require emergency assistance, call the Municipal Office at 403-207-7050.

The City has outlined the following protocol if you are experiencing flooding in your home:

 

If you are experiencing flooding in your home:

·        Contact 911 for immediate emergency

·        Secure your home:

·        Move electronics away from water immediately

·        Bring essential items to higher levels in home

·        Remove harmful chemicals in their containers from affected area(s)

·        Keep children and pets away from affected area(s)

·        Shut off all electrical power

·        Prepare a safety kit with essential medications and first aid materials

·        Do not use sewage and water lines

·        Do not enter flood waters unless absolutely necessary – move to higher ground

After Flooding:

·        Call your insurance company to report damaged property.

·   Take pictures of damaged property during/after flooding for insurance purposes

·   If you are concerned about your insurance coverage, the City is applying to the Provincial Government for flooding assistance for those affected. It may take some time to hear back about from the Provincial Government but the City will post any information we receive on our website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts once we hear anything.

·        CUI will be placing bins around the City for discarding damaged items. Visit www.cuinc.ca for locations.

·        The City will be offering one FREE basement inspection per affected home for electrical, gas/plumbing, and building to anyone that needs it. Call them at 403-207-7075 to book an inspection. Homeowners may need to call other professionals for different types of inspections.

·        Ensure power, gas, and water supplies/systems are checked by a professional before further use.

If you require immediate assistance, call 911. Please continue to stay out of the flood waters.


Links for More Info:

City Updates: www.chestermere.ca/alerts

Sign up for City text/email updates: www.chestermere.ca/notifyme

CUI Information: www.cuinc.ca

Flood Recovery Information (Alberta Health Services): http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/10076.asp