(NC) Over the past few decades, urban flooding has been a growing problem. Floods have affected hundreds of thousands of Canadians and caused millions of dollars in damage. Overland flooding can happen in any region of Canada, at any time of the year.

Floods can be really expensive when you're left to deal with costly repairs. They can also cause mould to grow, which can have long-term health impacts on your family.

Here are some repairs you can do around the house to protect yourself and your family:

• Use water-resistant building materials for renovations below ground level.

• Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.

• Move furniture, valuables and electronics to the safest place in your property that is least likely to be affected by flooding.

• Raise large appliances, furnaces, hot water heaters and electrical panels up on wood or cement blocks above the potential water level.

• Install a water alarm to let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.

• Make sure that your lot is properly graded. If possible, build up the ground around your property so that water can drain away from basement walls.

• Make sure downspouts extend at least two metres (six feet) from your basement wall. Water should drain away from your property and neighbouring properties.

• Check that your roof and eavestroughs are draining properly in heavy rains.

• Use a rain barrel to catch water runoff.

Find more information at www.canada.ca/flood-ready.

www.newscanada.com