That knock on the door may just be Red Cross volunteers.
Starting Saturday, March 30, the Red Cross will conduct door-to-door visits in Squamish to discuss flood risk in town.
Squamish is one of three Canadian communities chosen for the pilot program that aims to boost flood risk awareness and emergency preparedness, according to a news release from the District of Squamish.
The program was developed in partnership with the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation and the University of Waterloo.
"Flooding is one of the most common environmental hazards in Canada. Between 1918 and 2018, there were 302 major flood events in Canada, accounting for over a third of all-natural disasters occurring in the country during that time," reads the release.
Most Squamish flooding happens between October and December.
“Squamish is set in a geographically complex natural environment resulting in us being exposed to a number of hazards, including flooding, making it vital for each of us to take emergency preparation measures to protect ourselves and our families," said Mayor Karen Elliott, in the release. "This program builds on our efforts to prepare for community emergencies and we very much value this support from the Canadian Red Cross.”
The volunteers, who won't enter homes, will distribute District of Squamish tools and resources including a pocket guide to Community Evacuation Preparedness, and information on signing up for Squamish Alert, the District’s free emergency notification service.
The program is set to end April 17.
Flood resiliency tips that may be discussed:
*Clearing debris from the nearest storm drain that may be blocking the drainage of water;
*Storing valuables in watertight containers and moving them off the basement floor;
*Cleaning out the home’s eaves troughs twice per year and extending downspouts to direct water a minimum of 2m away from the foundation;
*Testing the sump pump twice per year and installing a backup sump pump and battery.
