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The big melt is coming

First the big snow.
Web-The-Melt
Drivers negotiate a large puddle at Taylor Drive and 43 St in Red Deer Wednesday afternoon. A public works road crew was at the site later in the day steaming the catch basin to thaw the storm drain.

First the big snow. Now get ready for the big melt.

Temperatures are expected to climb well above 0C for the rest of the week, including forecasted highs of 7C today and Friday.

That will go a long way to reducing the local snow cover.

Twenty-two cm of snow fell in Red Deer over the previous three days, according to Environment Canada.

The City of Red Deer says it’s ready.

Crews and graders will be busy clearing gutters near curb-side drains to keep the snow melt flowing. Ice- and snow-blocked catch basins beneath the streets will also be tackled with steaming equipment.

Jim Chase, the city’s roads superintendent, said crews are identifying trouble spots and will be doing their best to keep water moving. Residents are asked to be patient because the job will take some time.

“It is important for residents to remember our crews cannot be all over Red Deer at once,” he says, adding residents are welcome to report problem areas to the city.

City residents are warned to be cautious because snow melt will freeze during the night, creating slippery conditions in alleys and roadways. Given the coming warm spell, the city doesn’t plan to plow residential areas, a job that typically takes 40 days to complete.

To help keep the water moving, residents can keep the drains on their streets clear and should not shovel snow into the street.

The city also offers a few tips for keeping homes dry:

l Shovel snow away from the side of your home so it flows away from the foundation. Clearing about one metre to 1.5 metres will help.

l Make sure downspouts are extended so snow melt is directed at least two metres from the house.

l Consider installing a sump pump or checking that an existing sump pump is working.

l Check basements regularly for water or consider installing a water-sensing alarm.

More waterproofing tips are available at www.reddeer.ca. Residents can also look for updates on the city’s Facebook page.