We've had the first major snowfall of the season and now it's time for the first major melt.

If we reach the temperatures we are expecting in the next few days, there is potential for a melt.

Deputy Chief Garth Rabel with the Airdrie Fire Department said there are some things to consider in order to insure you keep your home safe.

"Make sure that your downspouts are in the right position, that they take the water away from your foundation and not allowing it to pool. It's also very important to make sure the water leaving your residence is not going to negatively impact your neighbour's property."

Pooling water is always an opportunity for seepage and for water indirectly entering into the lower level of the home through the foundation and groundwater.

"Any moisture entering into our homes is not a very positive thing. We just want to make sure that we're very proactive and move that water. It doesn't matter if it's snow or rain, just make sure you keep that water moving away from your house and onto the grass or somewhere where it's not going to cause potential damage."

Also a danger as the snow melts is possible falling snow and ice.

"Be aware of that, knock those down safely if you can. Make sure that they don't impact you negatively as well."

Another common occurrence when snow hits this early is snow pulling down the leaves from trees. Rabel said these leaves can leave to potential clogging of storm drains.

"Look on your street and make sure your storm sewer grates are clean and not obstructed so when the snow melts, all that water has a place to safely go."

As the water travels down the road, there is another possible danger that comes in the chilly mornings

"As we do get the cold temperatures at night, first thing in the morning any of the melting snow that goes across our sidewalks freezes overnight. Just be aware and watch where you're walking and try to be as safe as you can."

Rabel said to be aware of the potential danger and to look forward to the warmer weather.

 

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