With heavy rain expected, the city of Saskatoon has tips for residents on ways to protect from basement flooding or flooding in your home.

The city recommends extend downspouts at least six feet from your basement walls. The further the water is from the foundation, the less chance that it will make its way into your basement.

Make sure to clear debris from your eavestroughs and gutters to prevent them from overflowing.

Build up the ground slope around your home. Soil should slope down from your foundation and window wells for at least six to ten feet at a drop of at least 10-20 centimeters.

Check the drainage paths on your property. Ensure that storm water flows to the lane or street, not towards your home, or your neighbours yard.

Other preventative measures include:

• Fix leaks in walls, floors, windows and doors.
• Install window wells around basement windows. This will prevent your window sills from leaking and rotting. Keep window wells free of leaves, branches and other debris.
• If you have protective plumbing, such as backflow valves and sump pumps, make sure they are working properly.