Roof Decks

[Diogenes]

If you know of anyone who has a roof deck, or just likes to put lawn furniture on their roof, please let them know that a storm is coming. It would really suck if the neighborhood loses electricity (again) because someone's deck umbrella or lawn chair hits a power line.

[jko]

Not just on roof decks, all furniture, plants in pots, hanging baskets and other stuff in a backyard could fly around and damage property/windows. Secure all items or bring them inside.

[janetf]

yes, the wind will be everywhere -- but the higher the elevation, the higher (stronger) the wind. Stuff on the ground is important, stuff on your deck is crucial to bring in or secure.

Flooding looks like the biggest issue, and in Northern Liberties, that means the water in your basement. Clear the storm drains near your house now, and as the storm progresses, do it again and again.

Remember that water is strong and heavy, so clear the drain BEFORE you have to wade to it. If the water will be over your ankles, STAY OUT.

And because all the stormwater needs to go into those drains, and we have combined sewers, avoid putting any water from your house into the sewers when the rain is heavy. The pipes are only so big, and if they get full of water, they relieve the pressure by going back UP the pipes in your basement. (Got a basement toilet or washing machine? Let your imagination work. Yep.) If we all avoid running unnecessary water into the drains, it's better for everyone.

[MaebeNoLibs]

We've already tied our roof deck and balcony furniture down and brought in all our potted plants. I'm nervous about the basement, this is our first storm here. We are on the 1000 blk of N 3rd, anyone know if floods badly?

[janetf]

Well, the low point of all Northern Liberties is the corner of Wildey and Bodine. . . so you should definitely keep an eye on your basement.

[Cohocksinker]

We've already tied our roof deck and balcony furniture down and brought in all our potted plants. I'm nervous about the basement, this is our first storm here. We are on the 1000 blk of N 3rd, anyone know if floods badly?

We're on the same block and have taken an inch of water once or twice in recent years. Wouldn't be surprised if we flood again this time, but as long as you keep things off the basement floor it's nothing a sump pump or shop vac can't handle.

Pretty sure St. John Neumann is the block's low point so the closer you are the more likely you'll flood.

[RSR]

The areas of George/Bodine/3rd down to Bodine & Wildey are the points where water (both above ground and below) wants to flow.

During Irene the stormwater inlets at George & Bodine backed up, and the water quickly rose in the intersection. It rapidly rose up over the sidewalks and started climbing the stoops. The some rather loud clanging and banging emanated from below ground, and the water began to drain away again.

Definitively raise items off the basement floor (or store less valuable items in tubs at least 12"-14" high. Having a sump pump and hose ready to deploy is our game plan after the first flood. We actually have two pumps for specific areas where water enters and pools.