With significant rainfall predicted this week, Seattle Public Utilities is urging residents to adopt their local street drains to make sure they are free of leaves and debris.
When bad weather hits, street drains can easily become overwhelmed with leaves, resulting in backed-up drains and flooding. In Seattle there are about 80,000 storm drains, far more than city crews can clear quickly.
Adopt your local street drain by keeping it clear of leaves and other debris, but do so safely: stay out of the road when raking. Just a little drain-clearing will help prevent flooding on your street which could back up into homes. Check the downspouts around your home, at the same time.
In addition to adopting a neighborhood storm drain, prepare for the upcoming rainy season by checking out the Take Winter By Storm website. It has safety tips, preparedness info and lists of phone numbers for emergencies.