With more rain forecast in Seattle for the coming week, here are four tips to help you prevent localized flooding in your neighborhood:
Rake a drain. One of the best ways to protect your property is keeping drains clear of leaves and other debris. Completely remove leaves and debris from storm drains so they will not come back during the next storm. Enlist help from your neighbors and homeowners association. Contact SPU Customer Service and the Adopt-a-Street Program for help with leaf removal (206) 684-3000.
Maintain gutters and downspouts. Clean your gutters and the drainage downspouts attached to your roof twice a year. Direct flows from downspouts away from your home, without discharging flows to adjacent properties.
Maintain drainage systems. Don’t put grass clippings, leaves or other debris into the drains, ditches, creeks, culverts, gutters or ravines. (In fact, it’s against the law).
Inspect your roof. Inspect for leaks or damage to rain gutters that could cause a flat roof to flood.
If you see ponding problems showing up on the streets, or if you experience backups into your house, please contact the Operations Response Center at (206) 386-1800 immediately to report the problem. For life-threatening emergencies call 9-1-1. Click here to learn more.