Did you know that during intense rain, flooding may occur without warning? Here are a few steps you can take to keep your family and property safe.
– Clear leaves and debris away from street drains in your neighborhood with a rake or broom (only if it’s safe). Don’t put grass clippings, leaves, or other debris into drains, ditches, creeks, culverts, gutters or ravines. If a storm drain appears blocked below the street surface, call 206-386-1800.
– Clean gutters and downspouts twice a year.
– Build a family emergency kit. Keep enough water, food and other supplies (flashlights, crank or battery-operated radio, blankets) in your home to meet your needs for at least three days.
– Have a family disaster plan.
– Stay out of flooding basements.
– Protect water pipes from freezing in exposed or unheated areas (attics, basements and garages) by wrapping with tape and insulating materials.
For more tips on how to prepare for winter storms, visit www.takewinterbystorm.org.