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Wet Weather Preparedness

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Well, that was fast! After weeks of extended hot, dry weather and sometimes smoky skies, the rain has returned. Whether you welcome it or dread it, the calendar says we can count on it for the next few months. 

The falling leaves, paired with an increase in stormy wet weather, can become a combination that leads to clogged storm drains, causing water to back up and flood neighborhood streets and sidewalks. 

The good news is we will pick up those extra leaves for free throughout November. 

What Can You Do to Help Reduce Flooding in Your Neighborhood? 

Raking leaves helps prevent flooding. In November, household customers get up to 10 extra bags of yard waste every collection.

Rake Your Leaves 

You can help prevent clogged storm drains by raking fallen leaves in your yard, sidewalk, or parking strip. Think of it as a workout that helps you and your neighbors before the next storm! 

Once gathered up, leaves can be used as a great source of free mulch for your garden which will decompose over time while improving your soil’s organic content, or you can dispose of them in your food and yard waste cart and we’ll be happy to collect it for composting. 

If you do find that you have more leaves and yard waste than can fit in your food and yard waste cart, SPU has you covered! This November, SPU is providing FREE extra yard waste collection for household customers, up to 10 extra bags for every collection throughout the month. Simply set out your extra yard waste next to your food and yard waste cart on your collection day. 

SPU household customers can set out up to 10 bags of extra yard waste every collection date all November long for FREE! 

Extra yard waste must be contained either in kraft paper bags or placed in an extra container that is clearly marked to indicate it contains extra yard waste. Please make sure your extra yard waste collection bags or container only contain yard waste, not food waste. Fallen branches and twigs can be set out for extra collection as well. These can be tied into bundles up to 4 feet long by 2 feet in diameter and tied with fiber twine. Do not use wire, nylon cording, or plastic banding. Learn more about setting out extra yard waste. 

Help Keep Storm Drains Clear 

Another way you can help reduce flooding in your neighborhood is by safely clearing leaves and other debris from storm drains. Using a rake and dustpan or a shovel (not your hands!), make sure to work from the sidewalk instead of standing in the street. Once collected, leaves and other debris cleared from storm drains should go in your regular garbage, not your yard waste container due to the possibility of garbage and pollutants found on the road. 

Those who want to go the extra mile can join the many volunteers across the city that keep local storm drains clear of debris when they sign up to volunteer with the Adopt-A-Drain (AAD) Program! This tool lets you adopt a storm drain in your neighborhood and provides a valuable service to your community. Volunteers can request supplies and find other support materials as well. 

Stay Safe During Wet Weather 

As the weather changes, learn more about how you can get prepared, be safe, and stay informed this storm season at seattle.gov/utilities/weather.  

If you see flooding or sewer backups, report it by calling SPU’s Operations Response Center at (206) 386-1800. When you call, provide your name, address, contact information, the address of the issue, and general information about the issue. 

If you come across a clogged storm drain that can’t be cleared or is unsafe to clear, let us know! Using the Find It Fix It app, you can ensure that the right department will be alerted to the issue. 

Thanks for raking your leaves and reducing flooding across Seattle, and be sure to sign up for Alert Seattle texts, emails, and phone alerts for emergencies near your home, work or school.