Fallen leaves can block storm drains and lead to ponding and localized flooding in your neighborhood. You can help prevent this from happening by raking leaves and keeping them out of your street and storm drains. Here are some leaf-raking tips:
Avoid raking leaves near the street where they can wash or get blown into nearby storm drains. Instead, collect them in your yard waste or compost bin. Learn how to make compost out of leaves.
Use leaves as mulch on garden beds and landscaped areas.
Watch for traffic when clearing leaves out of storm drains. Work from the curb, not in the street, and make sure an adult supervises any children who are helping.
Make sure any landscaping companies hired by your Home Owners Association refrain from blowing leaves into the street.
Help out your whole neighborhood by joining the Adopt-A-Drain program by agreeing to keep at least four nearby storm drains clear during the rainy season.
Raking not doing the trick? Report clogged storm drains and flooding to 425-488-0118 or www.bothellwa.gov/car. If the flooding is an emergency, call 911.
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Stay safe in a flood
Because of how much rainfall we get in the Pacific Northwest, flooding is a common regional problem. If your home floods, prepare ahead of time to reduce damage and keep your family safe:
Flooded roadway
Store household chemicals at higher elevations to keep them out of flood waters, especially in garages, sheds, and basements.
Make sure any underground storage tanks are fully sealed and secure.
Have a plan and make an emergency kit.
Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.
Stay out of floodwaters, as they contain many things that may harm health.