Tips for Preventing Local Flooding

With heavy rain forecasted in Seattle this weekend, here are four tips to help you prevent localized flooding in your neighborhood:

Rake a storm drain. One of the best ways to protect your property is keeping storm drains clear of leaves and other debris. This will keep the water flowing. For a longer term solution and support from us, join the Adopt-A-Drain program.

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 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.