City of Kirkland issued the following announcement.
With the autumn season upon us and long-range weather forecasts predicting more rain than usual, it’s more important than ever to keep Kirkland’s stormwater drainage system flowing freely.
Kirkland’s stormwater system is designed to hold and carry water during storms to prevent flooding. However, heavy storms may exceed the system’s capacity and some flooding may occur. City crews work hard to keep storm drains clear of leaves, but with over 12,000 drains in Kirkland, the City needs residents and businesses to help. Fallen leaves pile up on storm drains on our streets, blocking rainwater from draining, which can lead to localized flooding. Flooding can cause safety concerns and property damage.
Kirkland residents and businesses are encouraged to take measures to prevent flooding and flood damage:
Clear leaves from neighborhood storm drains
• Check storm drains near your home or business and make sure they are free of debris.
• Use a rake to remove debris from storm drain and gutter. Dispose of leaves and branches in your gray yard waste cart. Extra yard waste is free throughout the month of November. Place in paper yard bags, reusable yard waste bags or containers labeled “Yard” (65lb limit each).
• Do not rake or blow leaves into the street. You could be billed for clean-up by the City if found doing so.
• Never remove a grate from a storm drain. This does not unclog the drain and creates hazardous conditions.
• Call 425-587-3900 if flooding is severe and you are unable to clear the storm drain.
Free Yard Waste Extras for November 2020
During the month of November, the collection of extra yard waste will be free for single family residences in Kirkland. Residents who would like to avoid a charge for yard waste extras in October are encouraged to save excess leaves that won’t fit in their cart until November. Fill your gray cart first, then put out extra leaves in paper bags or durable containers labeled “yard waste.” Plastic bags are not accepted.
Sandbags
Kirkland residents and businesses that have previously had or almost had flooding are encouraged to have a supply of sandbags on hand as a preparedness measure. Two sandbag filling stations for the community are provided by Kirkland Public Works staff.
Each self-service station offers free sand and bags with attached tie-strings to Kirkland residents and businesses. Shovels are not provided, so be sure to bring your own. The stations are located at the Public Works Maintenance Center (915 8th Street) on the west side of the parking lot, and at the North Kirkland Community Center (12421 103rd Ave. N.E.) in the southernmost part of the parking lot. These two stations are accessible 24 hours a day.
More information about flood preparedness:
• Flood Preparation (City of Kirkland) – www.kirklandwa.gov/flooding
• How to fill and position sandbags – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Take Winter by Storm – Take Winter by Storm
• National Flood Insurance Program – https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance
Original source can be found here.
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