Prevent flooding by cleaning gutters and keeping leaves out of storm drains
Prepare for the rain:  tips to keep your home and storm drains clear of leaves

(Port Orchard, WA)  Kitsap residents can help prevent flooding by disposing of leaves properly and keeping the storm drains clear. Storm drains clogged with leaves can cause local flooding of roads and private property.

Tips to Prevent Clogged Storm Drains

• Keep neighborhood storm drains free of leaves and debris

• If you see a clogged storm drain, use a rake, shovel handle or stick to clear the drain.

• If this does not help, report the blockage to Kitsap 1: (360) 337-5777

• NEVER remove a storm drain lid or attempt to clean a drain located in a busy street.

• Do not wade into water when you are unsure of the depth

Check Your Gutters and Downspouts

• Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris

• Replace leaky or broken gutters.

• Make sure downspouts are directed away from your house.

Tips to Dispose of Leaves

• Dispose of leaves by turning them into compost for your garden, putting them in curbside yard waste bins, or taking them to local composting facilities.

• If you use a landscaping company, ask the landscaper to take the leaves with them.

• Do not blow or sweep leaves into the road or storm drain.

“Kitsap County performs regular maintenance of the stormwater system,” says Chris May, Kitsap County Surface and Stormwater Management Program Manager. “During the rainy season, we work extra hard to minimize local flooding, but we can’t be everywhere. People can help by maintaining their property and contacting us if they see a problem.”

For more information
For more information about the Surface and Stormwater Management Program, visit www.kitsapgov.com/sswm.