As North Bend braces for the rainy season, Mayor Miller has proclaimed November Flood Awareness Month, urging residents to take preventative steps to reduce flooding risks and protect their homes.
With North Bend’s history of flood events, proactive measures are essential to avoid neighborhood flooding, property damage, and safety hazards.
City crews work diligently to keep storm drains and culverts free of debris, but residents’ assistance is needed with thousands across North Bend.
Fallen leaves and other fall debris often block drains, impeding rainwater from flowing away and leading to potential flooding. To help, residents are encouraged to clear leaves from neighborhood storm drains and culverts, ensuring their homes and streets stay safe.
Here’s how you can help keep drains clear and prevent flooding:
- Clear leaves and debris from storm drains and gutters using a rake. Dispose of collected leaves and branches in your yard waste bin or compost pile.
- Avoid raking or blowing leaves into the street, as this clogs storm drains and impedes the City’s street sweeper.
- Trim low-hanging branches along street frontages to allow street sweepers unobstructed access.
- Keep gutters, downspouts, rain barrels, and private culverts clear and properly flowing, directing water away from structures and hillsides.
- Never remove a grate from a storm drain; it can create hazardous conditions without addressing clogs.
Residents who encounter major flooding or storm drain issues are encouraged to call the Public Works after-hours emergency contact number at (425) 736-7697.
In line with Flood Awareness Month, North Bend’s nationally recognized floodplain management program, overseen by the Public Works Department, offers citizens a 25 percent reduction on flood insurance policies through the National Flood Insurance Program.
King County also provides an advanced flood warning and emergency response system, delivering critical information during major flooding events.
For additional resources:
- Read Mayor Miller’s proclamation.
- Visit the City’s Emergency Management webpage for flood preparedness information.
- For a house maintenance checklist and more tips as you prepare for winter weather, visit Take Winter by Storm.
Mayor Miller invites all residents, especially those in flood-prone areas, to join in flood preparedness efforts to help safeguard their homes and loved ones.
[Featured Photo by Brice Cooper on Unsplash]
