Kirkland residents are encouraged to prepare for fall and winter flooding

Published 1:04 pm Monday, October 7, 2013

Kirkland’s drainage system has been 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.

There are over 12,000 storm drains in Kirkland. Leaves and debris can block rain water from flowing into storm drains and often cause 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 Storm Drains

Do not rake or blow leaves into the street. Place leaves in yard waste bin or compost.

Before, during and after a storm, check storm drains near your home or business and make sure they are free of debris.

Use a rake to remove debris from storm drains and gutters. Place this material in a yard, trash or recycling bin.

Do not remove the grate from a storm drain. This does not unclog the drain and creates hazardous conditions.

Call Public Works Maintenance at 425-587-3900 if flooding is severe and you are unable to clear the storm drain.

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 self-service sandbag filling stations are available Oct. 1 through April 30, 2014 and are accessible daily, 24 hours. Sand and bags are provided at no cost to Kirkland citizens and businesses; however, citizens must bring their own shovels.

Kirkland’s sandbag filling stations are located at:

Public Works Maintenance Center parking lot at 915 Eighth St. and the Juanita Beach Park parking lot (south of Juanita Drive) at 9703 NE Juanita Drive.

To Learn More

More information about flood preparedness can be found at the following web pages: Flood Preparation (city of Kirkland), Take Winter by Storm and National Flood Insurance Program.