We’re well into the rainy season. The National Weather Service is forecasting rain accumulation through the weekend. Even though most leaves are down, there is still plenty of opportunities for clogged drains and for flooding in lowland areas. If you live anywhere near a flood prone area or drain, please be vigilant and report any flooding by calling: (206) 386-1800.
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/11/19/rain-rain-and-more-rain-coming-our-way/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" }, { "title": "Thanks For Your Help", "link": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/11/17/thanks-for-your-help/", "comments": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/11/17/thanks-for-your-help/#comments", "pubDate": "Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:59:55 +0000", "dc:creator": "AmayaC", "category": { "#cdata-section": "At Your Service" }, "guid": { "@isPermaLink": "false", "#text": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/?p=237" }, "description": { "#cdata-section": "We at Seattle Public Utilities thank you for your help in keeping drains clear and flooding to a minimum during the past 48 hours. Your community activism says a lot about our city. Keep it up!\n" }, "content:encoded": { "#cdata-section": "We at Seattle Public Utilities thank you for your help in keeping drains clear and flooding to a minimum during the past 48 hours. Your community activism says a lot about our city. Keep it up!
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/11/17/thanks-for-your-help/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" }, { "title": "Get Prepared for Tonight’s Major Wind Storm", "link": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/11/16/get-prepared-for-tonights-major-wind-storm/", "comments": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/11/16/get-prepared-for-tonights-major-wind-storm/#comments", "pubDate": "Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:45:38 +0000", "dc:creator": "AmayaC", "category": { "#cdata-section": "At Your Service" }, "guid": { "@isPermaLink": "false", "#text": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/?p=229" }, "description": { "#cdata-section": "With one wind and rain storm down and another due to strike tonight, now is a good time to check those storm drains near your home or place of business. If the drain is covered with leaves, please take a moment to rake it clear to prevent flooding. The weather service predicts tonight’s storm could [...]" }, "content:encoded": { "#cdata-section": "With one wind and rain storm down and another due to strike tonight, now is a good time to check those storm drains near your home or place of business. If the drain is covered with leaves, please take a moment to rake it clear to prevent flooding. The weather service predicts tonight’s storm could bring 1-3 inches of rain along with wind gusts reaching 60 miles per hour. That much rain could cause local flooding in neighborhoods if drains are clogged. Please consider adopting a drain near your home. Seattle Public Utilities will supply all the equipment to help you keep your drain clear.
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/11/16/get-prepared-for-tonights-major-wind-storm/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" }, { "title": "Sandbags Available From Seattle Public Utilities", "link": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/11/03/sandbags-available-from-seattle-public-utilities/", "comments": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/11/03/sandbags-available-from-seattle-public-utilities/#comments", "pubDate": "Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:31:36 +0000", "dc:creator": "AmayaC", "category": { "#cdata-section": "At Your Service" }, "guid": { "@isPermaLink": "false", "#text": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/?p=220" }, "description": { "#cdata-section": "This is storm season and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) wants to help you “Take Winter by Storm” by getting ready for potential flooding. SPU is offering a limited number of free, pre-filled sandbags to households or business owners in flood-prone areas in Seattle. If you’ve experienced flooding, or come close to it, you may [...]" }, "content:encoded": { "#cdata-section": "This is storm season and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) wants to help you “Take Winter by Storm” by getting ready for potential flooding. SPU is offering a limited number of free, pre-filled sandbags to households or business owners in flood-prone areas in Seattle. If you’ve experienced flooding, or come close to it, you may want to consider using sandbags.
\nSandbags don’t seal out water, but can help redirect the flow of water and protect property from debris. Sandbags must be used with caution because it is illegal to divert water to your neighboring properties.
\nSPU is making up to 25 sandbags available to households or businesses at four locations listed below starting Friday, November 6. Sandbags are heavy (they weigh about 40 pounds each), so be sure either you, or someone you bring with you, can lift, carry and load the sandbags into your vehicle.
\nSandbag Pick-Up Locations:
\nDelridge Community Center
\n4501 Delridge Way SW
\nSeattle, WA 98106
Helene Madison Pool
\n13401 Meridian N
\nSeattle, WA 98133
South Park Neighborhood
\n731 S. Sullivan
\nSeattle, WA 98108
Meadowbrook Community Center
\n10517 35th Ave. NE
\nSeattle, WA 98125
SPU will have staff onsite on November 6 and 7, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with information about how to place sandbags and prepare for storm season.
\nIf you are unable to pick up sandbags on November 6 or 7, you can still pick them up at any of these locations, any time of day, while supplies last. Sandbags will be left outside for public pick-up. To make sure there are enough sandbags available for all those in need, please limit your supply to 25 sandbags per address.
\nFor more information about sandbags, go to www.seattle.gov/util or contact
\nPat O’Brien at (206) 786-9772.
Storm season is here, and that means our region will almost certainly see high winds as well as heavy rain and some snow in the coming months. Packing a punch that can reach 70 to 80 miles per hour, wind storms in the Puget Sound area pose dangers that range from fallen trees and damaged roofs to downed electrical lines.
\nExpert tips for weathering a storm:
\n–Assemble an emergency kit with a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled water and three days of non-perishable food and drinking water. Store a kit at home, work and in your car.
\n–If you encounter a downed power line, stay well away from the line or anything it may be touching. Immediately report the location of fallen wires to PSE by calling 1-888-225-5773 or Seattle City Light by calling (206) 684-7400, or call 911.
\n–Do not use charcoal or a gas grill to cook indoors. Both can cause a buildup of poisonous carbon monoxide gas.
\n–If using an emergency generator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only use the generator outdoors.
\n–Turn off lights and unplug all appliances and sensitive electronic equipment, such as computers, to prevent an overload on your circuits when electric service is restored. Leave one light on to let you know when service returns.
\n–Make sure the battery in your smoke detector is fresh. Test the smoke detector to make sure it’s working.
\nCustomer energy efficiency tips to prepare for winter:
\n–Seal up leaky drafts around doors and windows with weather-stripping, caulking, and door sweeps. Also seal up any leaks or gaps in furnace ducts that extend through unheated basements or crawl spaces.
\n–Reduce air leaks by repairing broken windows and using inexpensive weather-stripping around entry doors.
\n–Insulate attics, outside walls and floors over crawlspaces.
\n–Have the furnace inspected and serviced to make sure it is in proper working order.
\n–Clean or replace the furnace air filters at least every two months during the heating season. The furnace will run more efficiently and use less energy.
\n–Set the thermostat at the coolest level you can without making your rooms uncomfortable. For most homes, the heating bill drops by about 2 percent for every 1 degree the thermostat is lowered.
\n–Lower the thermostat at bedtime or while away during the day. Setting the thermostat to 58 degrees while asleep can cut a natural-gas bill by up to 7 percent.
\nTake Winter by Storm partners include:
\nSeattle Public Utilities
\nSeattle City Light
\nSeattle Department of Planning and Development
\nSeattle Department of Transportation
\nKing County Executive Office
\nKing County Office of Emergency Management
\nKing County Office of Regional Public Education
\nPuget Sound Energy
\nState Farm
It’s a familiar fall combination: high winds, fallen leaves, clogged storm drains and driving rain. When you put them all together, the likely result is flooded streets and potential property damage and dangerous driving conditions.
\nToday, meteorologist Andy Wappler and a group of fifth-graders from Seattle’s Leschi Elementary School demonstrated how easily people can reduce the risk of urban flooding by adopting a local street drain.
\nThe demonstration was part of the Take Winter by Storm campaign, a coalition of four regional organizations–representing Washington state’s largest county, city, energy utilities and the leading insurer of homes and automobiles–which have joined forces in a major multi-media public awareness campaign to protect lives and property.
\nSponsored by King County, the City of Seattle, Puget Sound Energy and State Farm, Take Winter by Storm is designed to help citizens and businesses get prepared and stay informed when bad weather strikes. Learn more at: www.takewinterbystorm.org.
\nUrban residents can play a key role in preventing flooding by adopting a street drain. In Seattle, for example, Seattle Public Utilties’ month-long Adopt-a-Drain program provides residents with free cleanup supplies — rakes, bags, gloves, shovels, brooms and dustpans–helping keep the city’s more than 80,000 storm drains clear.
\nFlooding related tips:
\nLearn about preventing urban flooding at www.takewinterbystorm.org.
\n- Sign up for Seattle’s “Adopt-A-Drain” program. Contact the program at (206) 684-7647 or email adoptadrain@seattle.gov. Participants will be provided with free gloves, bags, brooms, rakes and safety vests, as well as help with leaf disposal.
\n- Stay out of the way of flood waters. Play it safe and stay out of low-lying areas during times of heavy rains. If your basement is prone to flooding, stay out of the basement until the risk of flooding has passed.
\n- Keep storm drains clear to prevent flooding. Don’t put grass clippings, leaves or other debris into drains, ditches, creeks, culverts, gutters or ravines (it’s against the law). If you live at the base of a hill or on a cliff, ensure that drainage and retaining walls are in good shape. Preventative planting can also help reduce the chance of a mud slide or flooding.
\n- Maintain gutters and downspouts. Twice a year, clean your gutters and the drainage downspouts attached to your roof. Direct flows from downspouts away from your home, without discharging flows to adjacent properties.
\n- Review your insurance coverage regularly with your agent to identify needs and gaps. Make sure you have the appropriate policies for flood or endorsements for losses like back-up of sewers and drains, which are not covered in a standard homeowner’s policy.
\n- Store heirlooms and priceless family photographs on upper floors where they will be safer from flood waters. Items stored in basement areas should be shelved, and furniture should be on casters or shims away from floor drains.
\nFor information about how to prepare for bad weather and what to do when storms do come our way, as well as accessing links to resources with information about road and pass conditions, transit snow plans, flooding conditions, coping with power disruptions and preparing for emergencies in the greater Seattle-King County area, visit www.takewinterbystorm.org.
\n###
\nTake Winter by Storm partners: King County Executive Office, King County Office of Emergency Management, King County Office of Regional Public Education, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Seattle Department of Planning and Development, Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Public Utilities, State Farm®
Seattle Public Utilities’ $30 instant discount on efficient toilets ends Saturday Oct. 31, 2009.
\nBy replacing their old water-guzzling toilets with efficient WaterSense-labeled models, Seattle homeowners can cut their utility bills by $260 a year and reduce water waste.
\nEligible customers who have misplaced the $30 coupon can receive a replacement coupon by calling 206-684-SAVE (684-7283). Customers can redeem the $30 coupon at one of six participating retailers:
\nAurora Plumbing
\nJunction True Value
\nMcLendon Hardware
\nMorgan Electric & Plumbing
\nPacific Supply
\nLove Plumbing & Remodeling
\nFor more information please visit www.savingwater.org.
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/10/22/30-toilet-discount-ends-oct-31/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" }, { "title": "‘Take Winter by Storm’ Launches Winter Weather Preparedness Campaign", "link": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/10/19/take-winter-by-storm%e2%80%99-launches-winter-weather-preparedness-campaign/", "comments": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/10/19/take-winter-by-storm%e2%80%99-launches-winter-weather-preparedness-campaign/#comments", "pubDate": "Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:01:53 +0000", "dc:creator": "AmayaC", "category": { "#cdata-section": "At Your Service" }, "guid": { "@isPermaLink": "false", "#text": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/?p=185" }, "description": { "#cdata-section": "The winter storm season is at hand, and four regional organizations–representing Washington State’s largest county, city, energy utilities and the leading insurer of homes and automobiles–are joining in a major multi-media public awareness campaign to protect lives and property.\nSponsored by King County, the City of Seattle, Puget Sound Energy and State Farm, the “Take Winter [...]" }, "content:encoded": { "#cdata-section": "The winter storm season is at hand, and four regional organizations–representing Washington State’s largest county, city, energy utilities and the leading insurer of homes and automobiles–are joining in a major multi-media public awareness campaign to protect lives and property.
\nSponsored by King County, the City of Seattle, Puget Sound Energy and State Farm, the “Take Winter by Storm” campaign is designed to help citizens and businesses get prepared and stay informed when bad weather strikes.
\nToday’s kick-off event, at Seattle’s state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center, featured meteorologist Andy Wappler showing a collection of items every family needs to be safe this winter. He also offered a preview of the Take Winter by Storm public service announcements that will hit the airwaves, as well as news and sponsor Web sites, this week and will run through the end of December.
\nTwo surveys produced by Survey USA showed trends that while 68 percent of residents saw or heard messages last year about winter weather preparedness, only 38 percent were more prepared for winter last year versus the previous year. These results indicate that although more people are aware of the need to prepare for winter storms, many still have done nothing to get themselves ready. Finally, 48 percent surveyed felt that local government and utility companies could be doing more to encourage homeowners to be prepared for winter storms.
\nThe focal point of the campaign is to raise public awareness of the Take Winter by Storm website, www.takewinterbystorm.org, a one-stop emergency preparedness center that includes safety tips and regional resources for information about the weather, power outages, flooding, shelters and assistance agencies.
\nIn addition to the seasonal PSAs and year-round website, campaign elements also include:
\n– Media events highlighting specific aspects of winter weather preparedness.
\n– Preparedness tip tweets – or ‘twips’ – through Twitter @WinterByStorm, providing the public with one twip per day to be prepared and keep safe.
\n– Take Winter by Storm Facebook page where the public can interact with the campaign and each other and provide their own tips, upload pictures and video, and provide feedback.
\nThe Take Winter by Storm campaign, which began in 1998, greatly expanded three years ago and has continually broadened its regional scope and partnership to provide relevant, timely emergency preparedness information. The campaign encourages every family, business and community to be prepared before potentially devastating rains, floods and winds threaten the Puget Sound region.
\nPreparation tips include:
\n– Assemble several emergency kits with a radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, bottled water and three days of non-perishable food and drinking water. Store a kit at home, work and in your car.
\n– Stay out of the way of flood waters. Play it safe and stay out of low-lying areas during times of heavy rains. If your basement is prone to flooding, stay out of the basement until the risk of flooding has passed.
\n– Keep storm drains clear to prevent flooding. Don’t put grass clippings, leaves or other debris into drains, ditches, creeks, culverts, gutters or ravines (it’s against the law). If you live at the base of a hill or on a cliff, ensure that drainage and retaining walls are in good shape. Preventative planting can also help reduce the chance of a mud slide or flooding.
\n– Sign up for Seattle’s “Adopt-A-Drain” program. Contact the program at (206) 684-7647 or email adoptadrain@seattle.gov. Participants will be provided with free gloves, bags, brooms, rakes and safety vests, as well as help with leaf disposal.
\n– Maintain gutters and downspouts. Twice a year, clean your gutters and the drainage downspouts attached to your roof. Direct flows from downspouts away from your home, without discharging flows to adjacent properties.
\n– Always stay away from downed power lines and report power outages to your local utility.
\n– Get snow route information for driving and transit in advance of roads being closed.
\n– Never use charcoal or gas grills as an indoor heating or cooking source. Carbon monoxide can be deadly.
\n– Establish an out-of-area contact for family members to call should the local phone system be out of service.
\n– Review your insurance coverage regularly with your agent to identify needs and gaps. Make sure you have the appropriate policies for flood or endorsements for losses like back-up of sewers and drains, which are not covered in a standard homeowner’s policy.
\n– Take the time to compile a home inventory, including a detailed list of your possessions with receipts, descriptions, and–if possible–photos. Keep the inventory in a safe deposit box or other safe location away from your home.
\n– Store heirlooms and priceless family photographs on upper floors where they will be safer from flood waters. Items stored in basement areas should be shelved, and furniture should be on casters or shims away from floor drains.
\nFor information about how to prepare for bad weather and what to do when storms do come our way, as well as accessing links to resources with information about road and pass conditions, transit snow plans, flooding conditions, coping with power disruptions and preparing for emergencies in the greater Seattle-King County area, visit www.takewinterbystorm.org.
\nTake Winter by Storm partners: King County Executive Office, King County Office of Emergency Management, King County Office of Regional Public Education, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Seattle Department of Planning and Development, Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Public Utilities, State Farm.
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/10/19/take-winter-by-storm%e2%80%99-launches-winter-weather-preparedness-campaign/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" }, { "title": "Utilities’ Scientists Re-map Seattle’s Flood-prone Areas", "link": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/10/06/utilities-scientists-re-map-seattle%e2%80%99s-flood-prone-areas/", "comments": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/10/06/utilities-scientists-re-map-seattle%e2%80%99s-flood-prone-areas/#comments", "pubDate": "Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:58:03 +0000", "dc:creator": "RyanA", "category": { "#cdata-section": "At Your Service" }, "guid": { "@isPermaLink": "false", "#text": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/10/06/utilities-scientists-re-map-seattle%e2%80%99s-flood-prone-areas/" }, "description": { "#cdata-section": "NEWS RELEASE\nOct. 5, 2009\nFor Immediate Release:\nContact:\nHolly McCracken, 206-386-4195\nholly.mccracken@seattle.gov\nWith New Technology, Utilities Scientists Re-map Seattle’s Flood-prone Areas\nUrban Flood-prone Areas Face Significant Risk to Personal Safety and Property\nSEATTLE — Using new hydrologic models, optical remote sensing technology and data from the record-setting 2007 floods, Seattle Public Utilities scientists are re-mapping areas of the city that are prone [...]" }, "content:encoded": { "#cdata-section": "NEWS RELEASE
\nOct. 5, 2009
\nFor Immediate Release:
Contact:
\nHolly McCracken, 206-386-4195
\nholly.mccracken@seattle.gov
With New Technology, Utilities Scientists Re-map Seattle’s Flood-prone Areas
\nUrban Flood-prone Areas Face Significant Risk to Personal Safety and Property
\nSEATTLE — Using new hydrologic models, optical remote sensing technology and data from the record-setting 2007 floods, Seattle Public Utilities scientists are re-mapping areas of the city that are prone to flooding.
\nSeattle’s flood-prone areas were last mapped in 1987. Since then, computer modeling methods have been developed that allow more precise predictions of areas that are likely to flood during big storms.
\nThe City’s current flood mapping efforts began after record-setting rains and flooding in the winter of 2007 provided stormwater data that could be analyzed using the new modeling methods. The first results of that analysis are new flood maps for the Thornton Creek and Densmore Basin areas, in north Seattle.
\nOther areas of the city that will be mapped are floodplains along Longfellow Creek, Pipers Creek and the Duwamish River, over the next several years.
\nUrban areas designated as flood-prone face a significant chance of serious flooding, during heavy rains. Such floods are likely to cause property damage and be a risk to personal safety, including loss of life. Nationally, all flood-prone residences have a 26 percent chance of being damaged by a flood during a 30-year timeframe, compared to a 9 percent chance of damage due to fire.
\nSPU considers flood-prone areas to be critically important locations for emergency response. To reduce the risk of urban flooding, SPU has a year-round maintenance program that addresses the repair and maintenance of storm drains, culverts and other key drainage infrastructure to reduce flooding.
\nThe Utility’s staff monitor real-time information about flooding conditions during severe rainstorms. SPU is also utilizing new stormwater flooding data in the investigation and prioritization of long-term capital improvement project options to further address flooding in vulnerable areas throughout the city.
\nUrban flood-prone areas are regulated under Seattle’s Environmentally Critical Areas code (SMC 25.09) and subject to different development standards and land use regulations. Residents of the newly designated flood-prone areas are being advised to purchase flood insurance, to refrain from living in or renting any below-grade dwellings on flood-prone property, and to stay out of low-lying areas or basements during times of heavy rains.
\nOwners of property in flood-prone areas should also consult with a real estate professional about disclosures required for flood-prone property.
\n“SPU conducted the flood mapping study in the Thornton Creek and Densmore Basin to provide our customers and staff with the most up to date understanding of potential flood risks during extreme rain events based on the best available science,” said Trish Rhay, Seattle’s director of drainage and wastewater.
\nThe new maps removed 312 properties from the Thornton Creek floodplain and added 88 new ones. In the Densmore Basin, which had previously not been on the City’s flood plain maps, 28 properties were added. A total of 624 properties are on the new floodplain maps for both areas — a net decrease of 196 properties.
\nThe updated mapping is being done for SPU with the assistance of Northwest Hydraulic Consultants (NHC) using the best available data, mapping, and water modeling techniques.
\nFederal flood insurance can be purchased anytime. There is a 30-day waiting period after you’ve applied and paid the premium before your policy is effective. However, if you purchase flood insurance in connection with making, increasing, extending or renewing a loan, there is no waiting period.
\nFlood damage is not covered by regular homeowner’s insurance policies.
\nTo learn more about flood insurance, go to FEMA’s Web site at www.fema.gov/business/nfip/index.shtm or call FEMA’s Disaster Assistance at (800) 621-FEMA / TTY (800) 462-7585.
\nPrepare for the flood season by visiting takewinterbystorm.org
\nLearn more about Seattle Public Utilities, at: http://www.seattle.gov/util.
\nIn addition to providing a reliable water supply to more than 1.3 million customers in the Seattle metropolitan area, SPU provides essential sewer, drainage, solid waste and engineering services that safeguard public health, maintain the city’s infrastructure and protect, conserve and enhance the region’s environmental resources.
\n—SPU—
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/10/06/utilities-scientists-re-map-seattle%e2%80%99s-flood-prone-areas/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" }, { "title": "SPU Offers $30 Instant Discount on Water Efficient Toilets", "link": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/09/29/spu-offers-30-instant-discount-on-water-efficient-toilets/", "comments": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/09/29/spu-offers-30-instant-discount-on-water-efficient-toilets/#comments", "pubDate": "Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:22:30 +0000", "dc:creator": "AmayaC", "category": { "#cdata-section": "At Your Service" }, "guid": { "@isPermaLink": "false", "#text": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/?p=168" }, "description": { "#cdata-section": "Seattle Public Utilities is offering a $30 instant discount on efficient toilets to help local homeowners cut their water bills while helping to protect precious water resources. To receive the discount, customers need to take the $30 coupon they received in their most recent utility bill to one of six participating retailers by October 31, [...]" }, "content:encoded": { "#cdata-section": "Seattle Public Utilities is offering a $30 instant discount on efficient toilets to help local homeowners cut their water bills while helping to protect precious water resources. To receive the discount, customers need to take the $30 coupon they received in their most recent utility bill to one of six participating retailers by October 31, 2009:
\nAurora Plumbing
\nJunction True Value
\nMcLendon Hardware
\nMorgan Electric & Plumbing
\nPacific Supply
\nLove Plumbing & Remodeling
\nEligible customers can get a replacement coupon by calling 206-684-SAVE (684-7283). For mor information please visit www.savingwater.org
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2009/09/29/spu-offers-30-instant-discount-on-water-efficient-toilets/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" } ] } } }, "feedContainerDept")