Everett Issues Fall Storm Tips, Where To Get Sandbags And What To Do If Basement Floods

Storm drains can cause some unexpected surprises.

With the turning of the weather – more rainy days and leaves starting to fall – Everett Public Works offers tips to help community members prepare for and minimize damage from heavy seasonal rainstorms that can cause flooding.

What to do now, before a storm   

• Identify nearby trees that might fall in a windstorm. If possible, take action to remove them.
• Avoid piling yard waste like fallen leaves and sticks in your yard, on the sidewalk or in the street where it could wash into City drains. Keep it in a yard waste bin or other container.
• Use a rake or broom to remove leaves and debris from the grates of storm drain catch basins and inlets, and then place the material in your yard waste cart.
• Extend downspouts away from your home. Do not connect downspouts to your side sewer.
• If you have a backwater valve, check to make sure it is working and seated properly. View the City’s backwater valve maintenance video.
• Watch the City of Everett fall stormwater tips video.

What to do during a storm

• If an inlet or catch basin grate appears to be blocked by debris, try to safely clear a channel to provide a path for the runoff.
• If you have a backwater valve and there has been intense rainfall in a short period of time, wait 10-15 minutes after the rain subsides before using water fixtures (toilets, dishwashers, sinks, showers, washing machines) in your home. This allows higher water volumes to dissipate.
• If you are concerned about controlling runoff into your property, sandbags may help. Bring your own shovel to one of the free self-service sandbag locations at 4015 Railway Ave. and 11221 Silver Lake Road, near Silver Lake Park, across from Fire Station #7.
• To report water, sewer, or other storm related problems, call the City of Everett’s 24-hour dispatch at 425-257-8821.

What to do if your basement floods

• First and foremost, mitigate and protect your property.
• Call Public Works dispatch at 425-257-8821.
• Carefully document the site by taking photographs and itemizing all items to provide a complete description of everything.
• Remove all wet items, including the carpet if necessary.
• Get the area dried out before odors and/or mold becomes an issue.
• The City recommends hiring a professional cleaning company to clean and disinfect. If you choose to do it yourself, please see the Department of Health’s fact sheet on cleaning a basement.
• If you believe the City of Everett is at fault for your basement flooding, you can file a claim for damages.