With temperatures rising and rain falling, the city of Kent is shifting its focus Friday to cleanup of downed trees and branches and clearing storm drains to prevent localized flooding.
Kent road crews are still working, and will continue working through the weekend, to clear roads of snow and ice, as well as downed trees and branches, according to a city media release.
Drivers are cautioned to be very careful as icy road conditions continue to exist within the city.
According to Public Works Director Tim LaPorte, residents are encouraged to clear storm drains of snow and debris to prevent and reduce flooding as the snow continues to melt.
“We’re asking residents and businesses to locate nearby storm drains in the street and — if it’s safe — to clear them of snow and debris. It’s the single most important thing people can do to protect their property and prevent standing water and creating traffic hazards,” LaPorte said.
In Kent, there are over 18,000 storm drains — far more than city crews can clear quickly.
Crews are also working to remove blocking trees/limbs from roadways. LaPorte reminded residents the city cannot address trees or branches on power lines.
“We know Puget Sound Energy is working to the best of their ability to clear these, as well as restore power,” LaPorte said.
Roughly 25,000 PSE customers are without electricity.
Residents aren’t alone in dealing with power outages. LaPorte said a dozen traffic signals are also out
“A signal without power becomes an all way stop,” he said.
LaPorte also urged residents to be extremely cautious when entering Kent’s parks due to heavily damaged trees and equipment. “Any areas of parks and trails that are closed or barricaded are done so for safety purposes as we work towards clean-up and/or repair.”
Residents with trees or branches to dispose of can place them in their green Yard and Food Waste carts. The branches must be trimmed to less than 4 feet in length and not exceed 4 inches in diameter.
“If you have more than your cart will hold, you may place them in cardboard boxes, paper or compostable bags, or tied in bundles less than 3½ feet in any dimension as long as it doesn’t exceed 60 pounds,” LaPorte said.
Residents with more limbs than will fit into Yard and Food Waste carts can save them for the next scheduled collection day, or dispose of them at the following locations, (fees may apply):
Cedar Grove Composting in Maple Valley, 425-432-2395
Rainier Wood Recyclers in Covington, 425-222-0008
Pacific Topsoils in Tukwila 1-800-884-7645
Garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste that was not picked up this week will be picked up on the next regularly scheduled pickup day. Missed customers will be allowed to set out double their normal amount of garbage, recycling and yard waste at no additional charge. Learn more at www.AlliedWasteKent.com.
Kent’s Traffic Advisory page is at www.DriveKent.com and includes real-time information on road conditions.
Visit www.KentCommunityCalendar.com for updates on city meetings and events.
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