Winter Storm and Flooding Preparedness

In the months before the rainy season and prior to major storm events, the Public Works Department works diligently to keep Belvedere residents safe. During the leaf drop season and following wind events, the debris on the ground causes problems by collecting on storm drain inlets and causing blockages. To prevent flooding, the Public Works crew inspects all storm drains and cleans inlet grates to prepare the system to accept water. 

Prior to and during rain events, the Public Works crew patrols the drainage system to ensure leaf accumulations are removed before a flooding problem occurs. Throughout the rainy season in addition to the scheduled sweeping on Thursdays, the street sweeper targets specific areas around town in an effort to collect leaf material that could possibly wash onto the grates and into storm drains causing a flooding situation in off hours. 

Hot Spots

Additionally, staff monitors “hot spots” that require more frequent maintenance during these peak rain events to keep from flooding due to the undersized nature of the drainage system. Sand bag inventories are always inspected and kept full in case of an emergency. Trucks and equipment (tractor, chainsaws, generators and pumps) are kept fueled and ready in case of an after hour’s emergency call-out response by Public Works.