Mayor Dana Ralph urged Kent residents to clear leaves from streets and storm drains and directed listeners to the State of Washington’s Adopt-a-Drain awareness program at wa.adopt-a-drain.org. "As those leaves fall, really need the help of our neighbors to keep them cleared so that the storm drains work like they're supposed to," Ralph said.

Ralph described the program as an awareness effort and asked neighbors to take a few seconds to clear leaves so drains do not clog, reducing localized street flooding. She said the program helps the city and residents and repeated the website address for those who want to participate.

Why it matters: Clogged storm drains can cause localized flooding and street hazards during fall storms. The mayor presented the program as a voluntary, neighborhood-level measure rather than a regulatory requirement.

What was not specified: Ralph did not cite any city ordinance requiring residents to clear drains, did not provide guidance on liability or collection of leaves, and did not specify whether the city will assist in designated locations.