Maintaining fallen leaves on your property reduces the risk of street flooding.
As the leaves continue to fall, catch basins and storm sewers are more likely to be blocked.
The Chatham-Kent Public Works department says that residents can help prevent street flooding by keeping streets, sidewalks, and catch basins clear of fallen leaves.
They say that leaves cannot be disposed of on gutters or roads, so make sure to mow over them and create mulch for your lawn, or bag them and put them out with your regular garbage pick-up.
Public Works officials also say that if you notice a catch basin isn’t functioning properly, or you feel that it is unsafe to rake leaves from around the drain, to contact them for assistance.