With an incoming storm quickly approaching, residents are reminded to keep their gutters free of leaves as to help prevent flooding.
The National Weather Service has issued multiple storm warnings beginning Wednesday night and it is important to plan ahead.
During rainy days, one of the most common causes of flooding is tree being piled into street gutters, which during a storm can create drain blockages.
While the City of Turlock has a free leaf pickup program, residents are encouraged to first fill up their green waste container.
“We prefer everyone to put their leaves in the green waste containers and for any leftover leaves we ask resident push the leaves 18 inches from the gutter,” said City of Turlock Parks, Rec and Public Facilities Supervisor Erik Schulze.
The City will pick up leaves piled along the street, 18 inches from the gutter, based on schedule. To find when your neighborhood is scheduled for leaf pickup, you can visit the City of Turlock website and type in your address.
Also, the City asks residents do not park vehicles in front of your residence in locations which will prevent access to leaf collection prior to your scheduled day, on the scheduled day and the day after your scheduled day.
Schulze says that during storms City workers are “all hands on deck” patrolling for backed up drains and clearing them as needed.
However, not all leaves will be picked up by the City in time for the upcoming storm, so it is important to clear your gutters and pile them in your green waste container.
Resident can also get temporary flood relief by picking up free sandbags from the City of Turlock – Municipal Services Department, located at 901 S. Walnut Rd. Turlock residents can receive up to 10 free sandbags 24 hours a day.
For more information on the leaf pickup program, call (209) 668-5594.
The City of Turlock also provides several proactive and reactive methods of dealing with storm related issues, such as flooding. If you have a storm related problem, you can contact the Municipal Services Department at 209-668-5590 during normal business hours and the non-emergency line at 209-668-1200 during holidays or off-hours.
