City of Tracy Prepares Residents for Wet Weather Storms

Call for Volunteers to Join the “Maintain-A-Drain” Campaign

In preparation for the winter season, City of Tracy crews have been removing debris from storm drains and channels to minimize potential flooding in streets and neighborhoods during rain storms. These efforts also help avert pollution from reaching our local waterways. The goals are to keep Tracy a safe place for all residents and visitors and to help protect homes, businesses and the environment.

The City has two programs available to residents and businesses within City limits that provide the public a way to actively participate in storm damage prevention. First is the ‘Maintain-A-Drain’ program. Community volunteers can assist with keeping storm drains in their neighborhoods or business areas free of debris. Volunteers who choose to participate will receive a kit which includes a rain poncho, leaf rake, safety vest, and plastic bags. By removing debris before it enters storm drains, runoff can move more freely through the City’s storm drainage system. Volunteers may join the “Maintain-A-Drain” Campaign by contacting the Public Works Department at (209) 831-6300.

“Residents can play an integral part in keeping the streets from flooding by volunteering to ‘Maintain-A-Drain.’ Preventative maintenance is the key to help alleviate flooding around town, and residents can help make a difference,” stated Director of Public Works, Don Scholl.

The second way that residents and businesses can help prevent storm-related damage is by placing sandbags where needed. The City will supply up to 10 sandbags per household/business. During inclement weather conditions, sandbags will be available for pick up just inside Gate #1 of the Public Works Department’s Boyd Service Center, 520 N. Tracy Boulevard.

Residents can also follow these helpful tips to prevent flooding in their neighborhoods:

• Check and clean private drainage systems.
• Keep leaves, debris, trash, and/or lawn clippings out of storm drains or street gutters.
• Place leaves and yard trimmings in the brown yard waste container for bi-weekly pickup.
• Keep natural waterways free from obstructions.
• Report flooding problems to the Public Works Department at (209) 831-6300.
• Volunteer to ‘Maintain-A-Drain’.

To report a problem you may visit the City of Tracy’s website at www.thinkinsidethetriangle.com and click on the “Contact Us” link; download the “Go Tracy!” application on your smart phone; or contact the Public Works Department at (209) 831-6300 or via email at publicworks@ci.tracy.ca.us.