Broadview Neighbors,
Today’s storm had a significant impact on Broadview. Many neighbors were on the streets braving the drenching rains. They were cleaning ditches, helping neighbors whose homes had flooded, out talking to emergency crews, some were borrowing sump pumps, and shop vacs, and everyone was and is deeply concerned about the storm and sewage overflows and the evidence of failing infrastructure.
At 105th and 2nd Avenue a manhole spilled over for at least four hours. Neighbors were out setting up property with sand bags in effort to divert the fast flow of water at least two homes were flooded and perhaps more. This was not just storm water, there was raw sewage coming out of this man hole running down the streets and into homes.
At 115th and 2nd Avenue the manhole was spilling over with raw sewage for at least three hours. At this point we do not know if there were any homes were flooded. But we do know that the sewage is on our streets, in our yards and in our streams.
At 130 and 12th Avenue a bolted manhole spilled over spewing rats and fecal matter. We do not know how long this manhole was spilling. The emergency crew said that the Most of 12th Avenue was backed up. According the neighbors some folks have been flooded with storm water and/or sewage water coming up storm drains and showers and bathtubs. For some of them this is not the first time.
We still need to know how other neighbors fared today, so if you have time it would be good time to check in with your near neighbors and see how they are doing.
We have a long history of problems with sewage and storm water overflows. Since 2007, the City of Seattle has taken an in depth look at these chronic problems They have done a long study and have proposed solutions, but they are slowing coming Obviously from today’s account, the City is not moving fast enough to find solutions. To move the City along toward providing solutions to our area will require that we all keep showing them how deeply we are concerned about these problems in our neighborhood, our homes and our properties. Make no mistake, raw sewage pouring through our homes, our streets, our streams, our parks, and our waterways into Puget Sound is not acceptable.
In 2007 many claims were rejected outright. This is not fair. Raw sewage in basements, and running down streets is not something that should be dismissed. Make phone calls, submit video images, call City officials. As you speak to the City officials be persistent and polite and keep calling until you get someone to talk with you. Ask for names, write them down. Ask for email communications so you can document their response.
Here are some suggestions:
1) Call the SPU’s Emergency Response 206 376 1800. If you see culverts backed-up, manholes bubbling, or if your home has been flooded by storm overflow or sewage back up.
2) Tell your story! Take pictures and document. Write down the progression of the events as you know it. What kind of problem and how did you find a solution to get the water out of your home. Be as specific as possible. How high did the water come up, where it entered, how long was the water in the home or on the property. Keep a copy of both photos and your written account. Post to this blog!
3) If there have been damages to your home and property take many photos of all the items damaged, rugs, furniture, personal items, etc
4) If there were damages to your home that you feel the City is responsible for then it is important that you contact the claims department right away. Ask that they send out someone out to assess damage right way. Expect support!
5) Seattle Public Utilities http://www.seattle.gov/util/Services/Drainage_&_Sewer/Emergency
6) Claims phone number
Risk Management
Bruce Hori, Director
(206) 386-0073
http://www.seattle.gov/riskmanagement
