It is the time of year when trees lose their leaves, covering the sidewalks, lawns and streets that lie beneath their spreading branches. This colorful display has the downside of covering the storm drains in our streets (as in the photo).

When rains come, the leaves prevent the runoff from entering the storm drains, so the small streams of rain join together to form torrents of water racing down 40th Street. These torrents can leap the curb and run over our lawn as they make their way down Latona.

The city does not keep the storm drains clear, so this task falls upon us for the storm drains around our building. Keep an eye out for the storm drains, especially if it is raining. You can clear the drains with a stick or by using your foot. (Be careful using your hand, though. Some objects in the pile of leaves might cut you.)