As leaves fall, The Dalles public works crews are getting ready to pick them up from the street. Fallen leaves can block storm water catch basins and cause flooding. They also create a slip hazard when they freeze onto the streets. Residents are asked to park off the street during sweeper work hours between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Do not rake leaves from your yard into the street. Compost leaves at home or put them in your yard debris container for pick-up. You can also put them in compostable paper bags and take them to The Dalles Transfer Station. Remove large sticks or branches from the roadway so they don’t jam the sweeper. Clear storm drains in front of your house to prevent flooding during a rainstorm.