Public Works officials are asking property owners to help clear storm water catch basin grates in front of their property to help prevent flooding and freezing hazards, with temperatures forecast to increase next week and significant melting expected.  If catch basins are not cleared of snow, ice, and other debris, water is prevented from draining from streets.  As the snow melts, water pools along streets and can cause localized flooding or re-freezing if the catch basins aren’t clear.  To clear a catch basin, remove snow and ice or any other debris after a storm to maintain the openings in the grate.  Do not attempt to remove the grid, only clear the debris on top of the grate.  Also, do not allow children to play on or around open streets during or after a storm, and ensure children know to stay at least 50 feet away from operating equipment.  Make sure children do not build snow forts or tunnels in the snow piled along roadways.  They can collapse without warning and children can be trapped or injured by the weight of the collapsing snow.