Over the weekend, elected officials and the city Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted a free rain barrel giveaway at Utopia Playground in Fresh Meadows.
The event was organized by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, State Senator Leroy Comrie and Councilman Rory Lancman. It was Rozic’s fifth year organizing the giveaway.
More than 200 of the 55-gallon rain barrels were distributed to Queens residents. Each homeowner took home one along with an installation kit, instructions and the DEP Homeowner’s Guide to Flood Preparedness.
Residents should only use the rain barrels for activities like gardening. It must be disconnected from the downspout during the winter months to avoid freezing, officials said.
They should also be covered to avoid standing water issues and are not meant for resale, according to DEP.