Sandbags, Tips For Falls Church Residents Ahead Of Isaias

FALLS CHURCH, VA — As forecasters project Tropical Storm Isaias could impact the region, the City of Falls Church has sandbags and preparation tips for residents and businesses. Falls Church is included in the National Weather Service's tropical storm warning and flash flood watch into Tuesday.

According to the National Weather Service, Isaias will start spreading northward late Monday afternoon and continue into Tuesday. The tropical storm warning issued Monday includes Falls Church and other parts of Northern Virginia along the Interstate 95 corridor, as well as DC and parts of Maryland. Winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected, which could cause limited wind damage.

Damages to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes are possible, and unsecured lightweight objects can blow about. Tree limbs have potential to fall, roads could be blocked by debris, and scattered power and communications outages could happen. If you experience power outages, notify Dominion Energy at 866-366-4357 or www.dominionenergy.com/outages.

The National Weather Service also issued a flash flood watch in Falls Church and other parts of the region from Monday evening to Tuesday evening. Widespread rainfall of 3 to 6 inches is expected with higher amounts possible in isolated areas. This amount of rain could cause significant flash flooding of small streams and creeks Monday night into Tuesday evening.

The city's Department of Public Works provides sandbags for homes at risk of flooding. Falls Church residents can secure up to 20 bags per household at the Property Yard A (next to the Recycling Center at 217 Gordon Road. They will be available first come, first served on Monday and Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. City staff can help with loading bags into a vehicle but will not be responsible for any vehicle damage. Residents are asked to return sandbags once the threat of flooding is gone.

Sandbags, when set up properly, can prevent or reduce floodwater damage by diverting water around buildings. Here are tips for setting up sandbags:

• Remove any debris from the area where bags are to be placed.
• If tied bags are used, flatten them and flare the tied end. If untied bags are used, fold the open end to form a triangle.
• To form a sandbag wall, place bags tightly against one another to form the first layer of defense.
• Place succeeding bags on the folded or flared portion of the previous bag and stamp into place to eliminate gaps and to form a tight seal.
• Stagger the second and subsequent layers of bags, similar to the pattern of bricks on a wall.
• Never use bags to build a fortress around your property because this approach can trap water between sandbag walls and structures, causing further damage.
• Do not rely on sandbags alone to protect your property. Use baffle boards (plywood sheeting) or sheets of plastic tarp with sandbags.

Here are other preparation tips for the tropical storm from the city:

• Keep Gutters Clear of Debris. Please clean up any debris from the curb gutter. Crews are working now to clear the storm drains, and this action from residents and businesses can help tremendously.
• Secure or Store Outdoor Items. Residents should secure or store toys, lawn equipment, tables, chairs, umbrellas, and other items that could be a danger in high winds. Businesses should secure or store signage, tables, chairs, and especially umbrellas that could become dangerous projectiles in hurricane-force winds.
• Check on Your Neighbors. Make time now for an elderly or infirm neighbor. Let them know you'll check on them throughout the storm. If they don't use the Internet for news, let them know about critical messages from the City government and local news.