Alexandria Provides Guidance On Cleanup After Flash Flooding

ALEXANDRIA, VA—After heavy rain in a short time frame caused flash flooding in Alexandria Monday, the city has released guidance for residents on cleanup.

City crews are in the process of street sweeping and clearing debris from curb inlets that may have gotten clogged. Residents should continue to be cautious of standing water on roads, trails and sidewalks. But some are experiencing flood-related issues in their homes, such as standing water, sewer backups and power outages.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Flooded Roads, Water Rescues Reported In Alexandria (Photos)

Here are some tips from the city on a number of flood-related issues:

Debris cleanup: Residents removing debris from their property or homes should place it curbside for pickup during their next refuse collection.

Electricity: If you've lost power, call Dominion Energy at 866-366-4357. Residents are urged not to turn off power when standing water is present. Instead, call the building manager or electric utility to shut off power outside the meter. Do not step into a flooded room that may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances or cords.

Missing utility hole covers: Do not attempt to move utility hole covers. Report problems via Call.Click.Connect at 703-746-4357 or online.

Sewer backups: Sewer backups can result when more rain goes in than the drains can handle at a time. Cleanup of sewage backups in homes and businesses is the responsibility of the property owner. Residents who experience regular backups and reside in certain flood-prone areas of Alexandria can also apply for the sewer Backflow Preventer (BFP) Assistance Program for homeowners.

These actions are recommended after a sewer backup:

1. Take photos of the damage to basement rooms and furnishings.
2. Report the damage to your insurance company.
3. Put damaged carpet, furniture, and other household items at the curb at your next trash collection day for free pickup by City crews if you normally receive City trash collection.
4. Contact a commercial firm that provides cleanup following water damage, if necessary.
5. After the rain stops, if sewage has come through a floor or plumbing drain, open the drain to allow as much water to drain out as possible; use buckets, sump pump or other means to remove as much of the contaminated water as possible.
6. Individuals wishing to file a claim with the City should call the Office of Risk Management at 703-838-4549. All claims will be investigated.
7. For health-related questions, contact the Alexandria Health Department, Environmental Health Division, 703-838-4400, ext. 266.

Standing water: Do not drive, walk, bike or otherwise travel through standing water. Please observe all detours and barriers. Turn around, don't drown.

Traffic lights: If you encounter an intersection with an inoperable traffic light, use caution and treat it as a four-way stop.

Trash and recycling: City trash and recycling collection was suspended midday on Monday, July 8. Collections will take place one day later than usual for the rest of the week.

Once conditions are safe, residents should try to locate trash or recycling containers that went missing during the flooding. Missing trash or recycling containers should not be reported until the morning of Wednesday, July 10. As crews are out on Tuesday to service the Monday collection routes, they will attempt to recover containers wherever possible. Because cans aren't marked with addresses, they may not be able to return them to homeowners directly.