Sandbag Pickup Closes, Isaias Prep Tips For Alexandria Residents

5:02 p.m. update: The sandbag pickup location has closed due to supplies running out.

ALEXANDRIA, VA — City officials urge Alexandria residents to be prepared for the potential impacts from Tropical Storm Isaias into Tuesday. Sandbags and preparation tips were offered Monday.

Alexandria and other parts of the region are under a tropical storm warning as wind damage is possible Tuesday morning into Tuesday afternoon. The latest projection calls for 15 to 25 mph winds with gusts to 40 mph in Alexandria. Limited wind damage to objects is possible, especially lightweight, unsecured objects.

The National Weather Service also issued a flash flood watch in Alexandria and other parts of the region from Monday evening to Tuesday evening. According to the NWS, rainfall tied to Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to start appearing northward late Monday into 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 potential of flooding comes after Alexandria residents experienced flooding in homes and streets as a result of the July 23 thunderstorm.

Curbside trash and recycling collection is suspended for city customers on Tuesday. Collections normally scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be delayed by a day. Yard waste collection is suspended on Friday, so any yard materials placed outside will be collected as trash. Residents can dispose of storm debris from their property on their next trash and recycling collection day.

Sandbags were distributed at 133 South Quaker Lane on Monday before supplies ran out. Sandbags were first come, first served with a limit of five per resident. ID is required, and residents were asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing when picking up sandbags.

The city typically makes sandbags available when coastal flooding is a threat. Sandbags, when set up properly, can prevent or reduce floodwater damage by diverting water around buildings.

Here are the city's 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.

Along with use of sandbags, here are some other tips to prepare for the severe weather:

• Prepare an emergency plan for your family with an emergency communications plan that includes phone numbers for utilities, emergency contact information, doctors, and schools.
• Follow an emergency kit checklist to gather medications, non-perishable food, pet supplies, clothing, tools and safety items, and other items you need in an emergency.
• Make preparations for your property: information is available at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Hurricane Preparation page and the City’s Flood Map page.
• Take steps to prevent sewer backups in your home.
• Clear leaves and debris from around gutters and storm drains on property.
• Prepare to bring lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects inside.
• Turn the refrigerator to maximum cold, open only when necessary, and pack your freezer with as much as you can. This will help food stay colder longer.
• Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for sanitary purposes.
• Fuel and service vehicles.
• Follow the National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington office for weather advisories.
• Monitor local radio or television stations for official emergency information and instructions. Keep a battery-operated radio for messages in case of outages.
• Make an evacuation plan to use in case you are asked to do so by local officials.
• If winds become strong, stay away from windows and doors. Go to an interior first-floor room such as a bathroom or closet. Close all interior doors and brace external doors.
• For updates on city services, sign up for Alexandria's e-news or follow the city's Facebook or Twitter.
• For more information, visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/Hurricane.

SEE ALSO: VA, DC Under Tropical Storm Watch As Isaias Churns Up East Coast