[Archived] Alexandria Prepares for Potential Flooding

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

For Immediate Release
September 8, 2004
PIO 213-04/bg

Alexandria Prepares for Potential Flooding

Due to heavy rains expected from Tropical Storm Frances, as well as river flooding caused by high tides and wind, the City of Alexandria is preparing for possible Potomac River flooding over the next few days. The City is encouraging residents and businesses to take necessary steps to keep their homes and families safe. Homeowners are encouraged to clean out their homes’ gutters, clear debris from downspouts, and if the home has a sump pump, make sure it is operating properly. Heavy rains may cause sewer backups in areas that are prone to these backups. For more information about prevention tips for sewer backups and hurricane preparations check the City’s web site https://alexandriava.gov or call 703.838.4800.

Some Alexandria residents and businesses may want to place sand bags on their property for protection. A pile containing six cubic yards (truck load) of sand and 500 bags have been placed at 500 S. Union St. for residents and businesses to help themselves; shovels will not be provided. Yesterday 500 filled sandbags were delivered to businesses in Old Town near the river which are prone to flooding. In addition, 50 sandbags each were placed on pallets for pickup by residents and businesses at these intersections: Pitt and Gibbon Streets, Commonwealth and Glebe, and Prince and Union Streets.

“Residents also need to be aware that significant rains in other areas of the state may cause flooding of the Potomac River in 24 to36 hours,” said Mark Penn, Emergency Management Coordinator.

Penn also noted that even with the potential for heavy rains, businesses in Alexandria are “open for business” and this weekend’s Art Festival will be on, rain or shine.

Last year Hurricane Isabel caused property damage and widespread power outages that lasted for several days. In preparation for potential hurricanes, residents are encouraged to take basic steps to prepare. The basic steps include assembling a disaster supply kit, having a family disaster plan, and being informed about disasters. Additional information on how to prepare for disasters is available on these web sites: www.vaemergeny.com, www.ready.gov, www.redcross.org

For general Alexandria information, residents may call the Office of Citizen Assistance at 703.838.4800.