[Archived] Alexandria Prepares for Heavy Rain and Potential Flooding

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	July 7, 2005 PIO# PIO 226-05/sjm	Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

Alexandria Prepares for Heavy Rain and Potential Flooding

Due to possible heavy rains expected over the next few days, the City of Alexandria is preparing for potential flooding and other storm impacts. 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 some parts of Alexandria, especially near Commonwealth Avenue. Because of the large amount of water expected, the sewer system may approach its carrying capacity and may overflow in some areas. It may also back up through plumbing and floor drains. Residents near Commonwealth Avenue are urged to take extra precautions. For more information about prevention tips for sewer backups and hurricane preparations check the City’s web site or call 703.838.4800.

City events scheduled for this weekend, including Saturday’s Alexandria Birthday Celebration at Oronoco Bay Park and the weekly Farmers’ Market in Market Square, have not been cancelled. City businesses remain open for business. Updates about City programs and services will be posted on the City web site .

Other preventive steps taken by the City include:

• Delivery of sandbags late this afternoon to businesses prone to flooding in the unit and 100 blocks of King Street and the 100 and 200 blocks of Union Street.
• Delivery late this afternoon of a pile of sand at 500 S. Union Street for residents and businesses to help themselves; shovels will not be provided.
• Delivery late today of one pallet of sandbags at each of these intersections: Pitt and Gibbon and Commonwealth Avenue and Reed Avenue for use by Alexandria residents and businesses.

The public is reminded that the number of sandbags is limited and those available in Alexandria are for City residents and businesses.

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

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