For Immediate Release: August 3, 2020
The City of Alexandria urges residents and businesses to prepare for Tropical Storm Isaias, which is expected to become a hurricane later today. The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning, Flash Flood Watch and Coastal Flood Watch for Alexandria and the surrounding area, with the potential for winds up to 57 miles per hour, rainfall of up to 6 inches through Tuesday evening, and moderate coastal flooding through Wednesday night.
The City is providing free sandbags to residents and businesses today, August 3, until 7 p.m., at 133 S. Quaker Lane. Sandbags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of five per resident or business. Proof of residency or business in Alexandria is required. Please wear a mask and maintain 6 feet of distance from others when picking up, and review guidance for proper use of sandbags.
City crews continue to inspect and clear debris from streets and curb inlets in advance of the storm; residents and businesses can help by clearing leaves and debris from around gutters and storm drains on their property.
Making preparations for an emergency now is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, property, and community. Residents and businesses should find out if they are in an evacuation area; assess their risks; and determine if their property is vulnerable to storm surge, flooding or winds.
A family emergency plan will help you decide where to meet if you are separated, how to care for your pets, and secure your home.
An emergency communications plan will guide you through organizing important information about the individuals in your household, including phone numbers for utilities, emergency contact information, doctors, and schools to ensure the information is readily available to everyone.
A basic emergency kit checklist will help you gather medications, non-perishable food, pet supplies, clothing, tools and safety items, and other items you need in an emergency.
The severity of the message is key to how soon to expect a storm’s impact and the level of action you will need to take.
A WATCH means tropical storm or hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours.
Monitor local radio or television stations for official emergency information and instructions.
Review your emergency kit checklist, family emergency plan and emergency communications plan with your household.
Make an evacuation plan to use in case you are asked to do so by local officials.
Fuel and service vehicles.
Make interior and exterior preparations for your property: information about both permanent changes and emergency measures you can take to safeguard your home from an imminent flood threat are available at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Hurricane Preparation page and the City’s Flood Map page.
A WARNING means tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours.
Closely monitor radio, TV, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for official bulletins.
Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if told to do so.
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.
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.
During any severe weather event, stay informed by monitoring local media for official news and information. The City will also post updates about City services and programs on alexandriava.gov and send them to the media for broadcast. Information will also be posted to the City’s social media channels. To receive emergency notifications by text or email, subscribe to the City’s free Alexandria eNews service at alexandriava.gov/eNews.
Visit alexandriava.gov/Hurricane for more information about hurricane preparedness, including flooding information, food and water safety, post-storm cleanup instructions, a Virginia evacuation guide and more.
For inquiries from the news media or reasonable accommodation requests only, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959, Virginia Relay 711.
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