[Archived] City of Alexandria Urges Residents and Businesses to Prepare for Remnants of Hurricane Zeta; Provides Free Sandbags

For Immediate Release: October 28, 2020

The City of Alexandria urges residents and businesses to prepare for the remnants of Hurricane Zeta, which may result in periods of heavy rain in the region on Thursday. The National Weather Service forecast includes a 100% chance of rain beginning early Thursday morning, with the potential for up to three inches by the end of the day.

The City will provide free sandbags to residents and businesses today, October 28, from 4 p.m. to 6 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.

Preparedness Information and Tips

Making preparations for an emergency now is the best way to protect yourself, loved ones, property, and the community. Residents and businesses should find out if they are in evacuation areas; 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 needed in an emergency.

Understanding Tropical Storm and Hurricane Messages

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.

Preparation During a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch:

• 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.

Once a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning is Declared:

• 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.

Stay Informed

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.