City Urges Residents to be Prepared

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:

City of Alexandria Urges Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Sandy

For Immediate Release: October 26, 2012

The National Hurricane Center currently forecasts Hurricane Sandy to reach the Alexandria area as early as Sunday, October 28. The National Weather Service predicts that Virginia could experience damaging winds and flooding. In advance of forecasted severe weather, residents should review storm preparation procedures to handle possible flooding, high winds, downed tree limbs, and power outages.

Flooding

Residents are encouraged to prevent flooding and sewer backups in their homes and businesses by taking the following steps:

• Clear leaves, storm drains and sewer openings to prevent clogging.
• Check gutters and downspouts; clear debris from them if necessary.
• Inspect sump pumps to ensure they are working properly.
• Move furniture and other items from basements to upper floors if located in areas of the City prone to sanitary sewer backups.

Residents are asked to bag leaves for collection and expect potential delays in leaf collection services, which are scheduled to begin next week.  Please do not rake leaves into the street.

Power Outages

Residents should keep recommended emergency supplies on hand to be effectively prepared for extended power outages. To report power outages, residents must call Dominion Virginia Powerat1.866.DOM.HELP (1.866.366.4357). If a power outage occurs, do not use candles under any circumstances because they are a fire hazard. Commercial building owners, managers, and engineers should check the emergency generators for their properties and ensure they are in proper working order.

Downed Trees and Tree Limbs

If a tree or major tree limb debris falls onto City streets, contact the Alexandria Police Department’s non-emergency number at 703.746.4444 to submit a report for tree removal.

Emergency Preparedness

Plan to be self-sustaining for at least three days by stocking your pantry with food that does not require refrigeration and ensuring that you have one gallon of water per person per day. Be sure to have emergency supplies on hand, including flashlights; a portable, battery-operated radio with extra batteries; first aid kit; a non-electric can opener; essential medicines; cash and credit cards; and sturdy shoes. For more emergency preparedness tips, visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov.

Other Safety Measures

Residents should bring in or secure garbage cans, lawn furniture, and other items that could be blown by high winds or become dangerous projectiles. Pets should also be brought inside for their safety.

For weather-related information, including information on cancellations and closings, visitalexandriava.gov/Storm. Residents may also follow the City on Twitter or Facebook, or sign up foreNews to get weather-related updates.