Sandbags Available In Alexandria To Prepare For Flooding

Due to heavy rain and the potential for flooding in the forecast, the City of Alexandria is distributing sandbags today, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friday at 133 S. Quaker Lane.

Each household or business can receive up to five bags. Proof of city residency or business ownership (such as a driver’s license or utility bill) is required. Sandbags should be returned to the pickup location after the rain event, and should not be disposed of with normal trash or recycling.

Sandbags can prevent or reduce flood water damage if used properly. The city offers the following tips when using sandbags:

• Remove debris from the area where bags will be used.
• If tied bags are used, flatten them and flare the tied end. If untied bags are used, fold the open end to form a triangle.
• To form a sandbag wall, place bags tightly against one another to form the first layer of defense.
• Place succeeding bags on the folded or flared portion of the previous bag and stamp into place to eliminate gaps and to form a tight seal.
• Stagger the second and subsequent layers of bags, similar to the pattern of bricks on a wall.
• Never use bags to build a fortress around your property because this approach can trap water between sandbag walls and structures, causing further damage.

Learn more about using sandbags and flooding safety tips on the city's website.

The flood watch for the DC region continues through Saturday morning. According to the National Weather Service, rain will continue at least through Friday night and get heavy at times. 1 to 3 inches of additional rainfall is expected.

While flash flooding cannot be ruled out, the primary concern is flooding near small streams and low-lying areas. About 20 percent of Alexandria is mapped as floodplain and has a 1 percent chance of being flooded in any year, according to the city.

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