WASHINGTON — A Weather Watch Alert has been issued for Tuesday as a strong storm makes its way through parts of the DMV. WUSA9 meteorologists say the storm is expected to bring wind gusts up to 60 mph, 1-3 inches of rain, and a significant coastal flood threat along the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River.
The nasty weather will persist throughout the day with rain becoming heavier lunchtime with moderate to heavy rain until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.
With coastal, street, and river flooding expecting to affect the area, many people across the DMV are working to prepare. Here are ways to protect your home from the severe weather:
Protect Home from Sewer Backups
- Ensure that your back flow preventer, if there is one, is in working order and closed as necessary.
- Stuff a rag, softball or other material into floor drains to stop the flow into basement.
- Cover the drain with a floor mat and weigh it down.
- Place a heavy object on the closed cover of basement toilets to prevent sewage from backing up.
- Restrict the use of plumbing as much as possible until rain subsides. This includes dish and clothes washers, showers and toilets.
Use reasonable precautions to protect yourself from exposure to what may be contaminated water by wearing waterproof boots and gloves.
Protect Home or Business with Sandbags
- Remove any debris from the area where bags will be be placed.
- 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 form a tight seal.
- Stagger the second and next 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.
Maintain Property to Minimize Risk
- Water can leak into crawl spaces and basements through foundation cracks, pipe holes, vents, doors or windows. Also, it can seep between the house siding and foundation sills. Use cement to fill cracks in the foundation, seal openings around pipes with cement or caulk; and seal the joint between siding and foundation with caulk.
- Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and in working order. Ensure that gutters and downspouts discharge properly into the storm sewer or some distance away from your property.
- Maintain the grade around your house so that rainwater drains away from the foundation.
- Consider installing a backup, battery-powered or water-powered sump pump if you rely on a sump pump to keep your house dry, and be sure you understand the limits of the backup pump.
- Consider investing in a generator or heavy-duty power inverter to cope with extended power outages.
These tips were providing through the City of Alexandria, Virginia. Click here for more details about flooding in Alexandria.
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