Alexandria is no stranger to flooding, so they’re not taking any chances for the potential from Hurricane Irene.
The demand for sandbags by District residents exceeded the city's supply of about 7,000 bags on Friday, causing an early end to the day's giveaway.
DPW ended Friday's sandbag program at 5 p.m. instead of the scheduled end time of midnight.
Another shipment of about 2,700 bags should arrive by Saturday morning, and those will be available for pickup starting at noon on a first-come, first-served basis.
Residents with D.C. identification may pick up sandbags (up to five per household) at a new location -- RFK Stadium, Lot 7.
Distribution will continue until the supply runs out. The sandbags weigh between 40 lbs. and 50 lbs. and residents will need to load them into their vehicles.
In St. Mary's County, Md., where a state of emergency and a hurricane warning are in effect, sand, bags and shovels will be available beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Alexandria businesses and residents also lined up for sandbags starting at 11 a.m. Friday at King and Lee streets in Old Town, George Washington Middle School at 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. and Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology at 3600 Commonwealth Ave.
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At King and Lee streets Friday, 600 sandbags were gone in 20 minutes, but another load was to be delivered, News4's Shomari Stone reported.
Alexandria also advised residents to avoid flooding by clearing eaves, drains and sewer openings; cleaning debris from gutters and downspouts; and inspecting sump pumps to make sure they are working properly.
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