BALTIMORE CITY (WMAR) — Storm preparations are underway in Baltimore City.
All Monday, Baltimoreans lined up to get free bags of sand from Baltimore City Department of Transportation to protect their home against potential flooding.
"I'm concerned. It keeps me from having to rebuild or repair anything," said Yolanda.
Park Heights resident Yolanda has been through this before... getting sand to shore up her home.
"On the outside and in the basement because my basement floods a lot," said Yolanda.
West Baltimore siblings Vernon and Martha Ross too. Their homes just flooded Thursday so they didn’t hesitate to come out and get free sand.
"We got in over 100 gallons of water more that we personally had to use a shop vac and this electric pump… and it took us 4 hours to get most of the water out," said Vernon.
"It was really really time consuming, frustrating and laborious... but yeah I’m so thankful [for the sand]," said Martha.
City officials warn that tropical storm Isaias could bring widespread power outages, flooding and debris and they want residents to be prepared, especially in areas already prone to flooding: Fells Point, the Clipper Mill Business Park and areas near the Jones Falls, Gwynns Falls and Herring Run.
"The storm is expected to have a wide impact no matter where the center of the storm is," said Chief James Wallace, acting director of the Office of Emergency Management.
As of 6 p.m. Monday, parking restrictions are in effect for low lying areas in Fells Point and towing crews are on standby to relocate cars if needed.
The city has opened up two Fells Point garages (805 S. Caroline St. and 501 S. Eden St.) for free parking until Wednesday, so residents have a place to secure their cars.
City crews are clearing storm drains and ask that people do the same to prevent flooding. As the storm approaches, residents are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
"We can’t tell so it’s best to prepare and that’s what it looks like everyone is trying to do," said Martha.
"I definitely feel fortunate that we’ve got this right here. We live around the corner so it’s very convenient," said Fells Point resident Joey.
Sand bags are available at the intersection of Broadway and Thames and at Stillmeadow Community Fellowship Church on Frederick Avenue in West Baltimore until 8 p.m.
It’s a maximum of 10 and you need a face mask and proof of city residence.
