Indianapolis DPW Providing Sandbags As Rain Continues

With area rivers expected to reach moderate flood conditions this weekend, the Indianapolis Department of Public Worksis making sandbags available to residents in two of the city's flood-prone neighborhoods.

Five hundred sandbags will be made available to the Rocky Ripple and Ravenswood neighborhoods. Both are located in the flood plain near the White River.

DPW says crews will also be actively reviewing potential high water areas and will place barricades to direct stormwater if necessary. The agency's forestry crews will be on standby to address any fallen trees or storm debris, and traffic signal technicians will  be on call to respond to issues as needed.

Officials are encouraging residents to call the Mayor’s Action Center at (317) 327-4622 or visit indy.gov/requestindy to report impassable intersections, fallen trees or storm debris in the public right-of-way, or malfunctioning traffic signals.

Avoid high water

DPW is reminding drivers that water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, or chemicals. A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in a matter of seconds. Twelve inches of water can float a car or small SUV and 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.

Residents can help prevent high water by keeping storm inlets clear and free of debris. But, DPW says neighborhoods should also expect some flooding or ponding on roadways during a flash flood, even if the stormwater system is clear of debris and working correctly, because the system can take time to accommodate heavy or prolonged rain.