Indianapolis officials have begun distributing thousands of free sandbags as a preparation for Labor Day weekend’s heavy rain brought by the remnants of Hurricane Isaac.
Hundreds of residents lined up outside an Indianapolis Department of Public Works site on South West Street to pick up as many sandbags as they can. The city announced Thursday it will give away up to 25 sandbags to each resident. DPW spokeswoman Kara Brooks said the city filled up more than 8,700 sandbags this morning.
The distribution started around 7 a.m. today, but Brooks said people began lining up as early as 6 a.m. to avoid long waiting hours. As of noon today, traffic is backed up more than two blocks outside the facility, and has stretched all the way down to the West Raymond Street bridge. More residents are arriving as of this afternoon and some say they’ve been waiting for at least an hour.
Jo Ellen Roberts, Indianapolis, said she intends to get the maximum number of sandbags to protect her two houses from flooding.
Bruce Matis, Brownsburg, said he has a creek near his backyard and he’s concerned that water will seep into his basement if forecasts hold true.
“I’m a little concerned,” he said. “We think we may have some flooding. I want to be prepared.”
Brooks said the city will be distributing sandbags until 3 p.m. today. As of now, there are no plans after that. She added the city may or may not continue giving away sandbags Saturday, depending on the weather and if supplies last given the current demand.
Meanwhile, Hamilton County will not be distributing sandbags unless flood warnings are issued, said Ron Lipps, spokesman for the Fishers Fire Department.
