City: Prepare for heavy rain from Isaac

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Ahead of the weekend’s expected rain, the Department of Public Works is asking residents to take preventative steps around their home and neighborhood.

One tip DPW offers is for homeowners to check storm inlets to make sure they are not clogged. DPW  will clean storm drains, but storm inlets around homes/neighborhoods are the homeowner’s responsibility.

"We don't want trash and debris there because if they are clogged, water can't flow properly and they are going to create flooding on the streets and yards," said DPW spokesperson Kara Brooks.

Other tips include:

• Clean driveway drains, gutters and downspouts both before the rain starts and after to make sure they haven't re-clogged
• Make sure sump pumps are working
• Be aware of sinkholes or any signs of storm system failure
• Never drive through or walk across standing water

In cases of heavy rain, DPW offers free sandbags.

"We will have more than 8,500 sandbags available (for Marion County residents), which we think will be plenty," said Brooks.

Indianapolis residents can pick up sandbags from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday at 1725 S. West St. Hours may be extended depending on the forecast. DPW asks people to limit sandbags to 25 per household.

Check with the Forecast 8 Weather Blog for the latest as the rain approaches.