From Dranesville District Supervisor, John Foust:
The National Weather Service is now reporting that Hurricane Sandy is likely to have a significant impact on the Washington DC Metropolitan area beginning on Sunday. The hurricane is expected to be a slow moving/long lasting system with gusty tropical storm force winds, heavy rain and flooding. We all should be prepared for wide-spread power outages, road closures and traffic signal outages and other damage from strong winds, flooding and downed trees and branches.
As the storm approaches and during the storm, Fairfax County will be posting regularly about Hurricane Sandy on the Fairfax County Emergency Blog. This is the very best place for County residents to find Fairfax County-specific information, messages and guidance. To sign up, go to the Fairfax County Emergency Blog, to the right hand side where you will see “Email Subscription.”
We will continue to disseminate emergency information as we receive it, along with other helpful information.
My staff and I will be monitoring the storm situation closely. If you have concerns you may send an email to my office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (703) 356-0551. Please call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
I encourage you stay safe during this weather emergency and to check in on any elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may not have access to information or emergency supplies.
Sincerely,
John Foust
Preparedness Activities
- We urge all of our Fairfax County residents to stay up to date on this storm as it has potential for heavy rains, winds and flooding.
- Ensure that you have adequate food and water on hand in the event power is lost or roads are closed due to downed trees.
- Don’t forget your pets, medications and others who may need special assistance.
- Ensure that you have a communications plan and that all family members understand who to call if you get separated.
- In these types of weather events, excessive rain will loosen tree root systems so a greater potential for downed trees can be expected.
- Sign up for the Fairfax County Emergency Alert program. (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cean/)
- In the event you live in an area that is prone to flooding, be prepared to relocate your family and vehicle before flood waters have an impact. In past events, there has been little warning once the water begins to rise.
- If you are driving and see a street that is flooded, Turn Around.
Get Emergency Supplies
- Buy extra water. One gallon of water per person (and pet) per day is recommended for drinking and sanitation.
- Buy an extra bag (or cans) of food for your pet.
- Withdraw some extra cash from your bank or ask for cash back at a grocery store so you can make purchases in case there are power outages.
- Review your infant and young children supplies essential to you as a parent or someone who may be taking care of a young child.
- Pickup an extra package or two of the most commonly used batteries in your home.
- Purchase extra over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin or children’s medications you frequently use.
- Clear Leaves From Storm Drains. It’s fall and our trees are showing off their reds and oranges, but many leaves have hit the ground. Keep storm drains clear in case we receive inches of rain. If you live within a homeowner’s association or apartment complex check in to see if they plan to clear common areas.
Stay Informed
- Share this information with your family/friends/coworkers and ask them to subscribe to the Fairfax County Emergency Blog (http://fairfaxcountyemergency.wordpress.com/) posts by email. The blog will provide updates throughout the storm.
- Sign up for our Community Emergency Alert Network text/email updates that will provide weather alerts and other critical information. (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cean/)
- If you use social media sites, then follow Fairfax County on Facebook or Twitter. Be an information ambassador and share/retweet updates. If using Twitter, help the County see local tweets by using the hashtag #ffxstorm.
- Keep up to date with local conditions – follow TV and radio reports from your area, or visit http://www.weather.gov/ (http://mobile.weather.gov on your phone) for the latest forecast.
- Download the County mobile apps with emergency information and get the American Red Cross “Hurricane” app – Android, Apple.
- For more tips, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency.
- Important phone numbers
