Printer
TextHow to Prepare and Protect Yourself From Floods
Fairfax County Office of Public
Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
703-324-3187, TTY 703-324-2935, FAX 703-324-2010
Aug. 12, 2004
Flood Safety:
How to Prepare and Protect Yourself From Floods
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch in effect from
noon today to noon Friday, Aug. 13, throughout most of the Washington
D.C. metropolitan area, including Fairfax County. Slow moving
thunderstorms are expected to develop by afternoon and persist into the
evening; in addition remnants of Tropical Storm Bonnie will affect the
region late tonight and Friday morning, bringing more widespread and
heavy rain to the area. Over this weekend, Hurricane Charley is also
expected to bring more rain to the area.
County residents should be prepared for possible flooding over the next
few days if heavy rain arrives and area creeks and small streams rise
significantly. According to the National Weather Service, floods cause
more damage ($4.1 billion) and loss of life (127 people on average
annually) nationwide than any other natural disaster. If you live in a
flood-prone area, it’s important to protect yourself and your family from
the consequences of flooding.
A flood watch means that flooding is possible but not imminent. A flood
warning means that flooding is already occurring or will soon
occur.
Fairfax County officials remind residents that this is a good time to
review your family disaster plan and be prepared to implement it. The
following advice may help protect lives and reduce damage before, during
and after severe storms and flooding.
BEFORE THE STORM
• Monitor your local news and NOAA Weather Radio for weather-related
information. Or visit the National Weather Service’s Web site at www.nws.noaa.gov for the
latest weather information. Battery powered weather radios are available
at most stores that sell electronic equipment.
• Move to higher ground, away from creeks, streams, rivers and storm
drains. Flash floods can sweep over an area without warning, and you may
only have minutes to get to safety.
• Listen for distant thunder because water from faraway storms may be
headed your way. Be aware that flash flooding can occur up to 12 hours
after heavy rains.
• Learn the safest route from your home or place of business to a safe
area away from the high winds or flooding. Keep your vehicle fueled and
have an updated local map in your car.
• Move livestock and animals to higher ground; bring pets inside.
• Store extra drinking water. Fill up clean plastic bottles with clean
water if you live in a flood-prone area.
• Move your valuables and furniture to higher floors of your home.
• Check your gutters to make sure they are clear of leaves and
debris.
• Check your family emergency kit to be sure it is stocked with
essential supplies to last a minimum of three days. Include items like
flashlights and batteries, battery-operated radio, weather radio, water,
canned food and manual can opener, first aid supplies and medications.
Make an emergency kit with supplies for your pet, as well.
• Review your family emergency and communications plan. Decide on a
meeting place away from home where you and your family will gather if you
need to leave your home and family members become separated.
DURING THE STORM
• Know how to get emergency information for your area. Fairfax County
government provides emergency information on its Web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov, on Government
Cable Channel 16 and via the county Emergency Information Line at
703-817-7771, TTY 711.
• Keep your battery-operated radio tuned to a local station, and follow
all instructions. If you are told to evacuate, move out of the house or
building to safe, high ground before access is cut off by
floodwater.
• Never walk or swim through swiftly moving water. Avoid already-flooded
areas. Floodwaters that are above your knees are dangerous. Turn around
and go back to higher ground.
• Never try to cross standing or moving water in a vehicle. Water that
is two feet deep can carry away most cars, including SUVs. If you find
floodwaters on the road, turn around and find an alternate route.
• Abandon your vehicle immediately if it becomes surrounded with water
or the engine stalls. Seek higher ground immediately.
AFTER THE STORM
• When it is safe to return to your home, be sure that the structure is
not visibly damaged and in danger of collapsing before entering.
• Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet. Do not turn on
damaged electrical appliances because of the hazards of electric shock or
fire.
• Watch for live electrical wires. Be sure the electrical current is
turned off and do not attempt to turn on any electrically-operated light
or appliance until an electrician has checked your system.
For more information on flood preparedness, visit the Fairfax County Web
site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov or call
the Fairfax County Emergency Information Line at 703-817-7771, TTY 711.
Visit the National Weather Service’s Web site at www.nws.noaa.gov for the
latest weather information.
Website Survey 