Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director of Public Affairs
703-324-3187, TTY 711, Fax 703-324-2010
Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov
May 12, 2008
Emergency Flood Recovery Information Available Online
With the heavy rain experienced this past weekend, and more in the weather forecast for today, Fairfax County residents are encouraged to visit the Fairfax County Web site, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/recover, for information on recovering after an emergency, including:
- Cleanup safety.
- Debris and tree removal.
- Drinking water safety.
- Food safety.
- Electrical safety.
- Mold, mildew and fungi.
- Permits for home or business repairs.
- Avoiding repair fraud.
- Requesting public assistance.
A comprehensive list of important emergency-related phone numbers, including who to call for sewer breaks and backups, can be found at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/phonenumbers.htm.
Residents also are advised to follow some general safety tips after a flood, including:
- Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
- Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
- Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
For more information, residents can call the Fairfax County Government Emergency Information Line at 703-817-7771, TTY 711, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
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