National Hurricane Preparedness Week

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

National Hurricane Preparedness Week
Marks Start of Atlantic Hurricane Season

Fairfax County residents can be prepared for weather emergencies by participating in National Hurricane Preparedness Week from May 25 through May 31, which also marks the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season.

The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management encourages everyone to take preventative measures to keep families and homes safe during the hurricane season, which continues through November.

Although there is only an average of one hurricane a year in Virginia, hurricanes can cause damage to homes due to winds ranging from 75 to 200 mph. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale ranges from one to five and classifies hurricanes based on strength with five as the most destructive category. While it is unlikely that Virginia will be hit by a category five hurricane, category three and four hurricanes are possible.

The Fairfax County Government Center will showcase a hurricane preparedness display in the lobby from May 25 through May 31. Additionally, the Office of Emergency Management provides these tips:

Assemble an emergency supply kit with non-perishable food, a battery-operated weather radio and one gallon of water per person per day for three to five days.
Monitor weather advisories. A hurricane watch indicates that tropical storm conditions could develop within 36 hours. A hurricane warning is more severe because hurricane conditions are possible within 24 hours.
Develop a family communications plan. This should include an out-of-state contact. For a sample plan and further information, go to www.makeaplan.org.
Create a pet kit and be prepared to evacuate pets with the family.

For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/prepare/hurricane.htm.

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