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TextOnly Call 9-1-1 for Emergencies
Feb. 10, 2010
OPA 037/10
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Fairfax County public safety officials remind residents that calls to 9-1-1 should only be for emergencies and life-safety issues.
Fairfax County is coordinating transportation for emergency personnel, health care workers and mission-essential staff. Call Fairfax County’s non-emergency number, 703-691-2131, TTY 711, for emergency transportation to work at hospitals, health care facilities or other emergency service locations. Do NOT call 9-1-1.
A blizzard warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. tonight. A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are occurring. The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management strongly recommends that residents remain indoors where they are not exposed to current hazardous weather conditions. This is a life-threatening situation for anyone who becomes stranded. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds will create whiteout conditions making travel extremely dangerous.
Check the Fairfax County Weather and Operating Status page for the most current updates on decisions regarding county facilities. As information comes in, it is posted.
Fairfax County encourages residents to take measures for personal and property safety during the ongoing snow emergency.
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Snow and Roof
Safety
- Evacuate if you notice any warning signs of roof distress.
- Do not attempt to clear the snow off a roof; do clear roof downspouts and drains.
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Call 9-1-1 if the roof has collapsed.
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Avoid driving. If you must travel:
- Do so during daylight, drive slowly and use main roads.
- Carry a cell phone for emergency use.
- Inform someone of your route and when you expect to arrive.
- Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights – even the hood and roof – before driving.
- Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – maintain a safe stopping distance and don’t pass on the right.
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Don’t use your cruise control in wintry conditions and don’t pump
anti-lock brakes. It’s recommended to “stomp and
steer.”
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Caution should be used with any approved (UL or FM listed) auxiliary
heating devices. Keep combustibles away from all portable heating
devices, monitor their use and don't leave them unattended.
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With many in Fairfax County without power, residents are encouraged to
check on their neighbors, especially the elderly. If a neighbor is
without power and you have power service, please help as possible. Do
not call 9-1-1 for information on the restoration of power; call your
local provider:
- Dominion Virginia Power: 1-888-667-3000
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Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC): 703-335-0500 or
toll-free 1-888-335-0500.
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If you clear snow be careful to avoid overexertion. Intense exertion
from shoveling snow, combined with low temperatures can potentially
cause heart attacks and injuries. Stay hydrated while shoveling.
- Hypothermia — If you see an unsheltered person at night who may be at risk of hypothermia, call Fairfax County’s non-emergency phone line at 703-691-2131.
Stay Informed
Emergency information is available on Fairfax County’s Web site, Facebook, Twitter, emergency
information phone line (703-817-7771), the Community
Emergency Alert Network (CEAN) and on Fairfax County Government Channel 16. In addition, 1670 AM, emergency radio for Fairfax
County, is broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the
National Weather Service.
Additional winter weather preparedness information can be found online
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Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director, Office of Public Affairs
703-324-3189, TTY 711, Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov
To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187, TTY 711
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