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Emergency News and Information
More News Headlines from Virginia and FEMA
Flood Safety Tips
If a flood is likely in your area, you should:
- Listen to the radio or television for information.
- Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
- Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
- Evaluate the need to move valuables and essential items from flood prone basements or lower levels to a safer area in the home.
If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:
- Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture.
- Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
If you have to leave your home, remember these safety tips:
- Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
- A foot of water will float many vehicles.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickups.
For additional information, call the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management at 571-350-1000, TTY 711. You can also review this American Red Cross Flood Safety Checklist.
Are you prepared?
The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management suggests a simple
four-step process for residents to prepare themselves, their communities
and their businesses for naturally occuring or man-made emergencies.
Click on the images below to view useful emergency preparedness
information as well as what to do in response to a specific emergency
like a hurricane, winter storm or terrorist attack.
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All residents should learn what to do in case of an emergency. This
includes how to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your
family and property. Disaster can strike quickly and without
warning, requiring you to evacuate your neighborhood, or, in some
cases, confine you to your home. Preparing in advance by learning what
hazards may affect your community and learning how to deal with these
hazards is an important part of emergency preparedness. Be ready!
The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) provides emergency mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery services to the residents of Fairfax County by writing the Emergency Operations Plan (March 22, 2008, Notice of Change to EOP; July 1, 2009, Notice of Change to EOP), managing the county's emergency operations center and the county watch center, and by coordinating post disaster recovery activities. OEM also provides emergency planning in such areas as special needs, continuity of operations and emergency operations. OEM staff members are available to give presentations on emergency preparedness to your homeowner's association, civic group, business or faith community. Contact us to learn more.
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