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TextHealth and Safety Podcast Transcript: Aug. 10, 2011
Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast for
August 10, 2011. I’m Jim Person, Fairfax County emergency information
officer. Coming up, learn about the updated 2011 Atlantic hurricane
season and how you can volunteer for an emergency exercise on Aug. 31.
Also learn how you can honor the remembrance of the 10th anniversary of
the 9/11 terrorist attacks by recognizing preparedness month in
September. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online
at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
NOAA issued its updated 2011 Atlantic hurricane season outlook earlier this month raising the number of expected named storms from its pre-season outlook issued in May. Forecasters also increased their confidence that 2011 will be an active Atlantic hurricane season. Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the whole season – June 1 to November 30 – NOAA’s updated seasonal outlook projects, with a 70 percent probability, a total of:
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14 to 19 named storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher), including:
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7 to 10 hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), of which:
- 3 to 5 could be major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph).
These ranges are indicative of an active season, and extend well above
the long-term seasonal averages of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and
two major hurricanes.
On Aug. 31, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is conducting
a shooter scenario incident and is looking for victim/actors of all ages,
youngsters too. Parent involvement for the younger “victims” is
encouraged, so this can be a family affair. The drill will be from 8 a.m.
to 3 p.m. and will be held at Walt Whitman Middle School, 2500 Parkers
Lane, Alexandria. This exercise will involve EMS and firefighters. If you
are interested in volunteering, email Jessica Spear at jessica.spear@fairfaxcounty.gov.
This September marks the 10-year anniversary of the tragic terrorist
attacks of 9/11 that included a jet airplane crashing into the Pentagon
on Virginia soil, killing 125 military and civilian workers and all 64
people on the plane.
In observing the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, we can honor the
memory of those who were lost by making sure we are ready to respond to
all types of disasters and emergencies. There is no better time to get
ready for emergencies than September, which is National Preparedness
Month.
Every Fairfax County family and business can take just a few simple steps to prepare and protect your family and your assets:
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Make an emergency plan.
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Store at least a three-day supply of water and food.
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Get a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio.
This September: a time to remember; a time to prepare. Honor the past by
being ready for whatever the future may hold.
That’s it for this edition of the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast, produced by the Fairfax County, Virginia government. Thanks for listening. Additional information about health and safety topics and emergency preparedness may be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. And remember, if you have a police, fire or medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency needs, call 703-691-2131.
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