Printer
TextHealth and Safety Podcast Transcript: November 14, 2012
Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast
for November 14, 2012. I’m Jim Person, Fairfax County emergency
information officer. Coming up, learn about recovery efforts to Hurricane
Sandy and how you can help, how to arrange a presentation on emergency
preparedness, resources for making emergency plans and preparing for
winter. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at
www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is partnering with numerous organizations to support the Hurricane Sandy response and recovery effort. If you are interested in helping, FEMA recommends donating cash and donating through trusted organizations. More information and volunteering suggestions are available online at www.fema.gov/volunteer-donate-responsibly.
Anyone affected by Sandy (homeowners, renters and businesses) should apply for federal disaster assistance. Register at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling FEMA at 800-621-FEMA; that’s 800-621-3362. Before you call, be sure to have the address of the affected property, your insurance information and your Social Security number. Learn more online at www.fema.gov/sandy.
The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management is available to deliver emergency preparedness presentations to community organizations and homeowners associations. If interested, call 571-350-1000, TTY 711; or email oem@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Governor Bob McDonnell has proclaimed Dec. 2-8 as Winter Preparedness
Week in Virginia. Here are some important tips for protecting
yourself and your home:
-
Remember “Get where you need to be before the weather gets bad.” It’s
always best to stay off roads during winter storms. Most traffic
crashes happen within the first two hours after a storm starts. Get
road conditions by calling 511 or visiting www.511Virginia.org.
-
If you heat with a fireplace or wood stove, have a professional check
it, especially if it has been a long time since the last cleaning.
Residue can build up and cause fires.
-
Never plug space heaters into extension cords; plug them into wall
outlets. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from other objects and turn
off before going to bed.
-
Stay informed during power outages. Be sure you have a hand-crank
and/or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries). Get one with the
NOAA Weather Radio band so you can hear winter weather reports directly
from the National Weather Service as well as local radio stations.
These are available at electronics, discount and sporting goods stores
and online from many retail outlets. Models are available for those
with special needs.
-
Don’t use candles during power outages. Many home fires in winter are
caused by candles. Flashlights are much safer. Be sure to have plenty
of extra batteries.
- Most importantly, you need a family emergency plan. If your family cannot return home because of severe weather or closed roads you need to decide now on where you will meet to reunite. You also need an out-of-town relative or friend to be your family emergency contact. Learn more about making a plan for winter weather and all emergencies – and get a free family emergency plan worksheet – at www.ReadyVirginia.gov. You also can make a family or business plan at www.ReadyNoVa.org.
Finally, Fairfax County residents are encouraged to use the family and business emergency planners at www.ReadyNOVA.org. Having an emergency plan is a key part of being ready. Take the time now to visit ReadyNoVa.org and customize your plan.
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.
Website Survey 