Emergency

• Leave immediately. Get everyone out of the building.
• Do NOT turn lights on or off.
• Do NOT use phones, appliances, or anything electrical inside.
• Do NOT light matches or candles.
• Do NOT try to locate the leak yourself.
• Once safely outside, call 911 and your gas company.

• Smell of rotten eggs.
• Hissing or whistling sounds near gas lines.
• Dead or dying vegetation near a gas line.
• Bubbling in standing water.

• Know how to shut off your gas — but only turn it off if instructed by authorities or your utility company.
• Make sure your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.
• Keep flashlights accessible — avoid using candles during outages.
• Have a family evacuation plan and a meeting place outside your neighborhood.

• Follow instructions from local officials.
• Be prepared for possible evacuations.
• If asked to evacuate, bring essentials and leave immediately.
• Do not return home until officials say it is safe.
• Gas leaks are serious and can quickly become life-threatening. When in doubt — get out and call for help.

According to the Residential Fuel Gas Alarms guidance from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas alarms should be tested, listed, and labeled by a recognized third-party laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek. Install alarms in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions—typically near fuel-burning appliances, in basements or attached garages where fuel gas enters the home, and outside sleeping areas for early notification. Alarms should be inspected and tested at least monthly, or as directed by the manufacturer, to ensure they are functioning properly.

Department of Animal Sheltering: 

• Animal Shelter Volunteers and foster caregivers assist with the care and sheltering of displaced or rescued animals during emergencies.
• Fairfax County Animal Services | Animal Services

Department of Emergency Management and Security:

• Emergency Management Volunteer Corps – Trained volunteers who promote preparedness and support public outreach.
• Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) – Licensed amateur radio operators who provide emergency communications support.
• Volunteer Emergency Team (VET) – A group of volunteers who have signed up to be called upon during emergencies or disasters to support Fairfax County’s response and recovery efforts.
• VET Leader – Trained members of the Volunteer Emergency Team who help set up and manage Volunteer Reception Centers (VRCs), assisting with coordinating spontaneous volunteers and coordinate donation collection if needed.
• https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergencymanagement

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department:

• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – Volunteers trained in disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and first aid who can assist first responders and help organize community efforts.
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) | Fire and Rescue

Fairfax County Health Department:

• Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) – Medical and non-medical volunteers who assist with public health emergencies, such as mass vaccination clinics or shelter operations.
• Fairfax Medical Reserve Corps | Health

Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD):

• Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) – Individuals who assist with administrative and community support roles to aid police operations.
• Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) | Police

1.) How can I volunteer to help during a disaster?

During a disaster, Fairfax County will call upon volunteers that are already affiliated with the county to fill volunteer opportunities. Learn more about volunteer opportunities above.

2.) Can I just show up to help?

No, in Fairfax County affiliated volunteers are requested to fill volunteer needs. We ask that anyone interested in disaster response volunteering sign up through one of our affiliated organizations before a disaster strikes. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit the volunteer opportunities.

3.) What kind of volunteer work is usually needed after a disaster?

Typical needs include:

• Debris cleanup

• Donation sorting and distribution

• Flow controller

• Data entry

4.) Do I need special training to volunteer?

Some roles require training, while others don’t. We strongly encourage those interested in volunteering to sign up before a disaster strikes. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit the volunteer section above.

5.) Can youth or teens volunteer?

Depending on the situation, youth and teens may be able to participate in volunteer opportunities. The requirements (including age restrictions or volunteering with a parent/guardian) will be displayed for each available volunteer opportunity.

6.) I’m a trained professional (nurse, EMT, social worker). How can I help?

Register with the Fairfax County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). MRC accepts medical and non-medical volunteers who assist with public health emergencies, such as mass vaccination clinics or shelter operations.

7.) What if I want to volunteer virtually?

Some organizations offer virtual or remote roles. All available volunteer opportunities will be posted.

8.) Are volunteers still needed after the immediate response?

Absolutely. Recovery can take months or years. Volunteers are essential for rebuilding, community outreach, and supporting affected families long after the headlines fade. You can visit the volunteer section at the top of this page for available opportunities.