Dam Failure | Emergency

Department Resources

A Flood Watch means there is a possibility of flooding or a flash flood watch.
A Flash Flood Watch means flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground. A flash flood can occur without any warning.
A Flood Warning means a flood is occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
An Excluded Area (Zone X) on a FEMA flood map is an area that is protected by a dam or levee that would otherwise be in the Special Flood Hazard Area, or "100-year floodplain"; properties in excluded zones are not required to carry flood insurance to get a mortgage, but owners should strongly consider it regardless.
An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a formal document that identifies potential emergency conditions at a dam and specifies actions to be followed to minimize loss of life and property damage.

Sign up for Fairfax Alerts and have a battery or crank powered NOAA weather radio available.
Decide early whether you will evacuate, and where you will go if ordered to leave.
Disconnect electrical appliances.
Know if your residence or business is in a floodplain or an "excluded area" that is protected by a dam or levee but would otherwise be within the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Apply for flood insurance, even if you may be in an "excluded area" or otherwise not be required to do so.
Learn First Aid.
Refer to Power Outage/Blackout and Medical Emergency Annexes.

Return home when local officials say it is safe.
Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
Do not eat any food that may have come in contact with flood water. If in doubt, throw it out.
Remove all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and that cannot be cleaned and dried. These items can remain a source of mold growth and should be removed from the home.
Check in with family and friends by texting or using social media.