National Weather Service Determines Microburst Hit Burke
A severe thunderstorm produced a strong downburst one mile northwest of Burke with peak winds estimated 90 mph around Lake Royal. Through this area, many, though not all, of the trees were snapped midway, uprooted, or had large branches snapped off. Trees fell onto cars, powerlines, roads, and homes with substantial damage.
Support for Residents
Households experiencing issues can call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880 for assistance with emergency food, resources and possible financial assistance.
Residents displaced by the recent storm in Fairfax County can also call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for immediate assistance with shelter, food and other support.
Disaster Recovery Resources
After a disaster, there is typically a lot of work to be done to aid in the cleanup and reconstruction of the affected area.
During this time, there are many different types of scams that can trick you. Some examples of fraud following a disaster include contractor solicitation, insurance fraud, and charity scams.
- File insurance claims as soon as possible
- Contact your insurance company and file a claim before applying for any government individual assistance.
- Photograph or video all damage sustained and create lists of damaged items, including model numbers, estimated value, and photos.
- File your insurance claims before you start any repairs.
- Keep receipts for any disaster-related expenses you have made, such as lodging, medical, repair, and cleaning supplies, etc.
REPORT FRAUD:
National Center for Disaster Fraud: 1-866-720-5721 (Disaster Fraud Hotline)
The National Center for Disaster Fraud seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for the victims of such fraud.
Fairfax County Police: 703-691-2131, TTY 711 (Non-Emergency Line)
Damage Assessment Placards
Our Land Development Services team inspects homes following incidents like microbursts. Here's what the color-coded placards mean:
- White: structure has not yet been inspected or cannot be accessed safely
- Green: structure can be occupied safely
- Yellow: use is limited to safe parts of the structure or for temporary clearing of belongings
- Red: no entry is permitted because the structure is unsafe or permanently uninhabitable
- 1. Disaster Recovery Process
- 2. Initial Actions
- 3. Property Assessment
- 4. Project Scope Determination
- 5. Permits and Construction
As Burke-area residents begin the clean up, recovery and the rebuilding process, use this guide from our Land Development Services. We are here to help you get safely back into your home or business. Call Land Development Services at 703-222-0801 if you have questions about the post-disaster recovery process.
If the property damage is caused by natural disasters or structural impacts, Land Development Services will investigate. Once an investigation is complete, the structure will be released to the occupant/owners of the property.
- If the building is unsafe to occupy, the Fairfax County Fire Official or Fairfax County Building Official will leave a “no trespassing” post on the property. Once the property is ready for restoration, the occupant or contractor may submit a request to the fire or building official to remove the “no trespassing” post.
- If utilities have been shut off, the owner or contractor will need to contact the individual utility companies to restore service. Utilities may include gas, electricity, water and propane.
- If there are structural damages that are a danger to the public, the structure must be remediated as soon as possible as recommended by a third party structural engineer.
Property owners should contact their insurance company immediately to report storm damage and for details on claims processing and other insurance-related requirements.
Request a Damage Assessment Report from LDS to identify the scope of damage and identify the work needed to rebuild. Some reconstruction will require permits and/or building plans. The LDS Permits Applications Center can help you identify which permits will be required to rebuild.
Even if you plan to rebuild the same structure that was damaged or destroyed, permits may be required. Submit any necessary plans and permit applications to LDS. You may need to hire a Virginia licensed registered design professional such as an engineer or architect.
Obtain permits and proceed with construction. A licensed contractor may be required.
Obtain final inspections and an occupancy permit before returning to the building. Depending on the project, inspections may be required from multiple agencies including LDS.