September is National Preparedness Month. Each Tuesday this month, we will share one simple step you can take to get your household ready for an emergency. Today’s step comes first because it shapes everything else: know what you’re preparing for.

You cannot plan for every emergency at once. But you can learn which ones are most likely to affect Fairfax County and start there. A good emergency plan begins with understanding local risk, not with buying supplies or downloading apps.
 

Emergencies Fairfax County Residents May Face

Northern Virginia sees a range of hazards throughout the year, including:

• Severe thunderstorms with damaging wind, hail and lightning
• Flash flooding, especially near streams and low-lying roads
• Extreme heat, which strains health and power systems during summer months
• Hurricanes and tropical storms, which can bring heavy rain and wind even this far inland
• Winter storms, including ice and heavy snow that can down trees and power lines
• Power outages, which can result from storms or equipment failure
• Winter weather-related road hazards, common on the county’s hills and bridges

Some of these hazards are seasonal. Others, like power outages, can happen any time of year.
 

How Officials Will Reach You

During an emergency, Fairfax County agencies work to get accurate information out fast. That includes updates from the county’s Department of Emergency Management and Security, the National Weather Service and local news outlets. Knowing where to look before an emergency starts saves time when it counts.

The fastest way to get official alerts is Fairfax Alerts, the county’s emergency notification system. It sends warnings about weather, road closures and other emergencies straight to your phone or email. Sign up for free at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts.
 

Your Task This Week

Take a few minutes to think through your household’s risk. Write down the three emergencies most likely to affect you, based on where you live and work. A family near a creek may rank flooding higher. A household with an older adult may rank extreme heat higher.

This list becomes the foundation for the plan you’ll build next week.

Next Tuesday: We’ll walk through how to build a simple household emergency plan, including who to contact and where to meet if you’re separated.