Who to Contact About Power Outages, Downed Trees and Wires

Published on
06/20/2025
downed tree in fairfax county

 

 

Power outages can be annoying when they happen for a short time, but they can be dangerous if they last for days or longer - especially during very cold or hot weather, or for people who need special medical care.

Report Your Power Outage

If you are without power, report your power outage to your utility provider: 

Read some tips about what to do before, during and after a power outage.

 


If a tree falls, then who do you call? Here’s a list of who to contact if you see a downed tree or wires:
 

Life-Threatening

  • If there’s an immediate life-safety issue, call or text 9-1-1.
  • If a tree falls into your home:
    1. Get everyone safely out of your house. Use your cellphone or go to a neighbor’s house and call 9-1-1.
    2. Stay away from the home until public safety employees can access your home for structural safety (as well as ensuring your utilities are OK or should be turned off.)
    3. Only after all of these safety measures should you then call your insurance company.
       

Power Lines

  • Of course, NEVER touch a downed wire; report them:
    • Dominion Power: 1-866-366-4357 
    • NOVEC: 703-335-0500
       

Roads

Sidewalks

Fairfax County Government/Parks/Schools

  • County Government buildings: 703-324-2055, TTY 711
  • Fairfax County Park Authority property: 703-324-8594, TTY 711 or report online
  • Fairfax County Public Schools property: 703-764-2429, TTY 711
     

Private Property

  • Removal is the property owner’s responsibility. We suggest direct communication with your neighbor, then we recommend contacting a professional, licensed arborist to inspect the tree. The county has no authority in civil issues like downed trees.
     

Posing Hazard to Public Areas

  • Contact Fairfax County Urban Forestry at 703-324-1770, TTY 703-324-1877.

 

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