Transcript: Health and Safety Podcast

July 23, 2025

Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast. Coming up, learn about building a resilient community, some summer water safety tips, and important phone numbers. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

 

The Department of Emergency Management and Security regularly partners with community organizations, including faith-based groups, to build a more resilient and connected community. To strengthen these efforts, DEMS is currently gathering information about the disaster-related initiatives and services faith-based organizations may provide, whether locally, nationally, or internationally. Your input on a current survey will help them better understand your organization's role in disaster response and identify opportunities for collaboration and support. Also, to learn more about emergency management and security responses for your Houses of Faith, you may want to register for the 4th Annual FCIA Resiliency Conference, “Faith Forward: Preparedness for a Resilient Community,” Sept. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 

Here are some essential water safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe this season:

For Boaters:

• Wear a life jacket: Virginia law requires all children under 13 to wear a life jacket while on a moving vessel, but everyone should have one on board and wear it.
• Don’t boat under the influence: Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous and illegal.
• Check the weather: Conditions on the water can change quickly. Always check forecasts before heading out and monitor for storms.
• Know the rules of the water: Learn navigational markers, right-of-way rules, and no-wake zones. Unsafe speed and reckless operation are leading causes of boating accidents.
• Carry safety gear: Fire extinguishers, distress signals, lights, a whistle or horn, and a first aid kit should be on every vessel.

For Swimmers:

• Swim in designated areas: Stay in marked swimming zones and never swim near a boat launch or docked vessels.
• Keep an eye on children: Always supervise children closely, even if they’re wearing flotation devices.
• Avoid alcohol near water: Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of drowning.
• Know your limits: Even experienced swimmers can get tired or caught in a current—don’t push your limits.

For Anyone Near the Water:

• File a float plan: Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
• Respect wildlife and the environment: Avoid disturbing animals or damaging natural habitats.
• In an emergency, call 9-1-1: Our Police Department’s Marine Patrol officers coordinate with air support and dive teams to respond quickly when time matters most.

The water can be a place for fun and relaxation but only if it’s approached with caution and responsibility. This summer, help us keep everyone safe by following these tips and spreading awareness.

 

Finally, save important phone numbers to your phone contacts and be prepared digitally before an emergency or crisis. Find the numbers you need online. Just search “hotlines and emergency numbers” at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. 

 

That’s it for this edition of the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast, produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government. Thanks for listening. Additional information about health and safety topics and emergency preparedness may be found on our emergency information blog at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog. Follow the Health and Safety podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. And remember, if you have a police, fire, or medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency needs, call 703-691-2131.