Heavy Rain, Flooding Tips For Residents in Fairfax

FAIRFAX, VA — Friday was a reminder that heavy rain happens often this time of the year, and city officials have myriad tips about what to do in such instances, some of which include flooding.

Before an Emergency

• Prepare an emergency kit for sheltering in place or evacuation: make sure you have sufficient cash, medicine, pet food and other specific resources you know you'll need for at least five days. Include insurance information and identification.
• Enroll in Fairfax City Alerts for city-based news and information: http://www.fairfaxva.gov/fairfaxcityalert.
• Stay informed with reliable news and weather resources, such as the National Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov/lwx/
• Take care of pets during an emergency: make a plan for their protection, especially in case of evacuation. (Visit the Department of Homeland Security pet page at http://beta.ready.gov/caring-animals for ideas and information.)
• Coordinate with household members for communication and where to meet if separated during an emergency.
• If you rely on public transportation, contact your local emergency management agency about evacuation info before a hurricane. (CUE Bus information: http://www.cuebus.org, 703-385-7859)
• Charge electronics, and keep them fully charged in anticipation of power loss.
• Fill fuel tanks in vehicles and generators.
• Fill pitchers and other safe, sealable containers with clean tap water (in addiiton to any bottled water you may purchase).
• Prepare your home outdoors:
  • Secure loose items outdoors (furniture, refuse containers, decorations, etc.)
  • Clean gutters and downspouts, or check with the homeowner association or apartment management that is responsible for that service.
  • Gather supplies you may need for sandbags, fill generator fuel tanks, and other household emergency items.
• More information at Virginia Department of Emergency Management Flood information: www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stayinformed/floods.

During an Emergency

• Stay indoors.
• Stay informed with reliable news and weather resources.
• If you experience a power outage, visit the Dominion Virginia Power Outage Center at https://www.dom.com/residential/dominion-virginia-power/outage-center or call (866) DOM-HELP (866-366-4357)
• Do not walk or drive in flooded areas — fast-moving water is dangerous, even if you think it's only "a few inches." Turn Around, Don't Drown.
• Call 9-1-1 in case of emergency.

After an emergency

• Check on your neighbors, particularly those who need extra help (those with disabilities or who are elderly or ill, for example).
• Help your neighbors as you can — but stay safe.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• If you've lost power, keep refrigerator doors closed to keep food safe for a longer period of time.
• If using a generator, keep neighbors in mind and turn it off during late night and early morning hours.
• Call 9-1-1 in case of emergency.

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