City of Falls Church Prepares for Severe Weather

The City is preparing for heavy rain on Friday and Hurricane Joaquin on Sunday into Monday. The community should prepare for high water and flooding , strong winds, and power outages.

Prepare Now

• Charge your cellphones and other communication devices in case of power outages.
  
• Keep these numbers nearby:
  
  • Weather Updates: National Weather Service, 703-652-1210 (TTY 711)
  • Power Outages and Downed Power Lines: Dominion Virginia Power, 866-DOM-HELP ( TTY 711) or www.dom.com
  • Gas Issues: Washington Gas, 800-752-7520 or 703-750-1400 (TTY 711)
  • Water Issues: Fairfax Water, 703-698-5800 (TTY 703-698-7025), After Hours: 703-698-5613 (TTY 711)
  • Downed Trees on Streets or Public Property: 703-248-5083 (TTY 711), After Hours: 703-248-5053 (TTY 711)
    
• Have your emergency kit ready: flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate. Go to www.ready.gov or download the Ready Virginia app for more lists and resources.
  
• Do not drive through high water. Do not walk through moving water. What might seem like a small amount of water can easily take over. Stay away from streams—especially children.
  
• Stay off the roads so emergency vehicles and crews can safely navigate the streets.
  

Prepare Your Home

• Remove debris and leaves from the gutter to help with water flow.
  
• Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs.
  
• Secure garbage cans, lawn furniture or anything that could become airborne and cause damage.
  
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas.
  
• Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.
  

Stay Informed

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local media to know when flood watches and warnings are issued.
  
• More hurricane and flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/hurricanesand http://www.ready.gov/floods.
  
• Virginia Department of Emergency Management (statewide information) available atwww.vaemergency.gov, www.twitter.com/vdem, and www.facebook.com/VAemergency.
  
• Sign up for email and text alerts from the City of Falls Church, http://alert.fallschurchva.gov.