Tips for Before, During and After Hurricanes

If you lose electrical power call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).

Hurricane Preparedness Tips sent along by Fairfax Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova and Dranesville Supervisor John Foust

Before the Storm

• Cut dead trees and limbs that could fall on your home.
• Learn the difference between a watch and a warning.
• A hurricane watch indicates that hurricane conditions are possible in your area within 36 hours.
• A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions are possible in your area within 24 hours.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, identify where to go if ordered to evacuate and the safest route to get there. If there is a flood, you may only have minutes to get to safety. Choose several places - a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter. Remember, public shelters and many motels don't allow pets in their facilities.
• If your home or business is in a flood-prone area, make sure you have a current flood insurance policy (not typically part of a standard insurance policy). A 30-day waiting period is generally required to purchase flood insurance, so take time now to visit your insurance agent to learn more.
• Take pictures of your property before the storm to help validate your claim and remember to take your policies with you if you need to evacuate.

When a Hurricane is Approaching

• To help keep food cold for several hours if the power goes out, fill plastic containers with water, leaving about an inch of space inside each one (remember, water expands as it freezes). Place the containers in the refrigerator and freezer. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold for several hours if the power goes out.
• Fill your bathtub with water to use for toilet flushing in case water is unavailable following a storm.
• Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture and other items that could blow away.
• Fill your car's gas tank. Gas stations will be in short supply in a power outage.

After the Storm

• Prepare to be without power, telephone or any outside services for a week or more.
• Watch out for downed power lines, weakened structures, rodents and snakes, and avoid standing water.
• Avoid drinking tap water unless officials say it is safe to do so. Eat only foods you are absolutely sure are safe.
• Operate generators outdoors only in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. Poor ventilation can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death.
• Avoid using candles as a light source. Deadly fires can result.

 
Flood Safety Tips: Fairfax is now under a flash flood watch. If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or television for information.
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
• If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:
• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
• Remember, when driving in flood conditions:
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.