EMERGENCY PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE / FRANKENSTORM SANDY

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS suggestions for Herndon and Northern Virginia for Hurricane / Frankenstorm Sandy

Current Impact

Citizens need to prepare NOW for a major weather event beginning Sunday and lasting through at least Tuesday. The storm will have strong winds which could last for more than 48 hours. Because of the strong winds, downed trees are predicted and extensive power outages are likely.

Are you Ready?

Visit www.vaemergency.gov for detailed information. Make an emergency kit, including flashlights, batteries, radio, water, food for 3 days that doesn't need refrigeration, first aid kit, blankets, prescriptions, important documents Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for instructions and information. Make sure your car has at least ½ tank of gas. Have a plan in case you need to evacuate. Make sure your pets are prepared. Secure all outdoor items that could become a missile in heavy wind, including those pumpkins! Clear leaves from storm drains, gutters and other areas that if become clogged could cause flooding. Charge your cell phone. Follow safe operating procedures for generators, including not operating in closed spaces (like garages)  Withdraw extra cash. Check on elderly neighbors and friends.

State of Virginia

Governor McDonnell has declared a state of emergency to help in facilitating supplies, equipment and personnel across the state. VA Dominion Power, Virginia State Police, VDOT, Department of Forestry, National Guard, the Department of Health, as well as Fairfax and Loudoun Counties are preparing for storm and have personnel standing by. Real-time road closures and traffic conditions are available to dialing 511 or visiting www.511virginia.org.

Precautions

Do not travel through standing water, either on foot or in your vehicle. Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electrocution and report downed lines to VA Power (see number below) If traffic signals are out, treat as a 4-way stop. Regarding perishable food, "When in doubt, throw it out"

Contact Information

For a true emergency, call 9-1-1.  Do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages - please contact either Virginia Power or NOVEC (see below). Non-emergency numbers: Fairfax County:  703-691-2131 Loudoun County:  703-777-0637 Town of Herndon:  703-435-6846          Power Outages: Dominion VA Power:  1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) NOVEC:  1-888-335-0500 Downed Trees: VDOT 1-800-376-7623 (for public roads) Town of Herndon 703-435-6860 Fairfax County Emergency Blog:  http://fairfaxcountyemergency.wordpress.com/ Loudoun County Emergency Updates:  http://www.loudoun.gov/list.aspx National Weather Service:  http://www.nws.noaa.gov