Before, During And After: Flooding And Heavy Rainfall, Fairfax City

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

06/10/2021

A Flash Food Watch is in effect from noon today, June 10, through this evening. Visit the Baltimore/Washington webpage of the National Weather Service Forecast Office for current weather information, watches, and warnings: weather.gov/washington .

A cold front will drop southward into the area today. This front will become the focus for slow moving thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Because of the slow motion and ample moisture in the atmosphere, storms may drop 2-4 inches of rain a short period of time, resulting in flash flooding.

Heavy rainfall in a short amount of time can result in rapid rises of water in streams, creeks, and urban areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

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.

Watch this video from Cityscreen-12 and NOAA:

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.
• Stay informed with reliable news and weather resources, such as the National Weather Service.
• Take care of pets during an emergency: make a plan for their protection, especially in case of evacuation. (Visit the Department of Homeland Security Pets and Animals page 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. (Click here for CUE Bus information or call 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 addition 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.

During an Emergency

• Stay indoors.
• Stay informed with reliable news and weather resources.
• If you experience a power outage, visit the Dominion Energy 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.

This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.