Weather Tips: Dealing With Thunderstorms And Tornadoes

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

05/26/2021 3:00 PM

On May 26, the National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m. for the City of Fairfax and the region. Please stay tuned to media and be ready to seek shelter if needed. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

To report hazardous road conditions or downed limbs and other hazards in Fairfax City public right-of-way, please call Police Dispatch at 703-385-7924.

In case of emergency, call 911.

Here are some tips from the Emergency Management Office and Ready.gov.

Click here for downloadable PDFs of the city's Tornado and Thunderstorm information.

• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other trusted weather information providers.
• Bring pets inside.
• Secure or bring inside loose items from patios, balconies, and backyards.
• Avoid working in unsecured places, especially at heights
• Minimize outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.
• Be prepared for possible widespread power outages.
• Keep electronics (telephones, particularly) charged in case of a power outage.
• Keep a written list of important emergency resources, including repair resources, in case electricity and Internet services are down.
• To monitor or report utility outages, visit Dominion Energy Outage Center and the Fairfax Water Customer Service.
• Make sure emergency generators and/or secondary heating systems are well-ventilated.
• Keep extra water in the house (at least one gallon per person per day) in case utilities are compromised.
• As it is safe to do so, check on neighbors who may need assistance or attention.

Stay informed: sign up for Fairfax City Alert, the city's electronic message alert system, and pay attention to reliable news sources for weather information and additional emergency information.

If you haven't already, consider creating a Family Disaster Plan to remain ready in case of emergencies. Contact the Emergency Management Office during regular operating hours for information: OEM@fairfaxva.gov, 703-385-4856.

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