City Declares State of Emergency for Approaching Storm
By FALLS CHURCH OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
Sunday, October 28, 2012
City Manager Wyatt Shields signed a Declaration of Local Emergency for the City of Falls Church at 4 p.m. Sunday in response to Hurricane Sandy. The hurricane is projected to impact the City with heavy rain and damaging winds from late Sunday night through Tuesday night.
This storm is expected to produce rainfall of between 5 and 10 inches in our area, which could cause localized flooding. The City expects significant tree damage, and residents, businesses and visitors should plan for widespread power outages as a result.
What Residents Can Do to Prepare (visit www.fallschurchva.gov/CFCstorm)
• Get emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, water (one gallon per person and pet per day), food (including for pets), and medicine. Withdraw extra cash.
• Charge electronic devices now in case of power outages. Laptops, cell phones, and tablets allow residents to obtain emergency information.
• Keep leaves out of the curb gutter to help water flow.
• Ensure outside items in yards and on decks and patios are secure.
• Prepare for flooding, especially if your home is in the floodplain. Remove valuables from the basement or place on shelves. Use sandbags to help divert water.
Key Phone Numbers
• Power Outages: Dominion Virginia Power, 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357)
• Downed Trees or Power Lines: Police Dispatch, 703-248-5053 (Stay away from downed lines!)
• Traffic Light Outages: Police Dispatch, 703-248-5053
Stay Informed
• Storm tracking: www.weather.gov
• Alert System (www.alert.fallschurchva.gov)
• City Website (fallschurchva.gov/CFCstorm)
• Facebook (facebook.com/CityofFallsChurchGov) and Twitter (twitter.com/FallsChurchInfo)
• 1680 AM Radio
• Citizen Info Line, 703-248-5200
By Stephen Siegel
October 28, 2012
I would *assume* the community ctr would be opened for a shelter in this emergency? During the last storm we had no power, no computer and listened to the radio…I never heard about the community ctr until after it was all over.
TFC–at this point, the City does not plan to open the Community Center as a shelter. We will continue to evaluate the need. Stay tuned to the City’s communication tools for announcements:
–Radio 1680 AM
–Citizen Info Line 703-248-5200
–Alert System (emails and/or text messages, http://www.alert.fallschurchva.gov)
–Website (www.fallschurchva.gov)
–Facebook (www.facebook.com/CityofFallsChurchGovernment)
–Twitter (www.twitter.com/FallsChurchInfo)
We’ll also let the local media know, but of course we can only hope they post the info!
If you have a cell phone, smartphone, tablet, or laptop, start charging it now. You can check it for urgent updates if the power is out.
Thanks Susan. No smart stuff here..if power is out it’s the radio for us. Fab FIOS phone battery back up goes out after about 5 hrs.
Stay safe