The Office of Emergency Management works to reduce Stafford County's vulnerability to hazards.
Thursday, August 31, 2023 is International Overdose Awareness Day. Today we take a moment to remember those lost to overdose and acknowledge the loss felt by their loved ones. Let's take action to help end overdose.
If interested in Rapid Revive Training or Naloxone, please visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock/services/naloxone-dispensing-and-training/?fbclid=IwAR0I8Jbe5CVs_SdWcg0Us7pqk11sVIcy-uo11vor2Sce9fHDIcwFpHPeMdA
The Swimming Advisory previously issued for Aquia Creek has been lifted. For the full press release, please view the image in this post or visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock/rappahannock-area-health-district-in-the-news/.
Welcome Steve!
If you are interested in getting your HAM radio license or if you already have yours and are interested in being a part of our Emergency Communications Team contact us today at [email protected].
Welcome, Steve, to County Fire and Rescue and the Stafford County Emergency Management EMCOMMS Team. We appreciate your desire to serve Stafford County.
Showers and thunderstorms to start off but we will end the week with sunshine. Idalia won't directly impact Virginia under the current forecast but it's a good reminder that September is the peak month for hurricane season. Make sure you are signed up to receive severe weather alerts and have your emergency supplies ready!
For more tips please visit: www.ready.gov/hurricanes
UPDATE: the fire is out. There were no civilian injuries, however one firefighter suffered a minor injury and will be taken to the hospital for treatment. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Units are on scene of a structure fire in the 100 block of Hope Springs Lane. Please avoid the area as crews work.
Incident Alert:
Just prior to dismissal, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received a threat call regarding both Stafford High School and Brooke Point High School. These threats were determined to be a swatting incident. As a precaution, deputies were stationed at these two schools. Afternoon roll-call was canceled and deputies were tasked with providing additional patrols at all public schools to assist our School Resource Officers. We will continue to work with Stafford County Public Schools regarding these threats. The investigation is ongoing. Thank you for your patience.
UPDATE:
The school and surrounding area has been thoroughly checked and the school is now open. Thank you to everyone for your patience. Detectives are attempting to identify the caller.
Out of an abundance of caution, Dixon Smith Middle School is currently being evacuated due to a threat received in the Stafford County Sheriff's Office Communications Center. There is a large police present checking the school and the access road is currently closed. We will provide an updated when the school has been cleared and the road is reopened.
The NWS has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for Stafford County from 11:05-11:30PM. Please seek shelter immediately if you are in the warning area. See comments for warning area map.
If you're looking for a great way to honor those lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks please consider signing up for this year's Tunnel to Towers Foundation Tower Climb on September 16th. As a registered participant you can run or walk the same distance first responders walked, jogged, or ran to respond to those trapped in the towers. There is an optional walking path if you can't do stairs or if you'd prefer to just donate to support the cause you can do that too!
We are just one month away from our second 9/11 stair climb, our first as an official Tunnel to Towers climb! Interested in participating but stairs aren't your thing? No problem! There is an option to walk the concourse at Fred Nats Stadium to participate as well!
To sign up: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Fredricksburg/TunneltoTowersArenaClimbStaffordCountyVA
The NWS has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Stafford County in effect until 4:30PM. Please seek shelter immediately if you are in the warning area. See comments for warning area map.
UPDATE- Cancelled as of 5:42PM
The NWS has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Stafford County in affect from 2:10PM - 9PM. A Watch means conditions are present for severe weather formation. Please stay tuned to weather updates and be prepared to take action if a warning is issued.
Most of the I-95 corridor has been upgraded to a Slight Risk for Severe Weather from the Storm Prediction Center for thunderstorms that are expected to move through this afternoon into this evening. Have multiple methods of receiving warnings. Latest: weather.gov/lwx
UPDATE:
The road is now open. Thank you.
Another traffic alert:
Eskimo Hill Road is currently closed between Glenmere Road and Southern View Drive due to a dump truck off the road. Please use alternate routes, and drive safely.
INCIDENT UPDATE:
Crews have made significant progress in suppression efforts throughout the day today, and operations are winding down for the evening. The mulch pile will be monitored continuously throughout the rest of the evening and overnight. Operations will resume if conditions change. Courthouse Road between Austin Ridge Drive and Mine Road has been reopened.
INCIDENT UPDATE: Crews continue to work alongside heavy machinery operators to extinguish the large mulch fire. Marked detours are in place as Courthouse Road remains closed from Austin Ridge Drive to Mine Road as part of the suppression efforts.
Thankful for all our volunteers!
Help children cope during disasters by keeping routines, answering questions honestly, and maintaining reassurance. Get tips from the CDC on talking to kids about emergencies.
https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/children.html
Did you know vaccines don't just protect you, but also those around you? Communities with higher vaccination rates have greater herd immunity to infectious diseases. Do your part and stay on schedule!
Did you know that when you get vaccinated, you’re protecting yourself and your community? This concept is called community immunity, or herd immunity. And it’s an important reason for you and your family to get vaccinated — so you can help keep yourselves and your community healthy.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Richmond Hwy is shutdown in the area of Eskimo Hill Rd. Please avoid the area.
Wishing all the Stafford County students, a safe and successful school year! 
Some Stafford County Schools students are headed back to school today, the rest tomorrow. Expect an increase traffic on the roads, be on the lookout for pedestrians, and remember to stop for school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop signs out.
UPDATE as of 7:15PM: Warning extended through 7:45PM for central Stafford County. See comments for new warning area.
UPDATE as of 6:40PM: Warning extended through 7:15PM for South Stafford County. See comments for updated warning area.
UPDATE: Warning extended through 6:45PM and warning area has been extended. See comments for updated warning area.
The NWS has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for North Western Stafford County effective 5:14PM - 6:00PM. Please seek shelter immediately until the warning expires. See comments for warning area graphic.
Our area, and much of the surrounding area, is under a Tornado Watch until 9PM today. Please remember a watch means forecasted conditions present the "ingredients" for a tornado, whereas a warning means potential activity has been observed. Again, we are currently under a Tornado Watch.
Please plan to be in a place of safety or able to seek shelter during the anticipated Severe Weather between 4-8PM for Stafford County. This storm system is dynamic and capable of producing large hail, 70mph+ winds, and tornadoes.
The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Stafford until 9:00pm. Please monitor weather updates and be prepared to seek shelter if a warning is issued.
The forecast has increased to a Moderate (Level 4 of 5) Risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Widespread damaging wind gusts are likely, with potential for locally destructive winds. Tornadoes and large hail are also possible. Stay weather aware and make sure you have a way to receive warnings.
Some perspective: This is the first moderate risk for severe weather for much of the forecast area in at least 10 years.
Sign up for Stafford Alert to receive severe weather alerts, information about road closures, school/County Government closures or delays and more.
Sign up here: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736722299/new
The NWS is forecasting enhanced risk for the development of Severe Weather today. Greatest threats are damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes. Make sure you are signed up to receive severe weather alerts.
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⚠️It's a high impact severe weather day across the region. Storm timing remains between 2-9pm. Widespread damaging winds appear to be the primary threat along with large hail and isolated tornadoes. Have a way to get warning via 📱,📺, 📻or 💻.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month! Make sure your family is up to date on recommended vaccines to get protected against serious diseases like measles, polio, and meningitis.
Learn more about vaccination schedules:
Get CDC recommended immunization schedules for people of all ages.
In a public health crisis, you may be asked to shelter-in-place. Plan what you would need to safely stay home for several days if instructed.
An emergency kit has all of the things that you and your family may need during an emergency in which you may have to stay inside for longer than usual or the electricity could go out.
Please register to join us to "Chalk the Walk" to welcome students back to school with positive messages on Monday August 7th. Please visit the link below for details and registration information.
DANGEROUS LIGHTNING STRIKES OCCURRING BEHIND STORMS...
Frequent lightning strikes are still occurring
behind these storms after the rain ends. Remember to wait 30 minutes after you last hear thunder before venturing outside.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in effect until 5:45PM for South Central Stafford County. Seek shelter immediately.
See comments for warning area.
UPDATE- Cancelled as of 6:53PM
The NWS has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for this afternoon through 9 PM this evening. Damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threats. Please monitor weather updates and be prepared to seek shelter if a warning is issued.
The hot conditions will continue today with another Excessive Heat Warning from 12PM - 8PM. Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 111 expected. Please continue to hydrate and move outdoor activities indoors when possible or reschedule to early morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day, Cooler temperatures are expected Sunday.
UPDATE- The Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been cancelled as of 10:04PM.
Stafford County remains under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch through 11PM. Please continue to monitor weather updates.
The NWS has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for Stafford County in effect until 8PM. Please seek shelter until the warning has expired.
1225 Courthouse Road
Stafford, VA
22554
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