Stafford County Emergency Management

10/03/2022

Photos from Stafford County Community Emergency Response Team - CERT's post

10/03/2022

October 20 is the Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill! Do you know what to do if an earthquake occurs?

Learn more and register at www.shakeout.org

10/01/2022

Latest Radar loop shows showers moving northward across the area. Overnight, these will become locally moderate to heavy at times. Gusty northeasterly winds of 25-35 mph expected overnight. Low temperatures in the 50s, 40s in the mountains.

09/30/2022

And that's a wrap! While National Preparedness Month may be coming to a close, disasters don't follow set schedules.

Make preparedness a year-round effort by regularly updating your kit and emergency plans. You can always find more information on a variety of topics at www.ready.gov.

Thanks for following along with us, and please stay tuned going forward when we share more information and critical alerts.

09/30/2022

Encourage youth to get involved in their community and work to make a difference. There are lots of opportunities to inspire youth leadership and preparation.

Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP): This curriculum guides students in 4th grade and above on how to create emergency kits and family communications plans using fun activities and a video series. www.ready.gov/kids/student-tools-emergency-planning-step

Youth Preparedness Council (YPC): The council was created in 2012 to bring together youth leaders interested in supporting disaster preparedness and make a difference by completing disaster preparedness projects nationally and locally. www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/youth-preparedness-council

09/30/2022

Hurricane Ian Preparation Message from Chairman Vanuch

Hurricane Ian Preparation Message from Chairman Vanuch

09/30/2022

As Hurricane Ian's remnants track into the Mid-Atlantic, what can you expect? The stretch of dry weather will come to an end with rain possible Fri evening through Mon. This is accompanied by breezy northeasterly winds with highs in the upper 50s-mid 60s.

09/29/2022

Stafford County personnel completed training today for our damage assessment platform . Thanks to our VDEM instructor, Alex for a great training in preparation for severe weather damage.

09/29/2022

Photos from Virginia Department of Emergency Management's post

09/29/2022

Governor Glenn Youngkin Declares State of Emergency in Advance of Hurricane Ian

Governor Glenn Youngkin today declared a State of Emergency in advance of Hurricane Ian, which is expected to impact portions of Virginia starting on Friday, September 30, 2022.

While impacts to our area remain uncertain, we recommend everyone prepare now by:
-Making a Plan
-Building a Kit
-Staying Informed

Don’t wait for severe weather to arrive. Prepare now!

here

09/28/2022

Helping Children Cope | Ready.gov

Teenagers and other young people help their families, schools, and communities prepare for disasters. They can be leaders before, during, and after disasters.

Disasters can leave children and teens feeling frightened, confused and insecure. Their responses can be quite varied. It's important to not only recognize these reactions, but also help children cope with their emotions.

Encouraging dialogue with your kids, asking about their feelings and concerns, and building their support networks are all great steps to lay the groundwork pre-disaster.

Learn more at www.ready.gov/helping-children-cope

Disasters can leave children feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. Get resources on how to help children cope with their emotions related to a disaster.

09/26/2022

Hurricane Ian is expected to impact Florida by Wednesday. Local impacts for Stafford County will likely include rain showers and a marginal risk of flooding beginning Saturday afternoon. Stay tuned for more updates or please visit: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

09/26/2022

Preparedness should involve all members of the family. Preparedness for the future starts with today’s youth!

www.ready.gov/kids has the tools and information in a kid friendly format including fun interactive games to help get the whole family involved.

Decide on family meeting points, and practice home evacuation to make sure kids know where to go.

09/24/2022

SCFR is hosting a blood drive with Inova Blood Donor Services, but we need your help! This collaboration will help to ensure critical blood supplies are available at the scene of critical incidents. Please consider signing up with the link below to donate. The blood drive will be held on Wednesday, October 19th starting at 10am at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church located at 1201 Courthouse Road. To sign up: https://www.inovabloodsaves.org/index.cfm?group=op&hlc=8767&hostlookupcode=8767

09/23/2022

Americans at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster. Having access to personal financial, insurance, medical and other records is crucial for starting the recovery process quickly and efficiently.

- Gather financial and critical personal, household and medical information in a central, safe location.
- Consider having a small amount of cash on hand in small denominations. ATMs and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.
- Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you do not have them. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.

Learn more at www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness

09/22/2022

Timeline photos

A strong cold front will move across the area this morning and be accompanied by showers before exiting in the early afternoon. Behind the front, strong NW winds will develop possibly gusting as high as 40 mph.

09/21/2022

Technology has made it easier than ever to prepare for emergencies, but it can be unreliable in an emergency if you haven’t kept your gadgets protected and powered up. Here are some tips to make sure you are tech ready:

- Keep devices charged and updated with the latest security updates.
- Use text messages to connect with family and friends during emergencies. Mobile networks can be overwhelmed during emergencies, but texts use less bandwidth than calls or internet communication.
- Store important documents on a secure, password-protected jump drive or in the cloud to allow for access from anywhere and protect from loss.
- Sign up for direct deposit and electronic banking through your financial institution so you can access your paycheck and make electronic payments wherever you are.

Learn more at www.ready.gov/get-tech-ready

09/21/2022

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Stafford for inviting our Emergency Management Team to speak about Emergency Preparedness during National Preparedness Month and for the generous donation to the Stafford Fire and Rescue Charitable Fund.

09/20/2022

This is a great opportunity to still get in on some fantastic training from our CERT team!

We've had some last-minute drop-outs from the Basic Course starting this weekend, so we're going to reopen registration for the next 24 hours.

If you've been on the fence about signing up, or missed the original deadline, now is your chance!

Email [email protected] by Wednesday morning to sign up.

09/19/2022

Protect your home and family by removing common home and property hazards for low cost:

- Anchor heavy objects like furniture or appliances to walls. Secure fragile or heavy objects.
- Never overload outlets or use extension cords under rugs.
- Create a safety zone of 30 to 100 ft. around your home by clearing trees or other debris.
- Keep your roof and gutters free of debris.
- Conduct regular checks and battery replacements of smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.

Don’t put off critical repairs or preventative maintenance. These problems can exacerbate disaster situations.

Learn more at www.ready.gov/low-and-no-cost

09/16/2022

There are people with disabilities of all ages, races, genders or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.

When making your plan, keep a few important things in mind:

- Build an emergency store of prescription and non-prescription medications.
- Create a support network of people who can help in a disaster.
- If you have medical equipment requiring electricity register with your power company for consideration for quicker restoration.
- Keep a list of pertinent medical information and prescriptions for responders or if you need to evacuate.

Learn more at www.ready.gov/disability

09/14/2022

Be Informed. Sign up to receive emergency notifications. Register now for Stafford Alert: Stafford County's Citizen Alert System.

Stafford Alert is an alert and notification system used to send out important information directly to the community, such as local traffic and weather, school closings, and emergency communications.

You can sign up for alerts that most impact you including a range of options from Quantico Noise Warnings, Public Utilities Notifications, Parks and Recreation Announcements and many more.

Learn more and sign up at: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736722299/ov

09/14/2022

Traffic Alert:

One lane of Chatham Heights Road is closed due to a water main break. Please use caution.

09/13/2022

In honor of Taco Tuesday let's taco about the difference between severe weather watch vs warning -
A watch means all the conditions are right for severe weather to occur.
A warning means severe weather is currently occurring or imminent.

To sign up for Stafford Alert please visit: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736722299/login

09/12/2022

The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for
Northeastern Stafford County

* Until 515 PM EDT.

* At 428 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Triangle, or
7 miles west of Quantico, moving east at 15 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches
to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as
damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by
downed trees. Localized power outages are possible.
Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

09/12/2022

It's not too late to sign up for our 2022 Basic Course! The deadline to register is today, September 12, and class starts on September 24.

While completion of the course is a prerequisite for joining the team, the class is open to anyone interested in personal and family emergency preparedness!

09/12/2022

Photos from US National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington's post

09/12/2022

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes. It’s important to know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends, or household.

- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?

Learn more at www.ready.gov/plan

09/11/2022

09/09/2022

Please keep the families and friends of all those lost on 9/11 and those who were injured or killed in service in the years following this weekend. We are thankful to all our first responders, emergency services, and military service personnel. 🇺🇸 We will not forget.

09/09/2022

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicle.

Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.

Vehicle: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car like blankets, snacks, sturdy shoes, phone chargers, and water.

Learn more at www.ready.gov/kit

09/07/2022

UPDATE:

This afternoon, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office placed Conway Elementary School in a lockdown due to a phone call received at a neighboring law enforcement agency threatening general harm to the school. The Sheriff’s Office worked with the neighboring agency and do not believe there is a credible threat to our school or community. The phone call is believed to be a robocall swatting attempt.

We appreciate our partnership with Stafford County Public Schools, and will continue to support their efforts to keep the community safe.

School Lockdown: Out of an abundance of caution, Conway Elementary School is on a lockdown. A threat was received at a dispatch center in another jurisdiction mentioning Conway Elementary School. There is a law enforcement presence at the school, but all students and staff are safe. We will let you know when the lockdown is lifted.

09/07/2022

UPDATE:

The road is reopened. Thank you.

Traffic Alert:

200 block of Cambridge Street is currently closed due to a fire in the area. Please use an alternate route.

09/07/2022

After assembling your kit, remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
- Replace expired items as needed.
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Make sure to also add items for comfort and entertainment, like your favorite treat or game!

Learn more at www.ready.gov/kit

09/05/2022

Following a disaster, whether natural or man-made, power outages hazardous driving conditions, and short-term supply shortages are common. You will need to be able to survive on your own until conditions improve. Prepare now by gathering enough food, water, a first aid kit, and medication for at least 3 days so you can stay safely at home. Don’t forget your family pets!

Once you cover the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as the age of family members, special dietary needs, access, disabilities, and functional needs.

For a list of recommended items and more information on building your kit please visit: www.ready.gov/kit

09/01/2022

UPDATE:
The lockdown has been lifted. Deputies are still on scene and will continue to investigate the threat.
SCHOOL LOCKDOWN:
Out of an abundance of caution Mountain View High School is currently locked down. Deputies are investigating a threat and there is a large law enforcement presence. We will update you as more information becomes available.

09/01/2022

A Lasting Legacy :60 | Emergency Preparedness

It's the official start of National Preparedness Month, an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.

This year’s theme is A Lasting Legacy. The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family.

Follow along with Stafford County Emergency Management during September as we provide our best advice about the ways you and your family can stay safe and be prepared for disasters!

Watch this year's video: https://youtu.be/Zsy2ENCM3N0

The “A Lasting Legacy" PSA from FEMA and the Ad Council reminds Americans that disasters come and go, but families can last through it all with the right pre...

08/30/2022

Latest radar loops shows a line of thunderstorms moving east across our region. Storms are possible of producing gusty winds and heavy rain.

08/30/2022

The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Stafford County in northern Virginia...
Eastern Madison County in northwestern Virginia...
Northeastern Orange County in central Virginia...
South central Rappahannock County in northwestern Virginia...
Southeastern Fauquier County in northern Virginia...
Culpeper County in northern Virginia...

* Until 5:30 PM EDT.

* At 326 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Culpeper,
moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches
to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible.
Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

08/30/2022

Please join us in welcoming Matt Good to the family. Matt is our new Emergency Management Planner. Matt may look familiar, he has been a member of the Stafford County CERT since 2017, most recently serving as the Training Officer from 2019-2022. Matt comes to us from the Rappahannock Area Health District where he served as their Liaison Officer. Welcome, Matt!

08/26/2022

There are NO ACTIVE TORNADO WARNINGS IN AFFECT FOR STAFFORD COUNTY

If you received a Tornado Warning alert at 3:57PM today it was an error in our weather alert system and was intended for Northern Connecticut.

We apologize for any confusion or disruption this may have caused. Please continue to enjoy your Friday afternoon activities.

08/24/2022

Along with the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation, the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department is excited to announce its first 9/11 Stair Climb and Walk, a proud supporter of the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation. Please scan the QR code below or click here to register: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Fredericksburg/StaffordCounty911StairClimbandWalk

Please note, T-shirts are available for order until August 15th. Additional t-shirts will be available on the day of the event on a first come, first serve basis.

08/24/2022

Calling for Public Review and Comment on the Draft of the George Washington Regional Commission Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan - 2022 Update.

Public input is a critical component in the development of the Plan, which is now available online at the following link https://gwregion.org/hmp and in hardcopy form in the Commission’s offices at 406 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg.

The public’s review of the draft is appreciated, and comments and question are welcomed and encouraged. Comments or questions may be emailed to [email protected].

Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the GWRC at (540) 642-1579 or [email protected].

Las personas que requieren alojamiento especial de acuerdo con el Americans with Disabilities Act, o personas que requieren servicios de traducción (libre de cargo) deben comunicarse con la GWRC al (540) 642-1579 o [email protected].