Hurricane Irene - Be Prepared

Hurricane Irene looks to hit the Washington, D.C. region within the next 24 hours. The City of Fairfax is making a host of preparations for the storm. One of them is making sure that residents are prepared.

For a list of things you can do, tracking the storm and other important information visit FairfaxVa.gov - presumably before you lose power. In fact, you may even want to print out the information you need, just in case the lights go out. And being from Tidewater where hurricanes are about as frequent as earthquakes in San Francisco, I can tell you that every bit of preparation makes a difference.

Here's a quick list of important information from the City website:

Being prepared is smart, and easy to do. For assistance, visit the city's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Web pages or call 703-385-4856.

Have a plan in place so everyone in the household knows what to do. Discuss this plan thoroughly (and regularly, even when no emergency is imminent). Keep emergency kits ready. For assistance in preparing a plan, pick up a copy of Your Guide to Emergency Preparedness from the OEM Web page.

Prepare three emergency kits: for "sheltering in place" at home, for evacuation and for the workplace. See the suggested list below, or check with the OEM or employers for recommendations.

During an emergency, stay informed. The city has many information resources (see below). Rely on other trusted sources as well, including the National Weather Service and reliable news sources.

Plan how to get in touch if household members become separated. Establish points of contact inside and outside the immediate area. Use all tools available, including e-mail and social media, which are accessible on many handheld devices and smartphones.

Here is a suggested list for emergency preparedness kits. (Keep ready in case utilities are down or evacuation is needed):

* water (one gallon per person and pet per day)
* non-perishable food for 3-5 days, manual can opener, disposable plates and utensils
* non-electric items (radio, flashlight, etc.)
* first aid supplies
* trash bags
* disinfectant/bleach
* duct tape
* cash/traveler's checks
* clothing (one or two complete clothing changes)
* bedding
* tools (including extra batteries, matches)
* toiletry items, including prescription drugs
* special needs items for elderly, ill, children
* pet supplies (food and water for three days, medicine if needed, first aid kit, litter box or sealable plastic bag and sanitizing supplies for waste; familiar items and toys, carrier or crate, spare leash/collar/ID tags)
* important documents
* entertainment (books, games)

For assistance, visit the city's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Web pages or call 703-385-4856.