Tag: emergencies
Health officials working to contain spread of coronavirus, identify people at risk
Health and government officials speak at a March 8 briefing on coronavirus. From the left: Fairfax County Health Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Avensu, Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver, and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay. Two people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (officially known as COVID-19) in Virginia, but, “at this … Continued
Carbon monoxide leak sends three people to hospital
Emergency units respond to a carbon monoxide leak at Americana Grocery. [FCFRD] Three people were taken to the hospital following a hazardous materials incident at Americana Grocery at 6128 Columbia Pike near the Lake Barcroft area at about 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 1. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department found elevated levels of carbon … Continued
Residents encouraged to sign up for emergency response training
Members of a CERT training class take part in a simulated disaster recovery exercise. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, in partnership with the Broyhill Crest Community Association, is offering a free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course for the Broyhill Crest and St. Alban’s communities March 2-April 27. There will be eight … Continued
Community encouraged to help family who lost everything in a house fire
The extended Phung family, with Howard Dillon (second from left). A friend of the Phung family, who lost everything, including their beloved dog, when their Annandale home was destroyed in a fire New Year’s Eve, started a GoFundMe page to raise money for them. Howard Dillon started the fund to help the family start over. … Continued
Police dogs will help relieve stress and PTSD
Police Chief Edwin Roessler (center) at a briefing on a new K9 program. [FCPD] The Fairfax County Police Department has five new K9 recruits – Jack, Holmes, Lennie, Indy, and Sully. The dogs will be deployed to help reduce the effects of a traumatic event, including fear and anxiety, for first responders and community members, … Continued
July 8 storm caused at least $14 million in damages in Fairfax County
A box truck was stranded by flooding on Arlington Boulevard near Prosperity Avenue on July 8. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department] The July 8 rainstorm and flash flooding caused at least $14 million in damages to homes, businesses, and roads in Fairfax County, Emergency Management Coordinator Seamus Mooney told the Board of Supervisors July … Continued
Flooding damage? File a report with the county
A flooded yard in the Annandale Acres neighborhood. [Carolyn Hunter Freeman] If you’ve suffered property damage due to the heavy rains and flooding on July 8, the Fairfax County Emergency Management Department encourages you to file a report on the Disaster Damage Database. Filing a report is voluntary, but the damage reports could have an … Continued
Torrential rains bring flash flooding to Annandale/Mason area
The Sleepy Hollow Swim and Raquel Club on Sleepy Hollow Road. [Larry Golfer] Torrential rains this morning resulted in flooded roads and yards. The Fairfax County Police Departments reported Elmdale Road at Braddock Road is closed due to flooding. Prosperity Road between Little River Turnpike and Arlington Boulevard. [FCPD] Flooding is also reported flooding at … Continued
Annandale hit hard by storm
Broyhill Crest [Cyra Doty] There are downed trees and power lines all over the Annandale area following a storm last night with heavy rains, strong winds, and hail. Lockwood Lane at Larchmont Drive More than 4,300 homes are still without power in Northern Virginia, according to Dominion Virginia Power. Larchmont Drive. The Fairfax County Police … Continued
Avoid getting struck by lightning: When thunder roars, go indoors
Lightning can be deadly. [Pixabay] The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is commemorating Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June 23-29) by advising the public about the dangers posed by lightning and how to avoid getting hurt. Each second, about 100 bolts of lightning hit the earth’s surface all over the world, FCFRD states. A single … Continued
Free gun locks, locking medicine boxes available for suicide prevention
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board is giving away free gun locks and locking medication boxes as part of an effort to help families make their homes safer. Limiting access to firearms and toxic medications for a person in crisis is an essential strategy for preventing suicide. Studies show individuals are three times more likely … Continued
Barricade situation resolved peacefully
Police respond to barricade situation at the Jefferson. [FCPD] A man is in custody following a barricade situation at the Jefferson apartment complex in the 6100 block of Leesburg Pike, the Fairfax County Police Department reports. Police had been called because a man was acting erratically. When officers arrived at about 2 a.m., on March … Continued
Fairfax County considers drone program
Drones from the private collection of Roy Shrout. Fairfax County’s police, fire, and emergency management departments are seeking approval from the Board of Supervisors for a drone program to help with such functions as search and rescue and disaster response. Several county officials explained the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) proposal at a community meeting Feb. … Continued
Fairfax County to launch drone program
Fairfax County plans to use unmanned aircraft systems, commonly called drones, for public safety purposes. The county has scheduled six public information meetings on the proposed UAS system. The first meeting is Jan. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Mason District Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale. The formal presentation starts at 7 p.m. Officials from … Continued
Lifesaving award presented to Mason District residents
A lifesaving presentation at the Edsall Road Fire Station. From the left: Deputy Fire Chief Willie Bailey, Mason Supervisor Penny Gross, Michael Illenberg, and Drew Murphy. What started as a simple early morning dog-walking excursion turned into a chance encounter that ended up saving the life of a small child. Michael Illenberg was walking his … Continued