Tag: safety
Weapon detectors to be added at school board meetings
Anyone attending a Fairfax County School Board meeting will be required to pass through a weapon detector, FCPS announced. “The program is the newest layer of security implemented by the division to maximize the safety of our community, including all students, staff, school board members, and members of the public who attend these meetings,” FCPS … Continued
Police Department discontinues child safety seat inspections
The Fairfax County Police Department is no longer conducting free child safety seat inspections. The free service had been carried out monthly at police stations across the county, including the Mason Police Station. According to the FCPD, “This program was discontinued due to recent budget cuts and is no longer available through our department.” The … Continued
Follow these tips for a safe July 4
Planning your own fireworks show tonight? Follow these safety tips from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to avoid turning a fun holiday into a tragedy: Any firework that explodes, emits a flame or sparks higher than 12 feet, or performs as a projectile is prohibited by the Fairfax County Fire Prevention Code. Firecrackers, … Continued
Weapon scanners are now permanent at Annandale HS
By Shane Gomez Passing through a weapon detection scanner is now a permanent procedure for students arriving at Annandale High School. The scanners were set up at Annandale to help staff prepare for the start of the 2025-26 school year, when weapon detection scanners will be implemented in all high schools, according to a May … Continued
Speed camera to be installed at Belvedere Elementary
The Fairfax County Police Department is installing speed cameras at 10 additional schools. Three schools are being added in the first group, including Belvedere Elementary School on Columbia Pike in Mason District. A 30-day warning period will begin on July 2, with citations issued beginning on Aug. 18. Citations will begin Sept. 17 for the … Continued
Mural, safety improvements planned for Annandale street
The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board approved an $80,000 grant to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety on Tom Davis Drive in Annandale. Tom Davis Drive is a county-managed street that connects John Marr Drive and Columbia Pike. The Regional Roadway Safety Program grant will develop designs for traffic-calming measures, such as protected bike lanes, … Continued
FCPS launches weapon detection pilot
Fairfax County Public Schools is launching a weapons detection pilot in randomly selected high schools beginning next week. FCPS will deploy 15 portable OpenGate devices from CEIA USA, a company based in Ohio. The Office of Safety and Security will select at least one school a week for screening during morning arrival. The screening devices … Continued
Free seminars focus on safe driving for seniors
When an elderly relative has a crash, it might be too late to talk to them about giving up on driving, says Kurt Gray, the owner of the Seniors Helping Seniors Metro Springfield. That’s why it’s important for people to talk to the seniors in their family early, before their ability to drive declines too … Continued
Cameras will catch drivers who don’t stop for school buses
Some Fairfax County Public School buses will soon have cameras installed on the stop-sign arms that activate when the buses stop to let children on and off. The cameras will record drivers who fail to stop when the buses are loading or unloading children. Violators will receive a $250 citation in the mail. The cameras … Continued
FCDOT outlines options for Gallows Road
Community members had lots of questions and concerns about a proposed overhaul of Gallows Road at a well-attended meeting on Nov. 21 at Woodburn Elementary School. Fairfax County Department of Transportation officials explained the options under consideration for improving safety and traffic flow along the corridor. The entire project – between Annandale and Tysons – … Continued
A crash on Edsall Road highlights the need for a pedestrian signal
A crash on Nov. 11 on Edsall Road is reigniting Bren Mar Park residents to step up their push for pedestrian improvements.
Jimenez: County will begin process to remove sidewalk squatters
Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez has outlined the actions his office is taking to address the problems caused by the unsheltered individuals hanging out on Patrick Henry Drive in Seven Corners.
Drivers now must stop at crosswalks
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on May 7 approved a measure to improve pedestrian safety. The board updated the county code to match the state code requiring drivers to stop – not just yield – for pedestrians at unsignalized intersections. It also prohibits drivers from overtaking vehicles stopped for pedestrians. Violators can be charged … Continued
Fairmont Gardens residents worry about crime, drugs, and children’s safety
Residents of Fairmont Gardens are concerned about crime, drug abuse, keeping children and teens safe, and fear of retaliation if they call the police. Those are the major themes that emerged at a Town Hall convened on April 18 by the Opportunity Neighborhoods–Annandale program. Nearly 70 people showed up to hear from county, school, and … Continued
Supervisors considering tougher rules to protect pedestrians
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering amending the County Code to require drivers to stop – not just yield – for pedestrians. At its April 16 meeting, the board authorized a public hearing to be held on May 7 on a new rule to require drivers to stop for pedestrians crossing in the … Continued