County Braces for Hurricane Sandy, Urges Resident Preparedness
October 26, 2012 Jennifer Smith
Arlington, VA – As Hurricane Sandy approaches, Arlington County urges residents to prepare for the storm and stay up to date. The storm has the potential for heavy rains, winds and flooding for an extended period. According to the National Weather Service, the most likely timeframe of impact for Hurricane Sandy will be Sunday and Monday.
What Residents Can Do
Make sure you and your family members are prepared for an extended weather event.
Expect downed trees and power outages.
Have flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio in case power goes out. Ensure mobile phones are fully charged. (And consider pulling out your old-fashioned land-line phone.)
Have food that does not need refrigeration and one gallon of water per person per day. Other important items are a first aid kit, medication, and other supplies. Don’t wait till Sunday evening to hit the grocery store.
Don't forget your pets and others who may need special assistance, including elderly neighbors.
Have a communications plan. Make sure all family members understand who to call if you get separated.
In these types of weather events, excessive rain will loosen tree root systems so a greater potential for downed trees can be expected.
With heavy winds expected, ensure outside items in yards and on decks and patios are secure.
Clean out gutters, storm drains, etc. (keeping drains clear of trash, leaves and branches) so rainwaters can easily flow, reducing possible flooding and ponding. Also rake leaves to cut down on flying debris and prevent clogged storm drains.
If you live in an area prone to flooding, be prepared to relocate your family and vehicle before flood waters have an impact. If you are driving and see a street that is flooded, turn around.
Sign up for ArlingtonAlert and stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for information.
How the County is Preparing
Monitoring weather closely and coordinating with regional partners and VDEM.
Departments are reviewing emergency plans and procedures, to include:
Topping off fuel tanks, vehicles. Checking/refueling generators.
Checking roofs/gutters, cleaning them out. Checking and clearing storm drains.
Organizing/positioning heavy equipment to deal with storm damage.
Checking backup equipment, fuel levels.
Removing/securing equipment that may be impacted by high winds.
Developing staffing schedules for the storm and aftermath.


_____________________________
Captain Andy Penn
Second District Commander
Arlington County Police Department
1425 N. Courthouse Road
Arlington, Virginia 22201
Office: 703-228-4327
Email: cpenn@arlingtonva.us