DEMS Monthly Webinar on Wednesday, May 2, 2025, at 7 P.M.
Check out our May webinar featuring the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services to learn about hurricanes and flooding! Link: https://bit.ly/DEMSWebinar
Hurricane Preparedness Week: May 4 - 10
Be ready for hurricane season. Act TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you understand how to interpret forecasts and alerts, as well as know what to do before, during, and after a storm. For additional preparedness tips for Hurricanes/Tropical Storms in Fairfax County, visit the Community Emergency Response Guide (CERG): Hurricanes/Tropical Storms | Emergency (fairfaxcounty.gov)
Sunday (5/4/25): Know Your Risk: Wind & Water
The first step of preparing for hurricanes is to know your risk. Find out today what types of water and wind hazards could happen where you live. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Impacts from wind and water can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur regardless of the storm’s strength. Know if you live in an area prone to flooding, if you live in an evacuation zone, and identify any structural weaknesses in your home.
Monday (5/5/25): Prepare Before Hurricane Season
The best time to prepare for hurricanes is BEFORE hurricane season begins. Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it’s too late. Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
Tuesday (5/6/25): Understand Forecast Information
Prepare for hurricane season by knowing how to understand forecasts. They can tell you a lot about what is expected, including the storm’s paths, rainfall amounts, wind speeds, and more. There is a lot of information available days ahead of a storm, and it is important to understand what it means.
Wednesday (5/7/25): Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
Do you know what to do when a storm threatens? Prepare for hurricane season by taking the time now to understand the actions needed when time is of the essence.
Thursday (5/8/25): Stay Protected During Storms
Be prepared for hurricane season by knowing what to do during a storm. Whether you’ve evacuated or are sheltering in place, know what to expect from the hazards you may face. Remain vigilant, stay up to date with the latest forecasts and alerts, and continue to listen to local officials.
Friday (5/9/25): Use Cation After Storms
A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm. This is NOT the time to put your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.
Saturday (5/10/25): Talke Action Today
Are you ready for hurricane season? Take action TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you understand how to interpret forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm. Even if you feel ready, there may be additional things you could do or learn.
Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th so take the time now to prepare!
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP)
Fairfax County residents may be eligible for funding through the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP). Funded by Fairfax County and administered by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP) offers applicants 50% reimbursement—up to a maximum of $5,000—for the costs of projects that protect their properties from flood damage.
Floodproofing practices eligible for FMAP reimbursement are found on the Approved List of Practices. Examples of items/projects from the Approved List include:
• floodproof windows
• flood gates or panels
• Temporary flood barriers
• battery back-ups for sump pumps
• portable pumps and hoses
• utility covers and elevation
• flood alert systems
• flood-resistant building materials
• modifying topography or installing new drains
• protecting external stairwells
Apply or learn more: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/soil-water-conservation/fmap/
Introducing the NoVA Regional Rain Gauge Website!
Check out our new regional tool that provides real-time rainfall reports from sensors across Northern Virginia. Stay updated on rainfall and storm activity in your neighborhood. Explore the Rain Gauge Site: https://novafloodmap.elements360.aem.eco/
Share the Message, Build a Safer Community
Staying informed, reporting issues, having a personal plan, and floodproofing your home are all critical steps for building a safer community. As part of our ongoing work to strengthen community readiness and resilience, we encourage everyone to share these resources and engage with their families about flood preparedness. “Turn around, don’t drown!” and “Make room for the runoff!”
National Dam Safety Day
National Dam Safety Awareness Day is observed on May 31st each year. Here are a few steps you can take to be personally prepared:
• Be aware of the dams in your area. Fairfax County has several of them!
• Purchase or renew flood insurance.
• Have an emergency plan and an emergency kit in place for your family or business and know what to do if you have to evacuate.
• Take a look at our Dam Hazard Page in the Fairfax County CERG: Dam Failure | Emergency (fairfaxcounty.gov)
National Wildfire Awareness Month
As the days grow warmer and the sun climbs higher, so does the threat of wildfires. May is National Wildfire Awareness Month - a time to learn, prepare, and take proactive steps to protect our homes and communities.
This month highlights the vital role of community preparedness in reducing wildfire risks. Simple actions like clearing out dry leaves and debris, choosing fire-resistant plants for landscaping, and creating an evacuation plan can make a big difference.
Let’s all do our part - wildfire prevention starts with you!
To learn more about fire prevention, education, and mitigation, visit the National Interagency Fire Center website.
Volunteer with the Emergency Management Volunteer Corps
The Department of Emergency Management and Security’s (DEMS) Volunteer Corps are trained in emergency preparedness and emergency management principles to help inform the public by staffing public events, leading presentations, and participating in trainings. Interested in answering the call? Visit here for more info: Volunteering in Emergency Preparedness | Emergency Management (fairfaxcounty.gov)
Older Americans Month
Each May the Administration for Community Living leads the nationwide Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in the community. This year, the theme of the month is “Flip the Script on Aging”. This makes it a perfect time to teach, practice, and revise emergency preparedness efforts with older adults in your family and/or community!
Older adults can often face unique challenges during emergencies, such as mobility issues, health concerns, and access to essential services. It is vital that you, along with your family and caregivers, plan, prepare, and practice for any type of disaster that could strike.
Some great and easy ways to prepare as an aging adult consist of assessing your needs, creating an emergency plan, gathering essential supplies like medications and medical devices, and staying connected to local resources for assistance. Think through various situations and how you would have to adapt your needs to work around the emergency. For example, if you have medical equipment that needs power, do you have a plan if the power goes out? Critically thinking through scenarios such as this allows you to cover a wide range of situations and gives you the opportunity to talk to your family members and caregivers about how to find solutions.
Another great way to celebrate Older Americans Month this May is to host or attend events that allow for people to get together for a common goal. This could be done by a multitude of ways that relate to emergency preparedness such as:
• Request an emergency preparedness presentation: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergencymanagement/presentation-requests
• Leading a book club meeting on a historical weather event such as Hurricane Katrina
• Getting together with your neighborhood to develop a Neighborhood Disaster Plan. A template can be found here: Fairfax County Community Emergency Response Guide
• Comparing individual emergency plans with loved ones, taking resources from the Community Emergency Response Guide: Community Emergency Response Guide | Emergency Management (fairfaxcounty.gov)
Request an Emergency Preparedness Workshop
DEMS conducts workshops (virtual or in person) to prepare your networks for an emergency. Submit your request today: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergencymanagement/presentation-requests.
• Introduction to Preparedness
• Until Help Arrives
• 5 Step Neighborhood Guide Workshop – Learn how to prepare for where you live.
• Business Disaster Resilience Workshop – Learn how to prepare your business.
• House of Worship Workshop – Learn how to prepare your house of worship.
• Youth Preparedness (Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, schools, etc.).
May is National Stop the Bleed Month — Learn to Save a Life and Be Prepared
In an emergency, the right knowledge—and the right tools— can save a life. That's why May is National Stop the Bleed Month, with a special focus on National Stop the Bleed Day, May 22. This nationwide campaign highlights the importance of learning how to control life-threatening bleeding before professional help arrives.
Take a Course: Attend a free Stop the Bleed training course. You'll learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and how to apply pressure, pack a wound, and use a tourniquet. Link: www.stopthebleed.org/training/
Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death from trauma. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can be the difference between life and death. Whether you're at home, work, school, or in public, having the confidence to act could save someone's life.
Business Continuity Awareness Week
Business continuity refers to an organization’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptions - whether caused by natural disasters, cyberattacks, operational failures, or reputational harm. As highlighted by the Insurance Institute, “up to 40% of businesses affected by a natural or man-made disaster never reopen”. This statistic underscores the importance of planning ahead.
Fairfax County supports local businesses in strengthening their resilience through resources like the Business Disaster Resilience Guide and a new online training course. Developing a comprehensive preparedness plan ensures that all aspects of a business are equipped to withstand and bounce back from unexpected disruptions.
To further support this effort, the Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS) offers Introduction to Business Preparedness, a free online training designed to guide participants through the Business Disaster Resilience Guide and help them lay the foundation for effective disaster planning.
By taking proactive steps today, we can build a stronger, more resilient Fairfax County tomorrow - ensuring the long-term stability of our local economy and community.
Introduction to Business Preparedness Link: https://bit.ly/DEMS-Training
Business Disaster Resilience Guide Link: Business Disaster Resilience (fairfaxcounty.gov)
Online Preparedness Trainings
Prepare yourself, your business, or your community with our easy-to-follow online training sessions. These courses are designed to help you take the necessary steps toward readiness for any emergency:
• Introduction to Preparedness
• Introduction to Business Preparedness
• Introduction to Preparedness for Houses of Worship
• 5 Step Neighborhood Guide
Access the trainings here: https://bit.ly/DEMS-Training
Summer Opportunities with the Fairfax County Police Department
This summer, the Fairfax County Police Department is hosting 3 different free summer programs in an effort to raise the police leaders of future generations. Whether you're considering a future career in public safety or just want to build valuable life skills, these programs provide hands-on experiences, mentorship from law enforcement professionals, and a behind-the-scenes look at police operations. Check out the details and be sure to apply before the deadlines!
Police Leaders of Tomorrow
Dates: June 23 – 27
Eligibility: Young adults aged 18 – 24 from the Metro Washington Area
Deadline to Apply: June 8
Teen Police Academy
Dates: July 14 – 18
Eligibility: Rising 10th – 12th grade students enrolled in public, private, or home school in Fairfax County
Deadline to Apply: June 25
Future Women Leaders in Law Enforcement
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: High School girls in Northern Virginia entering 10th – 12th grade
Deadline to Apply: June 25
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