Preparing for Hurricane Irene | News

Emergency management coordinator Dave McKernan discusses how Fairfax County should prepare for Hurricane Irene (recorded Thursday afternoon, Aug. 25).

From Fairfax County Emergency Information:

Before the Storm

• Cut dead trees and limbs that could fall on your home.
• Learn the difference between a watch and a warning.
  • A hurricane watch indicates that hurricane conditions are possible in your area within 36 hours.
  • A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions are possible in your area within 24 hours.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, identify where to go if ordered to evacuate and the safest route to get there. If there is a flood, you may only have minutes to get to safety. Choose several places – a friend’s home in another town, a motel or a shelter. Remember, public shelters and many motels don’t allow pets in their facilities.
• If your home or business is in a flood-prone area, make sure you have a current flood insurance policy (not typically part of a standard insurance policy). A 30-day waiting period is generally required to purchase flood insurance, so take time now to visit your insurance agent to learn more.
• Take pictures of your property before the storm to help validate your claim and remember to take your policies with you if you need to evacuate.