In our area, severe weather and other emergencies can happen at any time. At Fairfax Water, we never stop preparing for these type of unexpected events. We do take all prudent measures to minimize the possibility of service interruption. Because we monitor the water system 24/7, we always have staff on site and ready to respond to an emergency. But we can’t do it alone. We need your help to prepare your family for emergencies.
Having a supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency situation. Even though Fairfax Water has more than one water treatment plant to provide back-up in emergencies, you could still temporarily lose access to clean water.
Take steps now to store emergency water supplies. Here are some helpful tips:
- Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum three-day supply. This means a family of four needs 12 gallons.
- Be sure to account for pets. Dogs and cats typically need one gallon each per day.
- Store water in a cool, dark place in your home, office, or car. Replace water every six months and be sure to check expiration dates on store-bought water.
- Use of food-grade water storage containers, such as those found at surplus or camping-supply stores, is recommended if you prepare stored water yourself.
- If you use your own containers for storing water, make sure to sanitize them first. To sanitize, wash containers with dishwashing soap and rinse with water. Sanitize by swishing a solution of one teaspoon of liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water on all interior surfaces of the container. Rinse thoroughly with clean water before use.
- Do not reuse containers that have ever held a toxic substance. Also, do not use containers that can break, like glass or those without a tight seal. Plastic milk bottles or waxy cartons can be difficult to clean and can break down over time.
Just a click away….
Sign up for local emergency alerts! You decide the type of alerts you want on any or all of your electronic devices.
- Fairfax Alerts (County): https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/alerts
- Falls Church Alerts: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/1371/Falls-Church-Alerts
- Fairfax City Alerts: https://www.fairfaxva.gov/services/about-us/fairfax-city-alert
Visit www.ReadyNOVA.org and complete your family preparedness plan. For business owners, www.ReadyNOVA.org has a business preparedness planner to help you stay in business during the next disaster.
Download the free Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app at www.fema.gov/mobile-app for information about what to do before, during and after a disaster, including locations and driving directions to open shelters and disaster recovery centers.