Health & Fitness
Preparing for the Next Big Storm
Fairfax County supports neighbor to neighbor connections in emergencies but its up to us to mobilize our neighborhoods in Reston.
On Nov. 3, a group of Reston residents engaged in a thought-provoking discussion and presentation at the forum "Is Your Neighborhood Ready for the Next Big Storm". The event was produced by Reston for a Lifetime with the support of Reston Community Center and Reston Citizens Association. Below are some of the highlights and links to resources mentioned at the event. Goals for the Event:
- Help Restonians be more prepared in storms by explaining available resources
- Identify vulnerable Restonians and neighbors willing and able to help them
- Increase the dialogue among neighbors about how they can help each other in these situations
- Leverage neighborhood connections to help make Reston a better place to live a lifetime
- Cherie Lejeune provided a recap of the situation at Lake Anne Fellowship House during the Derecho storm this summer. She shared some of the challenges and how the community rallied to support the residents.
- In an open dialogue the audience was offered the opportunity to share what concerns them most about storms and power outages in Reston. Here were a few comments:
- Isolated in a single-family neighborhood
- I have mobility issues so I can't get out or around
- Cell-phone vs. land line concerns
- Concerns about people not having Internet or Smart Phones
- Make a Plan - Determine how you will contact your network of support, and get back together, if you are separated during an emergency. Be sureto identify what you will do in various situations. More info is available at www.ReadyVirginia.gov and www.MakeaPlan.org
- Assemble a Kit - An emergency kit should contain basic supplies to help you withstand a disaster. It's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/oem/prepare/kit.htm
- Stay Informed - The most convenient way to stay up-to-date about local
emergencies is to register for the Community Emergency Alert Network (CEAN), https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cean/ which delivers important emergency alerts, notifications and updates during a major emergency, and weather and traffic alerts.
571-350-1000 to make sure first responders are aware.
As always, please email aginginreston@gmail.com with your questions and comments.
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