Stafford County may experience effects from the several tropical storms and hurricanes developing in the Atlantic. Please take a few minutes to know how to get information, have a plan, and get involved. Now is the time to began monitoring the weather situations (local media) so as to prepare for these weather events. The following tips may be of help.

Be Informed: Get up to the minute local emergency information through Stafford Alert, a free service available to individuals who live or work in Stafford County. Individuals choose how they want to receive messages -- on their mobile phones, pagers, and/or in their e-mail boxes. These messages warn people about emergency situations. To sign up, visit www.staffordalert.com. Other ways to learn about emergency situations are through the County’s web site, http://co.stafford.va.us or www.staffordfirerescue.gov .

Make a Plan:

Making a family disaster plan involves discussing the hazards and threats for your area and what your family would do during an actual emergency. As you create your plan, decide on a meeting place if your family cannot return home, designate an out-of-town friend or relative as a point-of-contact and plan for the specific needs of your household, such as an evacuation shelter for pets or transportation for medical equipment. For more information, visit www.staffordfirerescue.gov

Prepare an Emergency Kit:

An emergency supply "Go Bag" kit includes, among other things, essential items to last at least three days such as a battery-powered radio and extra batteries, food and water, flashlights, a first aid kit and medications. For more specific information on what to include in your "go bag", visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management also has information on preparation for emergencies at www.vaemergency.com

Get Involved:

There are several opportunities to become involved in emergency preparedness activities, including assisting should a hurricane hit Stafford. Become a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) member. You can learn about this program by visiting www.staffordfirerescue.gov

Tips for Homeowners:

Now is a good time to stroll around your property and prune any dead branches from trees, clean gutters and secure loose outside furniture.