How to Prepare for Hurricane Sandy in Arlington County

Hurricane Sandy is on track to affect Northern Virginia — and officials say there's plenty of time to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends all residents develop a ready kit, including water, food and other emergency supplies.

The basics, according to FEMA: At least three days worth of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per day for each person in your household for at least three days, for both drinking and sanitation.

Emergency supplies FEMA recommends:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Arlington County gives its own advice for supplies over the next two days:

• Arlington County is now recommending that every household keep a 10-day supply of items in their kits for each member of the household.

What Residents Can Do:

• Make sure you and your family members are prepared for an extended weather event.
• Expect downed trees and power outages.
• Have flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio in case power goes out. Ensure mobile phones are fully charged. And consider pulling out your old-fashioned land-line phone.
• Have food that does not need refrigeration and one gallon of water per person per day.
• Other important items are a first aid kit, medication, and other supplies.
• Don’t wait till Sunday evening to hit the grocery store.
• Don't forget your pets and others who may need special assistance, including elderly neighbors.
• Have a communications plan. Make sure all family members understand who to call if you get separated.
• In these types of weather events, excessive rain will loosen tree root systems so a greater potential for downed trees can be expected.
• With heavy winds expected, ensure outside items in yards and on decks and patios are secure.
• Clean out gutters, storm drains, etc. — keeping drains clear of trash, leaves and branches — so rainwater can easily flow, reducing possible flooding and ponding. Also rake leaves to cut down on flying debris.
• If you live in an area prone to flooding, be prepared to relocate your family and vehicle before flood waters have an impact.
• If you are driving and see a street that is flooded, turn around.
• Sign up for Arlington Alert.

How the County is Preparing

• Monitoring weather closely and coordinating with regional partners.
• Departments are reviewing emergency plans and procedures.
• Topping off fuel tanks, vehicles.
• Checking/refueling generators.
• Checking roofs/gutters, cleaning them out.
• Checking and clearing storm drains.
• Organizing/positioning heavy equipment to deal with storm damage.
• Checking backup equipment, fuel levels.
• Removing/securing equipment that may be impacted by high winds.
• Developing staffing schedules for the storm and aftermath.

To protect your property, FEMA also suggests:

• Cover your home's windows, either through permanent storm shutters or by boarding up windows. Recommended: 5/8-inch marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. The agency notes that tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• If you're able, trim shrubs and trees surrounding your home. This makes them more wind resistant and can prevent damaged or dead limbs from crashing onto a home or a car as winds pick up.
• Reinforce your garage doors. If wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
• Tie down outdoor furniture — including garbage cans, patio sets, decorations, large garden ornaments and anything else that is not tied down.
• If you live in a high-rise building, seek out potential places for shelters on the 10th floor or below — or, identify a location underground you can get to safety at the beginning of the storm.

Make a Family Emergency Plan

FEMA also encourages every household to make a family emergency plan, which includes giving each member of the family a contact card with cell phone numbers, email and physical addresses for places of work and residences. Keep the cards in briefcases, purses or backpacks.

Families should also identify out-of-state relatives or friends who can act as a coordinator in the event of an emergency. Family members can call that person to let them know they are safe.

More tips on family emergency plans can be found here.