Stay Informed: Alerts and Warnings

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Stay Informed: Alerts and Warnings

TO SIGN UP FOR PWC ALERTS:

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EMERGENCY ALERTS AND NOTIFICATIONS

During a major emergency or disaster, Prince William County government posts information in the following places:

County Emergency Information Portal
County Social Media Pages on Facebook and Twitter
PWC Alerts is an emergency notification system used by Prince William County government to send emergency alerts, non-emergency updates, as well as automated weather notifications to you through voice calls, texts, and/or emails before, during, and after a major crisis. This highly customizable system allows you to receive only those alerts that you are interested in receiving (examples include: severe weather watches & warnings, traffic alerts, etc.). For more information and to register, go to alerts. Please note that Prince William County Schools uses a separate alerting system.

You may also receive alerts from authorities in the following ways:

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency alerts sent by authorities to wireless devices (predominantly cell phones).
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) overrides television and radio broadcast stations with emergency messages.
NOAA Weather Radios can be programmed to broadcast alerts about all types of hazards for your specific area
Local television and radio stations often provide information before, during, and after disasters. WTOP (FM 103.5 and AM 1500), and WMAL (FM 105.9 and AM 630) are the designated Emergency Broadcast Stations for this area. Authorities will use these and other media sources to broadcast emergency alerts and test alerts through the EAS (Emergency Alerting System).

You should look for local, up-to-date information and follow instructions from local officials about:

Weather watches and warnings
How to safely stay where you are
Evacuation orders
Shelter openings and locations
Where to get help
Major road closures

WATCH VS. WARNING

Do you know the difference between a Watch and Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

A Watch means be prepared! Hazardous weather is possible near the area where a watch has been issued. Stay informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.

A Warning means take action! Hazardous weather has been reported by trained spotters, first responders, or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life or property. Follow the instructions in the warning to keep you and your loved ones safe.

For a list of the different watches, warnings, or advisories that may be issued in our area, view the National Weather Service Sterling Weather Forecast Office definitions at https://www.weather.gov/lwx/WarningsDefined

BE PREPARED TO SHELTER IN PLACE OR EVACUATE

Depending on the situation, local officials may tell you to stay where you are and take steps to protect yourself, or you may be told to leave the area immediately. Being informed about your options is critical to being prepared.

If you are able to stay in your home:

Gather your emergency supplies
Check for damage to your home
Know how to shut off any damaged utilities
Check in with your emergency contact
Check on your neighbors

Officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk. If you have to evacuate the area:

Listen carefully and follow directions
Shut off water and electricity but leave natural gas on unless officials advise you to turn it off
Wear clothing that will protect you such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes
Take any special supplies you may need such as medications, special food, or assistive device.
Take a collar, harness, identification tags, vaccination records, medications, veterinarian contact and food for your service animal or pet
If you are driving, make sure you have local maps and a full fuel tank
Listen to local radio stations for traffic information
Lock your home when you leave
Notify your emergency contact of your plans

Be Prepared to evacuate if: