Hurricane Frequently Asked Questions        Hurricane Isabel - FAQWe have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions relating to cleanup and recovery from major storms. Should you have additional questions, please contact the appropriate county agency or the County Emergency Information Line at 703-817-7771, TTY 711.             After the Storm. . . Preventing Disease and Injury in a Flood Information for Belle View and New Alexandria Residents                          After the Storm . . . What is the status of trash collection?County residents are encouraged to begin cleanup as soon as possible. Follow the normal guidelines provided by your trash hauler and prepare any tree limbs and debris according to their standards for collection.  If the county is your trash hauler, bundle large limbs and other debris at the curbside, being cautious to place it on the curb and not block the roadway with large debris. Any brush that is bagged or placed in a container will be collected on your next regularly-scheduled collection day. Leaves must be bagged and placed on the curb as well. Please make sure that you place materials in an accessible location away from parked cars. Please avoid placement of materials under overhead wires that may prevent our equipment and staff from accessing your trash. Large appliances damaged by the storm will be collected at a later date because we need to prioritize the removal of other household materials that can mold and mildew. Please remove any food from no-longer wanted freezers and refrigerators and place spoiled food in your regular trash. We cannot collect these appliances with food in them. Citizens can self-haul trash, debris and recyclables to the facilities at the I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Road or the I-95 Landfill, 9850 Furnace Road . Please visit the county's Web site at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes or call 703-324-5230, TTY 711, to check dates and times.             The extra trash and yard debris created by Hurricane Isabel will delay already-scheduled brush and bulk collections for Fairfax County collection customers located in Sanitary Districts. Regularly scheduled collections will resume as soon as possible after hurricane clean-up efforts have been completed. Please be assured that your bulk or brush collection will be rescheduled for the first possible day now that the storm has passed.            If you have questions about trash collection , would like to schedule a special pick-up or need to know if you are in a Fairfax County Sanitary District, call 703-802-3322, TTY 711.             Where can I take hazardous waste?Hazardous waste can be taken to the Citizens Disposal Facilities at 4618 West Ox Road or to the I-95 disposal complex, 9850 Furnace Road. When will the electric power be restored to my home or office? It is unknown at this time when electricity will be restored to specific homes and businesses in Fairfax County. Employees of Virginia Power are working around the clock to restore service in affected areas, but due to the sheer volume of people without electricity the restoration will continue for at least the next several days. Virginia Power can be reached at 1-888-667-3000, TTY 711.Candles are not recommended for lighting because of fire hazards.  Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns. If you use a generator for emergency power make sure it is outdoors in a dry, ventilated area away from attached garages or air intakes to the house. Never fuel or run a portable generator in the home or garage, as gas-powered generators pose a serious fire and carbon monoxide threat.            What do I do if electrical equipment in my home is submerged underwater?If electrical equipment is submerged and still plugged in, do not touch it. First, residents should have water removed from the area. Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet. Do not turn on damaged electrical appliances because of the hazards of electric shock or fire.             I lost power at my home. Is the food in my refrigerator and freezer still okay to eat?At the time the power goes out, do not immediately open refrigerators or freezers to check the contents. This will let the cold air out and greatly shorten the time foods will remain at safe temperatures. Household refrigerators, or combination refrigerator/freezers, will normally maintain foods at safe temperatures (41¡F or below) for 2-4 hours after the power goes out so long as the door is not opened. Food in the freezer section will stay frozen for 8-10 hours. These times may vary considerably depending on the age of the unit, condition of door seals, temperature setting used and the amount of food present. Frozen foods in household freezers (uprights and deep-chest) will stay frozen from 1-2 days if the freezer is not opened, is well insulated and in good condition. After that time food may begin to thaw but may still be at a safe temperature (41¡F or below) for 1-2 days afterward, depending on the size of the freezer and the amount of food it contains. Frozen food in a full freezer will stay frozen longer than a half-full freezer. Any thawed foods which are not in waterproof sealed freezer bags or containers and that are found in water or fluids, or that show signs of water damage, should be discarded. Before using potentially hazardous foods (milk, cheeses, eggs, meats, fish, poultry, or any products containing these foods), be sure to check their temperatures. If these foods were kept at 41¡F or below they should be safe. However, if the internal temperature of these foods has been above 41¡F for longer than 2 hours, discard them. Do not eat. Don't trust your sense of smell. Food may be unsafe even if it doesn't smell bad. Foods that have an unusual odor, color or texture should be discarded. Raw poultry, fish, meats and eggs should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165¡F as measured with a metal stemmed meat thermometer. Remember that refrigerator temperatures should be set to 41¡F or below; and freezers, 0¡F or lower.             Follow the golden rule of food safety, "When in Doubt, Throw it Out!" for any foods which you are not sure have stayed at a safe temperature or which do not look or smell as they should. My basement is flooded. What should I do?If the water is rising and threatens your safety, call 9-1-1.If you have damp walls or floors, you should contact a water removal or restoration company. You should also call the countyâs Department of Public Works and Environmental Services at 703-934-2800, TTY 711 to report any house flooding or blocked storm drains.If you want to hire a water removal or restoration company, call two or three companies that provide this service to ensure fairness in pricing. Also, make sure the company you hire is licensed by the state ö you can check this on the stateâs Web site at http://www.dpor.state.va.us. Check to make sure they are bonded and ask for references. For more information on hiring a service company, visit the county's Web site at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/cable.             Will insurance cover any property damage?That depends on your specific insurance coverage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, hurricane damage is covered under a standard homeowner's policy, but it is very important to insure your home and belongings to their full replacement cost. Flooding is generally not covered under standard homeowners policies, so ask your agent about flood insurance. If you rent a house or apartment, talk to your agent about purchasing a renters insurance policy if you donât already have one. How do I contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for federal disaster relief?To apply for assistance, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585. This is for use only by people in designated federal disaster areas, Fairfax County has been designated a federal disaster area. Be prepared to give your Social Security number, describe your losses, provide financial information, and give directions to the damaged property. The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance. For more information visit the FEMA Web site at http://www.fema.gov What should I do if my septic system is affected?Please call the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services at 703-323-1211 or 703-250-2003, TTY 703-239-8489 to report a sewer back-up.Interruption of the electrical power supply will prevent sewage effluent pumps serving septic tank systems from discharging sewage effluent into the drainfield area of the system. Alarm systems installed to indicate failure of the pumping system will also be inoperative. Occupants of homes or other structures with such systems should conserve water use by taking laundry elsewhere (to a laundromat), showering/bathing less often, using disposable food service items, and by not flushing the toilet after every use. Overflow of the septic tank, pumping station, and/or sewage back-ups into the structure can be avoided by having the contents of the septic tank and/or pump station pumped by a licensed sewage-handling contractor. Should an overflow outside the dwelling occur, the tanks must be pumped and the affected area spread with hydrated lime. In the event that electrical power is not available, well water cannot be supplied unless an alternate source of power is available (a hand pump installed at the well head or generator power). Purchase and use of bottled water for drinking and culinary purposes is recommended. Water for use in toilets can be obtained from other sources such as creeks and streams. Some water may be obtained by draining water storage tanks (including the hot water heater) and melting ice cubes. Water conservation methods must be employed.What should I do if I have a vehicle that has water damage?If your car suffered water damage or any other mechanical or body damage:	Have repairs made by a reputable repair shop. 	Check the shop's complaint history with the county's Consumer Protection Division at 703-222-8435, TTY 711.	Be sure to get detailed written estimates that show the cost of  parts and labor separately.	Get several estimates if major repairs are necessary.	Compare warranties.Once you have chosen a shop, instruct the mechanic to call for  authorization before making repairs not listed on the original  repair order, and ask for the old parts.The Virginia Auto Repair Facilities Act protects consumers by  prohibiting the bill from exceeding the written estimate by more  than 10 percent unless additional work is authorized. How do I obtain a permit for repair work that needs to be done to my home or business?Permits are required for most repair work. Application for a permit can be made at the Permit Application Center, Herrity Building, 2nd Floor, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 703-222-0801, TTY 711.You are encouraged to contact your insurance company before making  repairs to see what types of damage documentation they will need to process your claim. How can I avoid home repair fraud?You may discover that your damaged home or business needs extensive repairs or, in some cases, demolition. Consumers need to carefully determine how to deal with the necessary repairs and the offers they receive to do the work. Insurance settlements and relief payouts from the federal government provide con artists with many opportunities to profit unfairly.Itinerant contractors will flock to disaster sites, drawn by the demand for repairs and the availability of money. Consumers, anxious to make their homes livable again, may let their guard down and overlook the standard warning signs of a home repair scam. Using good judgment and taking the necessary precautions could save you money and frustration.  Watch out for:	Strangers arriving at your door offering to do repairs. 	Solicitors saying "We've just finished a job nearby and have material left over so we can do the job at a low price."	Contractors with no physical address and only an answering service or pager. 	Contractors who refuse to give written estimates, contracts, or references. 	High pressure sales tactics or someone who tries to rush you into a decision. 	Requirement of a large down payment or full payment before the job is completed. Before you sign on the dotted line, consider the following:	Never let anyone into your home without proper identification. If a door-to-door solicitor comes to your home, make sure he/she has a solicitation permit before allowing access. If they can't produce a valid permit, call the police. 	Make sure the contractor has the appropriate licenses and insurance for the job. To check State licenses, call the State Board for Contractors at 804-367-8511, TTY 711. To check local licenses, call the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services at 703-324-1540, TTY 711. 	Check the contractorâs complaint history with the Consumer Protection Division at 703-222-8435, TTY 711. You can also check the Consumer Protection Division's complaint history information online. 	If you believe you were defrauded by a contractor, contact the Fairfax County Police Criminal Investigations Bureau at 703-246-7800, TTY 711. 	Request references and check them. 	Get written estimates from at least 3 companies. 	Make sure the contract is specific and includes a completion date with a penalty clause. 	If the contract was signed in your home, make sure it includes a notice of your right to cancel within 3 days. 	Make certain the payment schedule reflects the work completed. 	Consider various financing options. 	Always require the contractor to obtain necessary permits and inspections. 	Never sign a certificate of completion before the job is done to your satisfaction. Who should I call if I experience problems with water service?Call the Fairfax County Water Authority at 703-698-5800, TTY 703-698-7025. After hours, call 703-698-5613.Who do I call if I see flooded roads, blocked roads or malfunctioning traffic signals?Call the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) at 703-383-VDOT (8368), TTY 711.Who do I call regarding a gas leak?Call Washington Gas at 703-750-1400, TTY 703-750-1403 or Columbia Gas at 1-800-544-5606, TTY 1-800-231-3238.Who do I call to report a power outage?Depending on your electric company, you need to contact either Dominion Virginia Power at 1-888-667-3000, TTY 711 or NOVEC at 1-888-335-0500, TTY 711.Who do I call to report a street light outage?You need to contact either Dominion Virginia Power at 1-888-667-3000, TTY 711 or NOVEC at 1-888-335-0500, TTY 711.How do I call to report a problem in land line telephone service?Call Verizon at 1-800-275-2355, TTY 1-800-564-0999.Is there any other safety information I need to know?Never allow children to swim or play in or near floodwaters or detention ponds. Check on relatives and neighbors, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities, to ensure they are safe. Does Fairfax County Government have an emergency notification radio station?Fairfax County has an emergency notification system on Cable Channel 16 which is broadcast throughout the county and is video streamed on the Internet at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. Information is also available on the county's Emergency Information Line at 703-817-7771, TTY 711, and on the county's Web site listed above. Information is also provided to local media throughout any emergency.Where can I make a donation to help with the hurricane relief efforts?A number of organizations are accepting donations for the hurricane relief efforts, both locally and statewide. Here are some of the organizations accepting donations:Virginia State: A state toll-free number has been established for those who want to make contributions to assist Virginia residents affected by Hurricane Isabel. Individuals and businesses, both in Virginia and out-of-state, should call 1-877-245-5513. Red Cross: 1-800-HELP-NOW, Spanish Speaking: 1-800-257-7575, TTY 1-800-220-4095 United Community Ministries: UCM has established a special flood relief account. Mail donations to UCM, 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria, VA 22306. For more information call 703-768-7106 The countyâs Consumer Protection Division offers the following tips to ensure your money helps people truly in need:	Give money to organizations you know. Don't fall for copy-cat names. 	Ask for written information about the organization and check it out. 	Don't fall for high pressure tactics, emotional appeals, or requests for immediate contributions. 	Ask for information about how the money is used. Most of your donation could be used to pay professional fundraisers. 	If you're going to contribute, donât use cash. 	Check to make sure the charity is registered with the state Office of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-552-9963, TTY 711.Preventing Disease and Injury in a Flood: 	During and following a widespread flooding disaster, many questions arise from citizens within the communities affected, and from the many volunteers and organizations which are working in the devastated area. Personal health and safety is a priority for everyone. The following information is aimed at preventing both disease and injury by answering many common concerns and providing valuable preventive health tips.What immunizations will I need if I am exposed to flood water?	No special immunizations are necessary. Experience and studies from previous serious national floods demonstrate that increased risk or incidence of tetanus, typhoid fever or hepatitis A have not occurred. Recommendations for these immunizations are the same as during non-flood conditions. 	Tetanus ö A booster for tetanus should be given to anyone sustaining an injury (particularly lacerations and puncture wounds) that has not received a vaccination within the last 10 years, 5 years for particularly major or unclean wounds. 	Hepatitis A ö Immune globulin is given only to those persons known to be in direct contact with a confirmed case of hepatitis A. Hepatitis A vaccines are not required. 	Typhoid - Prophylactic Typhoid vaccination is not recommended. What disease-causing agents may be present in floodwaters?	Since local water systems may become contaminated and power outages are widespread following severe flooding, increased foodborne and waterborne diarrheal illnesses may occur. A variety of sources, including animal and human waste, can contribute to water pollution. Diarrheal Illness - Most diarrheal illnesses have incubation periods between one and seven days. Bloody diarrhea may occur with certain infections. Testing for illness should be performed prior to treatment with medication because of the large number of causative agents that may require different antibiotics. Stool cultures submitted by your physician can be tested at the State Laboratory for Public Health. Local health departments should be notified of the results so cases can be investigated and appropriate follow up provided. Hepatitis A - If hepatitis A is suspected, the doctor should draw blood and test for IgM antibodies for hepatitis A. It is especially important for the local health department to know if a person with this illness is a food handler or participates in a day care setting. Parasites - Some waterborne parasites (e.g., giardia, cyclospora, and cryptosporidium) may also cause chronic diarrhea; testing by a physician can identify these diseases. Such diseases can be severe in immunocompromised persons. Leptospirosis - During widespread flooding of an area there may be a potential, but small, risk for a disease called leptospirosis, which is caused by exposure to animal urine. It is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. Symptoms may range from none to high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), abdominal pain, diarrhea or rash. If the disease is not treated, kidney damage or liver failure may develop as well as respiratory failure or meningitis. Death occurs rarely. What problems can I encounter with flooded buildings?	Residents working on or living in buildings damaged by water during flooding should be aware of the potential for biological  contamination to their homes and drinking water. If homes become flooded or wells are covered with water as a result of the flood, then certain measures should be taken in order to protect your health and safety. The following describes the public health problems associated with flooding, the misconceptions associated with flooding, and the measures to take to protect your health and safety after a flood.	Mildew, Mold and Fungi ö Mold (fungi) will grow in flooded buildings that do not dry out quickly. People living or working in buildings with wet carpet, walls, mattresses and/or furniture can have health problems such as allergies, asthma, (a form of troubled breathing), and sneezing. Mold and fungi can grow in these materials to numbers that can present a health risk after being wet for only 48 hours. Persons at highest risk are asthmatics, people with allergies, infants and children, elderly, pregnant women, people with existing respiratory diseases, and people with compromised immune systems. Spraying with a household disinfectant for fungi and mold will not remove the organisms and can exacerbate breathing problems.TIP: Porous or spongy materials including carpet that have been saturated with floodwaters should be thrown away. Scrub hard surfaces of your home and its dried contents with warm soapy water using laundry detergent. Rinse with clear water, and rinse again with a biocidal solution (1/4 cup of household bleach to 1 gallon of water). Allow the biocidal solution to stay in contact with the surfaces for five minutes and rinse again with clear water. Avoid skin contact with the biocidal solution and use only in well-ventilated areas. Wash all clothing items in hot soapy water. 	Contaminated mattresses, upholstered furniture and carpets should be discarded because they cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. All cleaned items should be thoroughly dried, or mold and mildew will return.TIP: Personal protective equipment should be worn when entering a flooded building. It is recommended to wear boots, puncture resistant gloves, and respiratory protection against mildew, mold, and fungi that may be in the air. The type of respirator that is recommended is known as a filter face piece respirator that can be obtained at a local hardware store. Look on the label for NIOSH N-95 filtering face piece with N-95 organic vapor for odor control.	Asbestos Building Materials - Homes may have building materials containing asbestos, which has been associated with respiratory diseases. Building materials that may contain asbestos include flooring, siding, roofing, pipe insulation, fireproofing, or decorative ceiling treatments. TIP: If asbestos is suspected to be present in building materials, the materials should be carefully wetted to minimize dust production whenever they are being disturbed or moved from place to place.	Sewage - Flooding may cause wastewater to back up into homes that receive wastewater service from either private or community septic systems. Once the water recedes, a high water table may still prevent these systems from functioning for some time. TIP: Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup if sewage backed up into your home. Remove and discard contaminated household goods such as wall coverings, rugs, cloth and drywall that cannot be disinfected.What concerns should I have about wild animals and insects?	Mosquitoes - Flooding can result in excessive breeding of mosquitoes, resulting in the possibility of diseases being carried by the insects. Swarms of mosquitoes may be seen in the affected regions several weeks after the storm. Mosquito eggs can lie dormant for years without water. Those eggs will now hatch increasing the potential for mosquito-borne disease until the first frost.TIP: Residents should remove excess water from birdbaths, flower pots, tires, buckets and other containers to minimize the breeding of mosquitoes. 	Other Insects - Bees, wasps, and hornets may have had their nests disturbed by excessive wind and rain. These insects can become very aggressive.TIP: Before beginning cleanup, survey the site to see if bees, wasps or hornets are hovering in the area. If they are, use a commercially available pesticide to get rid of them before entering.	Snakes - Snakes will also have their nests disturbed during flooding. Also, there is less land for them to seek shelter and they are prone to enter abandoned homes, vehicles, furniture and equipment.TIP: Before reentering homes or vehicles, and before placing furniture back in the home, check thoroughly for snakes.	Wild Animals - Wild animals displaced from their natural habitats may seek shelter in places where they may be exposed to people. Such animals may be infected with rabies.TIP: You should avoid contact with wild animals such as raccoons, possums, squirrels, etc. Animal bites should be reported to Fairfax County Animal Control dispatch at 703-830-3310, TTY 711.	Dead Animals - Dead animals may be found around your home after a flood. The presence of these animals may result in excessive odor and increase in the number of flies. Widespread contamination from animal waste and untreated sewage may occur. The presence of carcasses can serve as reservoirs for those known organisms, such as coliforms, and will attract vectors such as flies that can contaminate food. TIP: Small dead animals found around the home may be placed in dumpsters or buried three feet in the ground. Do not handle with bare hands. If large livestock are found, it is recommended to notify a local cooperative extension agent to determine the appropriate disposal method.General Health Tips	The important considerations and recommendations for the public in flooded areas are avoidance of sewage, debris, and remains of animals. When handling is necessary for disposal, use protective equipment such as gloves to avoid direct contact. Always use good hand washing practices during this time. It is especially important to wash your hands with soap before smoking, eating or drinking. For more information on cleaning up after a flood, contact the Fairfax County Health Department at 703-246-3796, TTY 711.Information for Belle View and New Alexandria ResidentsWhen will I be able to get back into my house?	The evacuation order of New Alexandria and Belle View has been lifted. Persons who left their homes because of flooding caused by Hurricane Isabel can again occupy their dwellings.  Persons returning to their dwellings may find a colored sticker on their building. 	If you have a green sticker on your home, it is safe to re-renter.	If you have a yellow sticker on your home, there is some damage but the home is okay to re-enter and in livable  condition. 	If you have a red sticker on your home, you must have an escort from the Fire Marshall's office before you are allowed to re-enter. Should you have a red sticker on your home, please call the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Operations Center at 703-324-8355, TTY 711 for additional information. Will the county pump out my basement?	Usually, Fairfax County does not provide this service for private residents. However, to give residents an extra help for this disaster, we have pooled our limited resources to assist with pumping out the basements in New Alexandria and Belle View evacuation areas. The county's Public Works staff will have pumps in these areas and are moving through the neighborhoods, so there is no need to call the county to request this assistance. 	You may choose to call a plumber or water treatment company to pump out your basement. Call two or three companies that provide this service to ensure fairness in pricing.  Also, make sure the company you hire is licensed by the state ö you can check this on the stateâs Web site at http://www.dpor.state.va.us. 	Check to make sure they are bonded and ask for references. For more information on hiring a service company, visit the county's Web site at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/cable. How do I obtain a permit for repair work that needs to be done to my home or business?	To provide extra benefits to residents and eliminate the need to travel to the Government Center, Public Works staff will be at the Mt. Vernon RECenter, located at 2017 Belle View Boulevard, Wednesday, Sept. 24 - Friday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help citizens work through the permit process. 	Because this is a disaster event, you can begin the repairs before the permit is issued, however, a permit must be obtained to complete the process. You are encouraged to 	contact your insurance company before making repairs to see 	what types of damage documentation they will need to process your claim. Who are the health and safety officials dealing with the Belle View Shopping Center?	Fairfax County will have environmental health staff and building code officials inspecting the area and determining if the structures are safe. Where can I dispose of bulk items? 	We have placed open-top trash collection boxes at a variety of stations in the Belle Haven neighborhood to assist with debris clean up. Please use these containers to dispose of storm debris. Boxes marked ãBULKä are for household items. Boxes marked ãBRUSHä are for woody and vegetative waste from trees and yards. What should I do with hazardous waste?	Special household hazardous waste collection service will be provided on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the recycling drop off center located at the Mt. Vernon RECenter, 2017 Belle View Road. Is there any place where I can take a shower?	The Mt. Vernon RECenter will remain open 24 hours a day through Friday, Sept. 26 for any members of the community needing shower facilities. How can I get more information?	An information center has been established at the Mount Vernon RECenter at the intersection of Belle View and Fort Hunt. This will also be staffed 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily through Friday, Sept. 26. To reach staff by phone, call 703-768-3222, TTY 711.Web Privacy Policy ©Copyright 2003, Fairfax County, Virginia Last Modified: Tuesday, September 23, 2003