Northern Virginia - State of local emergency effective Jan. 17-21, 2009

The following local state of emergency starts tomorrow:

"Northern Virginia Regional Commission
NEWS RELEASE
January 15, 2009, 5:10 p.m.
In Preparation for Inauguration

Northern Virginia Local Governments Issue Pre-Emptive Emergency Declarations

Consistent with the actions of Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine regarding preparations for th e presidential inauguration, the Northern Virginia local governments agreed today that each will declare a state of local emergency effective Jan. 17-21, 2009. The declarations will allow these governments to more easily get the resources needed to respond and recover from any potential emergencies related to the 56th presidential inauguration.

This action will allow the jurisdictions to be eligible for reimbursement for expenses of the presidential inauguration, which will bring an extraordinary number of people through Northern Virginia.

These unique circumstances, which have already resulted in an unprecedented requirement for inter-agency and inter-governmental coordination, warrant coordinated local government action to prevent or alleviate the threat of injury and harm to the public and damage or loss of property. Northern Virginia local governments have a long history of working cooperatively to prepare for disasters collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries, bringing together elected officials, chief administrative officers, emergency management, law enforcement, fire and public health personnel.

Northern Virginia encompasses the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford.

For more information, contact Merni Fitzgerald, Director of Public Affairs, Fairfax County, at 703-324-3189."

Source: http://alexandriava.gov/news_display.aspx?id=19008

PSAs for Everyone in Your Community - Ice Ice Baby

Yesterday, we shared a local video "Ice Ice Baby" adding emergency information to your cell phone.

We also said to have some fun with the local PSAs.

While you are getting ready for winter storms, are you making sure that the entire community can hear? your message.

Are you ready for Digital TV?

All this week, local major networks will be testing the digital conversion across the United States.

If you are not sure if your televisions will work after the conversion, this week is the test.

Check with your local stations to find out the exact date and times of the test. During this time (anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes), those stations will not be broadcasting in analog.



As a reminder the transition takes place in February 2009, just a few months away.