Arlington's public safety professionals help protect lives and property through quick response to fire and crime reports; safety and emergency preparedness programs; crime prevention services; and the emergency Arlington Alert system.

Use Arlington's non-emergency number 703-558-2222 to request routine police and fire assistance.
Call 9-1-1 for emergencies only.

This season, give the gift of preparedness!

Emergencies can happen any time. When they do, it’s too late to plan a response. Know how to get Arlington-specific information during an emergency:

Be Informed - Local Emergency Alerts

• Arlington Alert provides real-time safety information and emergency alerts via e-mail, cell phone, pager, BlackBerry or other wireless PDA. To sign up for this free service, visit www.arlingtonalert.com or text "1801" to 411911.
• Radio FM: 88.5 - WAMU/NPR; 103.5 - WTOP, All news - Metro region
• Radio AM: 1700 - Arlington only; 630 Metro region
• TV news channels: 4, 5, 7, 8, 9
• AVN - Arlington Virginia Network: Comcast Cable Channels 25 and 74/ Verizon FiOS Channels 39 and 40
• Arlington County Government Web site: http://www.arlingtonva.us/
• Arlington County Government Hotline: 703-228-3000; TTY 703-228-4611
• XM Satellite Radio: Channel 214

Make a Plan

Making a family disaster plan involves discussing what your family will do during an actual emergency.

• Decide on a meeting place in the event your home is inaccessible.
• Designate an out-of-town friend or relative as a point of contact.
• Plan for the specific needs of your household, such as pet supplies or transportation of medical equipment.

Tools you can use:

• For a handy planning guide, visit http://www.makeaplan.org/ or contact OEM at 703-228-3314.
• Get tips from the Arlington County Office of Emergency Management at 703-228-3314
• Video - Ready Virginia: Family Meeting Place (30 sec. )
• How to create a Personal Response Plan.
• Emergency preparedness tips from Ready Virginia.
• Find out what's happening in Virginia http://www.vaemergency.com/.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

An emergency supply “Go Bag” kit includes essential items to last at least three days:

• a battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• non-perishable food and a can opener,
• water,
• flashlights
• a first aid kit and medications.

What should go in your Go Bag? Watch video (6:37)

Get Involved in Emergency Preparedness

You can help with the County’s emergency preparedness and assist should a disaster hit Arlington.

• Become a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) member. Find Out About CERT,
• Join the Medical Reserve Corps
• Become a Volunteer Emergency Support Team (VEST) member

Arlington Prepares Emergency Guide

• Download in English (.pdf)
• Download in Spanish (.pdf)
• For Large Print or Braille copies contact: Anna Maynard, 703-228-7096, amaynard (at) arlingtonva.us

Here are some links from Ready America to help you be informed, make a plan and get involved if an emergency does occur.

• Be Informed
• Make a Plan
• Get a Kit
• Get Involved

More Information

Emergency Preparedness Guides & Kits

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Homeowners, Red Cross Personal Workplace Disaster Supplies Kit, Respond in Your Neighborhood & Business, What Does "Shelter In Place" Mean?, Your Guide to Emergency Preparedness, Arlington Public Schools

Fire Department

Alarm Information & Tips, Carbon Monoxide Info, CPR training, Escape Plans, Find Your Fire Station

Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

About Arlington's OEM, Disaster Education, Disaster Response

Police Department 

Chief of Police, Crime Prevention Tips, Gang Prevention, Police Districts, Police Services

Ready Fact Sheets from U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Ready Campaign Fact Sheet, Ready Kids Fact Sheet, Ready Pets Fact Sheet, Ready Seniors and People with Disabilities Fact Sheet, Listo Campaign Fact Sheet, School Preparedness Fact Sheet, National Preparedness Month Fact Sheet, More Ready Fact Sheets and Updates 

Severe Weather

Winter Weather

Volunteer Opportunities