Recent National / Regional News

• Jan 7, 2016 11:33:10 AM In Preparing for Disasters, Don’t Forget Fido

  The Federal Emergency Management Agency has worked with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the American Kennel Club, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Humane Society of  the United States to develop these pet-preparedness guidelines.

  Have a pet-supply kit ready, including:
  • Pet food for three days in an airtight, waterproof container and bowls;
  • Water for three days.
  • Pet medicines and first-aid supplies.
  • Collar (with ID tags firmly secured), harness or sturdy leash.
  • Important documents such as registration, adoption papers, vaccination and medical records in a plastic bag or waterproof container.
  • Travel crate or other pet carrier.
  • Cat litter, litter box, paper towels, newspapers, plastic trash bags and cleaning supplies.
  • Photos of you and your pet together for identification purposes.
  • Familiar items such as toys, treats and blankets.

  The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to take them with you if you must evacuate. Animals left behind in a disaster can easily be lost or injured. If evacuation is necessary, consider friends or family outside the area who can take in you and your pet. Other options may include a pet-friendly hotel or motel. If your only evacuation option is a Red Cross or other publicly run shelter, be aware that not all shelters are equipped or designed to accept non-service animals.

  Consider boarding your animals at a kennel or veterinary hospital before going to a public shelter. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to evacuate your pet for you if you are unable to do so yourself. Talk with them about your evacuation plans and pet supply kit.

  Consult your veterinarian and consider “microchipping” your pet. These permanent implants may be invaluable if you and your pets are separated.

  After the disaster, don’t allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells may have been changed by the disaster and your pet could become disoriented or lost.

  For information on pet-friendly accommodations in your area and disaster planning, visit www.ready.gov/animals.

  ###

  About the National Capital Region
  The National Capital Region (NCR) encompasses the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland and Virginia, including the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William in Virginia and Montgomery and Prince George’s in Maryland, which include the municipalities of Bowie, College Park, Gaithersburg, Greenbelt, Rockville and Takoma Park.

• Jan 4, 2016 3:27:33 PM Northern Virginia Mutual Aid Agreement Celebrates 40th Anniversary

  In December 2015, the 14 fire, rescue and emergency medical service agencies of the Northern Virginia region celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Northern Virginia Mutual Aid Agreement (“NOVA Agreement”).

   

  Originally signed by the parties on Dec. 12, 1975, the NOVA Agreement was intended to, and continues to, create a framework that allows the residents of Northern Virginia to enjoy the benefits of a regional approach to the delivery of emergency services. These benefits utilize standardized response protocols and operational procedures that are unencumbered by the boundaries of the respective political subdivisions. For 40 years, the Fire and Rescue Departments of Northern Virginia have displayed an unprecedented level of cooperation in providing emergency services to its citizens. This system of automatic mutual response has proven to be invaluable, and was updated and recommitted in 2009 with the intent to perpetuate and strengthen this method of emergency service delivery within the region.

   

  The NOVA Agreement has been attributed as “an example of an effective and successful agreement” that is often cited in national discussions and presentations as an example of best practices that should be emulated throughout the country.

   

  “The NOVA Agreement contains an automatic aid agreement that dispatches the closest and most appropriate resource without regard to jurisdictional boundaries. All parties participate in the development of standard operating procedures that cover all aspects of emergency response from dispatch procedures, communication protocol, incident command, and tactical operations. Member parties agree that they will not charge each other for normal emergency response unless the requesting jurisdiction bills, and receives payment from the party that was responsible for the emergency. Members also agree to waive all claims against the other parties for liability incurred outside of their jurisdiction.”

   

  The parties included in this Agreement include:

  • • Arlington County, Va. (Includes the City of Falls Church)
  • • City of Alexandria, Va.
  • • City of Fairfax, Va.
  • • City of Manassas, Va.
  • • City of Manassas Park, Va.
  • • Fairfax County, Va.(Includes the towns of Clifton, Herndon and Vienna)
  • • Fauquier County, Va.
  • • Loudoun County, Va.
  • • Marine Corps Base Quantico
  • • Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
  • • Prince William County, Va.
  • • Stafford County, Va.
  • • United States Army Base – Fort Belvoir
  • • United States Army – Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

  ###

   

  About the National Capital Region
  The National Capital Region (NCR) is a collection of sovereign jurisdictions, including cities, counties, states and the District of Columbia. This website and the efforts of the region's communicators and public information officers will focus on regional collaboration between the region's homeland security partners to achieve a safe and secure National Capital Region.

See Something Say Something

Across the nation, we're all part of communities. In cities, on farms and in the suburbs, we share everyday moments with our neighbors, colleagues, family and friends. It's easy to take for granted the routine moments in our every day — going to work or school, the grocery store or the gas station. But your every day is different than your neighbor’s — filled with the moments that make it uniquely yours. So if you see something you know shouldn't be there — or someone's behavior that doesn't seem quite right — say something. Because only you know what’s supposed to be in your everyday. Informed, alert communities play a critical role in keeping our nation safe. "If You See Something, Say Something." Learn more about suspicious behavior and what to do >>>

A Disaster Ready NCR
Preparedness  Make a Plan  Build a Kit  Stay Informed "Emergency Preparedness for Federal Employees in the National Capital Region" This brochure is specifically tailored to employees at the workplace and the National Capital Region and provides information on being informed, making a plan, building a kit and getting involved.