Staying Informed During Emergencies
Sign up for emergency alerts from Fairfax Alerts, including public safety, traffic and severe weather alerts. You can also customize your alerts to receive geo-targeted weather alerts.
Download weather apps and get a weather radio. Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to monitor local news media.
After the Emergency
Your preparation doesn’t stop when the emergency ends. You’ll need to:
- Check for injuries and get medical help if needed
- Inspect your home for damage
- Contact your insurance company
- Take pictures of any damage
- Keep receipts for emergency expenses
Making Preparedness a Habit
Check your supplies every six months. Update your plan when your family situation changes. Replace expired items in your kit.
Taking Action Now
By taking simple steps, you can build your preparedness at your own pace. The goal is to be ready before you need to be. September gives us the perfect chance to focus on these important tasks. Remember: it’s not about living in fear. It’s about living with confidence, knowing you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
Community Emergency Response Guide
Fairfax County faces many hazards. Some are difficult to predict; a few strike without any warning at all. In the past several years, our community has responded to major storms, hurricanes and power outages. Be prepared for any natural disaster or emergency. Download a PDF copy of the Community Emergency Response Guide
Fairfax County faces many hazards. Some are difficult to predict; a few strike without any warning at all. In the past several years, our community has responded to major storms, hurricanes and power outages. Be prepared for any natural disaster or emergency. Download a PDF copy of the Community Emergency Response Guide (CERG), available in multiple languages
The Golden Years
HOW TO MAKE HAPPIER HOLIDAYS FOR A BELOVED SENIOR
Deena Imbriglia, Home Instead Senior Care
Navigating the holiday season with an older loved one can be emotional and stressful for family members. Here are a few tips from professionals that will help you support older adults – without overextending yourself.
- Include your family member in event and/or meal planning. From choosing the meal courses to picking out linens, involve your older loved ones, especially if they are able to cook.
- Make some of their favorite meals or treats. This makes them feel special, shows you care and may help with memory challenges.
- Help them primp. Treat your loved one to a “spa day”, professionally or at home.
- Look at photo albums. Spend time looking at photos of holidays past. It may be a healthy way to release normal feelings.
- Guide a “life review”. Ask questions that evoke thoughts and feelings like “What is your favorite piece of music?” or “What is the most satisfying thing in your life?”.
- Revive old family traditions. This is a great way to honor the past in a joyful way. For example, watch holiday movies or take a drive to see the holiday lights.
- Keep your loved one involved. Include them in the spirit of the season by engaging them and having them participate. Have them be included in whatever way they are capable.
- Enjoy the moment! While you may worry about your loved one’s age, declining health or memory loss, this is a perfect time to just enjoy what is, right now.
Roads & Rage
Proposed Road Diet for Annandale and Gallows Road
The entire Gallows Road upgrade is expected to take 15 to 20 years to complete, although some short and middle-term improvements could be done sooner.
The preferred option for the southern segment of Gallows Road includes these configurations.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has been proposing for some time to reconfigure Annandale Road during the summer/fall 2025. The proposed road diet will repurpose two of the four lanes of vehicle traffic between Little River Turnpike and Gallows Road by adding a center turn lane and bike lanes. The benefits of road diets include safety improvements, traffic calming, and better mobility access for all users. Each lane will be shrunk from 14 to 11 feet in width.
By removing or repurposing lanes devoted to vehicle traffic, the overall impact is typically fewer cars on that road and reduced travel speeds, often for the relatively low cost of restriping, according to the transportation department. Ideally this configuration would also reduce rear-end collisions since turns will take place from the center lane traffic study showed that a road diet would add slight traffic delays at key intersections.
Road diets have been successful in reducing the number of cars on the road but often that means those cars are diverting to neighborhood side streets. In recent years FCDOT reports traffic actually declined on Annandale Road – from an average of 16,000 cars per day in 2019 to 13,850 in 2022. Of course this was during the height of the pandemic when
road traffic declined on all roads.
Pedestrians crossing are supposed to be safer since pedestrians are able to stop in the center of the street (providing no cars are turning and traveling in the middle lane) rather than having to wait for a gap in traffic. Pedestrian refuge islands and additional crosswalks could be added in the future but are not part of the road diet proposal. Pedestrian refuge islands are MOST unlikely since they would need to be built in the middle turn lane. Pedestrian crossings will continue to be hazardous under this road diet plan without signalized crosswalks.
What is not taken into account is that the many residential neighborhoods whose drivers utilize Annandale Road are too distant to walk or bike to shops and services let alone bring back the shopping. Annandale was built as a commuter community with all commercial property built in the center and residential built in the surround. It was built for vehicular shopping and that will not change despite road diets and bike lanes.
Disadvantages of a Road Diet:
- Emergency vehicles do not have space to pass, leading to longer response times endangering people and homes.
- Added congestion during commute periods.
- Road Rage can be a problem.
- Drivers divert to side streets through side streets making neighborhoods less safe when faced with long lines of traffic waiting to cycle through lights.
- City buses can cause long lines of traffic when picking up or dropping off passengers.
Currently the Dept of Transportation is running an online survey for comments from the public. Be assured, this is simply a PR exercise and will NOT change thee plan. Once VDOT decides their preferred course of action, they will not be moved by public sentiment.
Insurance Insights
How much business insurance does a Non-Profit need?
In a lot of ways, non-profits and for-profit businesses are two very different things. When it comes to insurance, however, the two have quite a bit in common.
Your non-profit's goals may be charitable, but you still must manage many of the same day-to-day risks as any company. Here's what you're going to need for starters:
- General Liability Insurance. This is the most important part of nearly any insurance package. General liability means that if something goes wrong, and you can be held responsible for it, you'll be covered. That means if someone gets hurt on your property, you won't have to pay for the damages out of pocket. This is of the utmost importance any time you are responsible for the physical space in which business is conducted.
- Property Insurance. It is difficult to run a non-profit without property or somewhere to conduct business. And you don't want to be left paying for damages yourself or out of the non-profit's funds.
- Workers Compensation Insurance. Laws and regulations regarding workers compensation may vary from one state to another, but generally you are expected to provide your workers with workers comp, even if you work with a lot of volunteers.
- D&O and Professional Liability Insurance. Directors & Officers insurance and professional liability can help to protect your non-profit against any concerns that arise in relation to your staff. You might not need D&O insurance just yet, as an unincorporated non-profit association might not have a board of directors in the first place. But a board of directors, and the D&O insurance to cover them, will be a necessity for becoming a non-profit corporation.
A non-profit may be focused less on making money than on making a difference, but that doesn't mean that it's not going to be run like a standard business in more ways than not. Ultimately, this means that you're going to be investing in a standard business insurance package.
This article is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.
Kinneman Insurance 703-823-8800 or go online at www.KinnemanInsurance.com
Love Your Leftovers
How long can you safely keep what you don’t finish on Thanksgiving?
As families try to stretch their dollar more than ever nowadays, the Thanksgiving leftovers are even more a crucial part of the Thanksgiving season. More than just a tradition, it’s become a cost-saving way to get families through the long holiday weekend. But how long can you hang on to those Turkey Day staples and fixins? Let your feast live on by safely storing leftovers in your refrigerator or freezer.
Proper Storage
Follow these simple rules so that you don’t spoil the day after Thanksgiving:
· Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of serving.
· Divide large amounts of hot food into smaller portions so they cool quickly.
· Refrigerate leftovers in airtight packaging or containers.
· Freeze leftovers that will not be eaten within four days.
· Dispose of foods that sit at room temperature longer than two hours.
Leftover Shelf Life
How long will leftovers last when stored properly? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests these guidelines for refrigerated leftovers:
· Cooked turkey should be eaten within three to four days.
· Stuffing and gravy lasts up to two days.
· Casseroles and cooked vegetables can remain in cool storage for up to three or four days.
· Fruit and cream pies should be eaten within two to three days.
· Frozen leftovers last longer. For example, meat lasts up to three months in a freezer.
Reduce the Risk
Proper storage also helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1 in 6 people gets sick by consuming contaminated food and beverages. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. These four steps can help prevent foodborne illness:
1. Cook to the right temperature. Use a food thermometer to be sure food is heated to a temperature that kills harmful bacteria.
2. Wash your hands and cooking surfaces often.
3. Do not cross-contaminate. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs separate from other foods in the fridge. Dripping juices can spread bacteria.
4. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly.
Remember, no matter how long leftovers have been in your refrigerator or freezer, if in doubt – throw it out.
Patient First doctors are available to discuss the best ways to fight off and treat the flu.
Patient First of Annandale
7042A Little River Turnpike
Annandale 22003 
Patient First is open 8am-8pm every day of the year, including holidays. Patient First provides non-appointment urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses, as well as primary care for patients who do not have a regular physician. Each Patient First center has on-site digital x-ray, on-site laboratory, and on-site prescription drugs.Walk in to see a physician and walk out with a whole new view of health care.
The Police Beat
Leave Nothing to Chance: Pedestrian and Driving Safety
As the sun sets earlier, our officers want to remind everyone that safety on the road is a shared responsibility. Whether you are walking, running, or driving, taking a few extra precautions can help prevent crashes and save lives.
Pedestrian Safety at Dusk
With earlier sunsets, more people are walking, jogging, and biking in low-light conditions. This means visibility is lower for everyone.
Safety tips for pedestrians and runners:
- Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in the evening.
- Carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp.
- Always use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions like phones or earbuds.
Safety tips for drivers:
- Slow down in neighborhoods and residential areas.
- Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Stay alert for joggers, children, and cyclists near the road.
Driving Safely in the Dark
During the fall, commuters are often driving in the dark both in the morning and evening, which takes time to adjust to. Reduced visibility increases the risk of crashes if drivers are not alert and prepared.
Safety tips for drivers:
- Turn on your headlights at dusk and keep them on until daylight is clear.
- Make sure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are clean and working.
- Reduce your speed and give yourself extra space to stop.
- Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and deer activity at dawn and dusk.
Safety tips for everyone:
- Avoid distractions and stay focused on the road.
- Be patient and cautious at intersections.
Check out our recent reel featuring officers on night patrol and traffic safety.
A Shared Responsibility
Whether you are behind the wheel, on foot, or on a bike, safety is everyone’s job. Slowing down, paying attention, and taking small steps to be more visible can make a big difference this fall.
Join us on Neighbors by Ring at https://ring.com/neighbors A place where you can connect with your neighbors, see what’s happening in your neighborhood and share any available surveillance footage with our department.
George Mason Regional Library Programs
We're 85!
It’s hard to imagine that the 1939 Board of Supervisors could envision the success of their new library system when they budgeted a whopping $250 to support the library, but here we are, stronger than ever!
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lumbia Pike); townhouses built around it; and, a saddened Mr. Clark died two years later at age 92.
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VIEW ON NATURE: DAMSELS IN DRESS
Once in a while, Nature sparkles. Its always in a moist place —a wetland, pond, creek, or a slow-moving river where I glimpse glints of iridescent and color. That’s where the magic known as damselflies lives.
To me, no other life form harkens summer like these uniquely dainty group of colorful insects. They are related to dragonflies, the subject of my earlier ENDEAVOR article. but differ in distinct ways. Whereas dragonflies have stockier bodies and spread their double wings flat when resting, damselflies are much more slender and dainty, and close their winds upright when at rest.
The current inventory of damselflies by the VA Department of Conservation and Recreation shows Virginia to be host to one of the most diverse damselfly environments of any state or province in North America with 55 documented damselflies species!
Damselflies look primitive because their lineage is. Fossil records show prehistoric species similar to today’s species, but much larger.
Their colors range from dull camouflage and beautiful sky blues and reds, to shiny metallic greens. They also widely range in size from minute 3/4 inch to large 7 1/2 inches.
Damselflies are mostly found near shallow, still or slow moving freshwater marshes, wetlands, ponds, creeks and rivers. I’ve always enjoyed watching these graceful insects unusually slender bodies bobbing in flight with every flap. I’ve marveled at these remarkably thin, graceful, slender insects, especially the sky blue or metallic green ones effortlessly flutter, as if immune to gravity, alight upon my fishing pole.
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Annandale's American Legion
Would you like to be a part of a winning organization who helps the community and has fun doing it? Are you a veteran or someone in your family a veteran? Common myth is that if you are not a veteran, you cannot join. Not true, you can join under family members. American Legion Post 1976 is always looking for new members. If anyone in your family is a veteran, you may qualify. Meeting new people in our club is a great part of the experience. We have a monthly breakfast that is the best in town. Other events include trivia, spaghetti dinners, lunches on Tuesday and Wednesday, steak dinners, karaoke and many more. We participate in the Annandale parade and toys for tots. We have a pool table, 6 televisi
ons and low prices. Lockers are also available. Email me at rpcomm6759@aol.com to see if you qualify. If you prefer, stop by the post at American Legion Post 1976, 4206 Daniels Avenue, Annandale, VA 22003. 703-941-9608 or 703-941-9460.
HALL RENTAL INFORMATION
Classes Offered at Artisans United
Adding color to our lives and tapping into our creativity are great things to focus on. Annandale is a vibrant cultural center, with many performing groups and arts-focused activities. Artisans United has been part of the Annandale community for more than 35 years. During that time the organization has offered a wide variety of handmade crafts by local artists in our gallery as well as hosting a variety of craft demonstrations, classes, and other activities to further our purpose of preserving, promoting, and developing the arts and crafts.
Since June 2023, AU has offered classes showcasing the various arts and crafts our member artists engage in. Students of all ages have painted a scene of birch trees in sunset on canvas and designs on rocks, carved a spoon from a wood block, learned to weave a decorative basket, learned to use polymer and decorated a pen, created a greeting card with a pop-up rose, and more. Classes currently are scheduled in needle-felting, wood carving and mosaic glass, with more to come.
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Artisans United Gallery
4022 Hummer Road (in the Annandale Community Park)
Annandale, VA 22003
703.941.0202 . www.augallery.org
Jet's Pizza
Great Pizza Comes to Annandale
At last, GREAT Pizza can be found in Annandale at the Annandale Shopping Center at 7026 Columbia Pike. (Columbia Pike and Gallows Road)
Jet's Pizza is a Detroit based premium pizzeria specializing in their famous Detroit style deep dish square pizza. Founded in 1978 in the Detroit suburb of Sterling Heights, Jet's Pizza has expanded exponentially over the years to a total of 425 franchises across 22 states as of January 2024. As a family friendly business, Jet's aims to be a staple in the community and provide the best pizza around.
JET'S PIZZA
7026 Columbia Pike
(In the Annandale Shopping Cener)
Open 10 am to 10 pm, Monday thru Sunday
703-977-7117 . https://www.jetspizza.com/stores/virginia/
Route 236/Little River Turnpike Plan HORRIFIC for the Residents and Merchants of Annandale
The proposed plan to expand Little River Turnpike has one and only one goal, to accommodate more and more cross county commuter traffic and move it through the LIttle River corridor as quickly and as unencumbered as possible. There is NO consideration shown for the residents and businesses of Annandale. This proposal will greatly hinder the people of Annandale while killing off easy access to Annandale merchants.
Just imagine driving from Fairfax to Annandale on your way home. You wish to take a left on Hummer Road or to access roadways to Falls Church? Under this new plan, you will be driving many more minutes while all but circumnavigating the western banks of Annandale traveling through one traffic circle to another. THIS PROPOSAL IS NUTS and we can only hope that the leadership in Mason District will stand up and fight for the rights of our citizens.
Many NO left turns off of Little River will be blocked causing more inconvenience and time burden to our residents. Other detour type routes and traffic circles are proposed taking you further from your destination every single day. Yet, the commuter traffic will race through our community unfettered while eliminating the much needed access roads that provide easy entrance and inter-parcel access to the merchants on which you depend.
These access roads also provide a calmer direct route for the local residents keeping them off Little River. Without them, we will be forced to join what will become a Freeway. Designers of this plan intentionally market a massive misdirect by calling the expanded Little River a Boulevard. Sounds nice but this is not Paris. Have no doubt, this will be a Freeway and one that is far harder for pedestrians to cross no matter how many cross walks are striped.
The breadth of Little River does not allow anyone to cross all lanes in one go. Waiting on the median for another round of changing lights is necessary and dangerous. Pedestrian accessibility in Annandale is all but non existent right now. The most dangerous spots have always been when attempting to cross both Columbia Pike and Little River. Recently we have also experienced such distracted and high volume driving that fatalities have occurred on sidewalks. The next victim, and there will be more, could be you! This new road plan does not improve pedestrian accessibility although there are lofty claims that it is one of the goals. If in fact that is more than lip service, that goal deserves a grade of (F) Failure.
As to Roundabouts the research shows serious concerns about safety, so much so that in England where Roundabouts have existed in plenty for more than 100 years, they are now disappearing because of serious safety concerns.
They are not as safe as traditional crossings for either pedestrians or bicyclists and they are not meant for higher speed roadways since entry speeds on each leg of the intersection should not exceed 15-18 mph. Roundabouts are also not designed for multilane road intersections which all of the roadways displayed for inclusion in this proposal are multilane. Raises even more questions about creating safe road conditions.
Ten years ago when a less dramatic version of this plan was first proposed, a compromise was reached to create an inner loop for the residents of Annandale so we would be able to avoid much of the commuter traffic and easily access our neighborhoods and merchants. That Inner-Annandale Loop has been abandoned. Do not be deceived, there is NOTHING in this plan that will benefit the people of Annandale.
Annandale Road to Backlick
We will forever be going around in circles. Have you seen the shockingly ugly Roundabout on Ravensworth Road that VDOT installed? If they can not install even one attractive “roundabout” what horror awaits with these circles littering every roadway?
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We're 85!
DOT Extends Route 236/Little River Turnpike STARS Study Comment Period
