Town of Leesburg, Virginia
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Hazards
Click on the sections below to review the specific risks for each hazard and what you can do to prepare.
Weather-Related and Other Natural Hazards
Likelihood
- Very likely, especially during summer months.
Warning Timeframe
- Several days' notice that thunderstorms are likely to develop.
- 30 minutes to an hour that an actual storm will impact you.
Risks
- Heavy rain
- Localized flooding
- Impassable roadways
- Dangerous driving conditions
- Wind damage, like downed trees and roof or siding damage
- Power outages
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Stay weather aware
- Secure loose items outside like patio furniture, toys, and trash cans
During a Thunderstorm
- If inside, go to an interior room on the lowest floor, away from doors and windows
- If outside, go to a sturdy building. Avoid sheds and storage buildings
Resources
- National Weather Service Local Forecasts
- Electric Service Outage Maps:
Likelihood
- Very likely
Warning Timeframe
- One day’s notice that flooding is likely
- Less than 30 minutes notice that flooding is imminent
Risks
- Property damage from water and debris (mud, etc.)
- Impassable roads
- Damage to public infrastructure (roads, sidewalks)
- Debris accumulation and/or erosion along stream beds
- Utility service (water, gas, electricity) disruptions due to infrastructure damage
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Know your risk (see link to floodplain map below)
- Keep rain gutters, downspouts, and basement stairwell drains clear of debris
- Grade property to direct water away from your house
- Notify the Town of blocked storm drains and storm sewer inlets (see link to online report form below)
- Buy flood insurance!
During a Flood
- Stay informed of weather updates
- If told to evacuate, follow official orders
- Call 9-1-1 if water has impacted electrical outlets or cords
- Do not walk or drive through flood waters
Resources
Likelihood
- Very Likely
Warning Timeframe
- Varies with the storm system. Could be a few hours to just a few minutes.
Risks
- Wind damage to roofs or siding
- Property damage from flying debris
- Downed trees
- Power outages
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Trim dead or weak branches from trees around your home
- Secure loose items outside, like patio furniture, toys, and trash cans
During High Winds
- Go to an interior room, such as a basement or interior bathroom
Resources
- National Weather Service Local Forecasts
- Electric Service Outage Maps:
Likelihood
- Very Likely
Warning Timeframe
- Several days
Risks
- Power “brownouts” or outages due to high demand
- Heat-related illnesses like heat stroke
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Stay weather aware
- Hydrate before heat wave arrives
During Extreme Heat
- Stay inside, in air conditioned buildings as much as possible
- Limit strenuous activities
- Provide pets with shade and plenty of fresh water
- Stay hydrated and wear loose clothing
Resources
- National Weather Service Local Forecasts
- Electric Service Outage Maps:
Likelihood
- Very Likely
Warning Timeframe
- Several days
Risks
- Dangerous driving conditions/impassable roads
- Power outages
- Property damage due to snow/ice accumulations
- School and business closures
- Carbon monoxide poisoning from use of gas or oil heaters
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Know who plows your street: Interactive Snow Removal Responsibilities Map
- Consult with your doctor if the weather will impact your ability to make scheduled appointments
- Have snow shovels and ice melt on hand to clear sidewalks and driveways
- As much as possible, remove vehicles and other items from Town roadways until snowplows have cleared the streets
During & After a Snow Storm
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Clear snow from sidewalks and around fire hydrants
- Report snow or ice issues to the Town (see link to online report form below)
Resources
Likelihood
- Very Likely
Warning Timeframe
- Several days
Risks
- Frozen and/or broken water pipes
- Cold related health risks like hypothermia and frostbite
- Carbon monoxide poisoning from use of gas or oil heaters
- Power outages
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Know where utility shut off locations are in your home
- Ensure you have adequate supplies in your emergency kit
During Extreme Cold
- Avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors
- Take steps to avoid frozen water pipes:
- Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around water pipes
- Keep a trickle of water the size of a pencil lead running from the faucet highest in the house
- Remain up-to-date on the forecast
Resources
- National Weather Service Local Forecasts
- Electric Service Outage Maps:
Likelihood
- Likely
Warning Timeframe
- 15 minutes or less
Risks
- Extreme wind damage
- Utility service disruptions (water, gas, electricity, telecommunications) due to infrastructure damage
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Stay weather aware and be ready to respond quickly
During a Tornado
- Go to the lowest interior level of your house, away from windows
Resources
Likelihood
- Possible
Warning Timeframe
- Several days to a week’s notice
Risks
- Flooding (See Flooding hazard information above)
- High winds (See High Winds hazard information above)
- Tornadoes (See Tornado hazard information above)
- Infrastructure impacts (electric, telecommunications)
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Review the contents of your emergency kit and ensure you have adequate supplies
- Remain weather aware
During a Hurricane or Tropical Storm
- Monitor forecasts closely
- Be prepared to act if weather warning is issued
- Keep batteries charged in anticipation of power outage
Resources
Likelihood
- Possible
Warning Timeframe
- Sinkholes generally develop slowly
Risks
- Structural damage
- Damage to streets and sidewalks
- Utility service disruptions (water, gas, electricity) due to infrastructure damage
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Know if your property is in the Limestone Area as identified by Loudoun County (see link below)
- Recognize the signs of a potential sinkhole: depressions or cracks in paved surfaces, sagging trees, foundation cracks or sagging
If You See a Sinkhole
- Call 911 and mark the area, if safe to do so
- Keep others away from the area
Resources
Likelihood
- Infrequent
Warning Timeframe
- None
Risks
- Structural damage
- Damage to streets and sidewalks
- Utility service disruptions (water, gas, electricity, telecommunications) due to infrastructure damage
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Discuss earthquake coverage with your insurance agent
- Know the location of your utilities, and how to shut them off safely
During an Earthquake
- Drop, cover under a sturdy object and hold on
- Avoid an damaged utility infrastructure (electric and gas)
- Listen for messages from local authorities
Resources
Technological Hazards
Likelihood
- Infrequent
Warning Timeframe
- Little to none. Increases if signed up for traffic alerts
Risks
- Gridlocked traffic limiting mobility
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Sign up to receive traffic and emergency alerts
- Identify secondary routes to locations you frequently visit
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
If a Major Traffic Accident Occurs
- Listen to official directions on detour routes
Resources
- Alert Loudoun Registration
- Virginia 511 (real-time traffic conditions)
Likelihood
- Likely
Warning Timeframe
- None
Risks
- Disruption to critical systems such as medical equipment and food preparation and storage appliances
- Carbon monoxide poisoning from using gas-powered generators inappropriately
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Know who your electric provider is
- Identify ways to communicate if primary methods are down
- Keep an emergency kit with battery or alternative powered devices
- Contact an electrician to discuss generator power options
If a Power Failure Occurs
- Reserve your cell phone battery for emergency communication (consider airplane mode)
- Do not eat spoiled food from refrigerator or freezers after a prolonged power outage
- Never use a portable generator inside a structure
Resources
Likelihood
- Possible
Warning Timeframe
- None
Risks
- Property damage
- Risk of explosion/fire due to natural gas leak
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Know where your utilities and shut off locations are
- Have emergency contact information for your utility providers
If a Utility Failure Occurs
- Contact your utility provider to report the failure
- Follow directions from the utility provider
- For life threating emergencies (gas leak inside a building) call 9-1-1
Resources
Likelihood
- Possible
Warning Timeframe
- None
Risks
- Difficult / impossible to communicate through normal means
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Have an emergency plan that outlines multiple ways to communicate
- Consider taking training in alternate forms of communication (amateur/”ham” radio)
If a Telecommunications Failure Occurs
- Implement your emergency plan
- Monitor updates from local officials (community hubs / canvassing)
Resources
Likelihood
- Possible
Warning Timeframe
- None
Risks
- Possible environmental contamination
- Possible contamination of water supply
- Disruption to transportation network
- Increased demand for medical services
- Evacuation/displacement of residents and businesses
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Sign up to receive emergency alerts, local authorities may issue evacuation or shelter-in place orders
- Contact the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) to know what hazardous materials are being moved, used, or stored in the community
- Have an emergency plan that addresses your response to a hazardous materials incident
- Maintain a well-supplied emergency kit
If a Toxic/Hazardous Material Spill Occurs
- Follow directions from local officials
- Implement your emergency plan
Resources
Likelihood
- Possible
Warning Timeframe
- None
Risks
- Property damage
- Injuries
- Infrastructure damage
- Limited access to crash site due to investigation
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Have an emergency plan
- Maintain a well-stocked emergency kit
- Sign up to receive emergency alerts
If an Aircraft Accident Occurs
- Call 9-1-1 to report the incident
- Stay away from the wreckage, and keep others away
Resources
Likelihood
- Unlikely
Warning Timeframe
- A few hours if due to heavy rain
- No warning if a “sunny-day” failure occurs
Risks
- Flash flooding due to dam breach
- Property damage
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Know your flooding risk
- Sign up to receive emergency alerts
If a Dam Failure Occurs
- Move to higher ground if flooding is occurring
- Follow instructions from local authorities
Resources
Biological and Intentional Hazards
Likelihood
- Possible
Warning Timeframe
- Depending on where the disease originates, some warning possible
Risks
- Morbidity/Mortality due to illness
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Sign up to receive alerts from the Loudoun County Health Department
- Practice good health habits all year long
- Have an emergency plan in place
If a Disease Outbreak Occurs
- Follow directions from local officials
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals
- Stay home if you are sick
- Wash and sanitize hands frequently
Resources
Likelihood
- Possible
Warning Timeframe
- None
Risks
- Injury
- Limited access due to response/investigation
- Telecommunication Infrastructure impacts due to high demand
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Have an emergency plan
- Take CPR/First Aid training
- Take Until Help Arrives training
If an Active Violence Incident Occurs
- Implement your emergency plan
- Run, hide, fight
- Follow directions from local officials
- Communicate with family and friends to let them know you are okay
Resources
- FEMA Until Help Arrives webpage
- American Red Cross Training
- Ready.gov Active Shooter webpage
- "Active Shooter: What You Can Do" Presentation by Leesburg Police Department
Likelihood
- Possible
Warning Timeframe
- None
Risks
- Injuries
- Property Damage
- Limited access due to transportation infrastructure impacts
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Have an emergency plan
- Maintain a well-stocked emergency kit
- Be signed up to receive emergency alerts
If Civil Unrest Occurs
- Implement your emergency plan
- Follow directions from local officials
Resources
Likelihood
- Possible
Warning Timeframe
- None
Risks
- Injuries
- Property Damage
- Infrastructure damage
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Have an emergency plan
- Maintain a well-stocked emergency kit
- Be signed up to receive emergency alerts
- Take CPR/First Aid training
- Monitor the National Terrorism Advisory System
If a Terrorism Incident Occurs
- Help injured persons if trained to do so
- Follow directions from local officials
Resources
Everyday Hazards
Likelihood
- Infrequent
Warning Timeframe
- None
Risks
- Injuries
- Property damage
- Fiscal impact
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Have an emergency plan that identifies your exit plan and meeting location
- Conduct routine maintenance on systems and appliances in your home
- Contact an insurance agent to ensure you have the appropriate coverage
- Have working smoke alarms in your home
- Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it
If a Fire Occurs
- Make sure all family / friends get outside
- Call 9-1-1 to alert the fire department
- Keep everyone away from the structure
Resources
Likelihood
- Possible
Warning Timeframe
- None
Risks
- Injury
- Death
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Take CPR/First Aid Training
If a Medical Emergency Occurs
- Call 9-1-1
- Render first aid, if trained