Transcript: Health and Safety Podcast

Sept. 30, 2026

Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast. Coming up, learn about the county’s StormReady designation, safety tips for drivers and pedestrians with shorter days and decreased light during morning and evening commutes, Fairfax County’s Deer Management Archery Program and motorcycle safety. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at fairfaxcounty.gov.

For more than two decades, Fairfax County has been committed to preparing for severe weather and keeping residents informed when dangerous conditions threaten our community. In 2003, Fairfax County became the first county in Virginia recognized as StormReady by the National Weather Service. The StormReady program is designed to recognize communities that have established a high level of severe weather preparedness. It is built around a simple but important concept: effective warnings require more than forecasting the weather. Communities must have the systems, plans, partnerships and trained people needed to receive warnings, communicate them to the public and help residents know what to do. Fairfax County experiences a wide range of weather hazards throughout the year, including severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding, hurricanes, damaging winds, winter storms and extreme heat. StormReady encourages communities to take a proactive approach to these hazards through planning, education and awareness. For Fairfax County, this work is part of an all-hazards approach to emergency management. Through Ready Fairfax, the county encourages all residents to make a plan, make a kit, stay informed and get involved. The county provides severe weather information through Fairfax Alerts and the newly established Storm Center that serves as a one stop shop for all weather-related resources. Learn more about the StormReady designation and what Fairfax County does to prepare for all hazards. Visit our emergency information blog for details; fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog.

Fall is here, bringing cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and shorter days. As daylight hours decrease, many morning and evening commutes will take place in lower-light conditions. The Fairfax County Police Department is reminding drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists that reduced visibility can make it harder to see and be seen on our roadways. A few simple adjustments can make a big difference.

For Drivers:

• Expect pedestrians. People are still walking dogs, exercising, commuting, waiting at bus stops, and crossing streets even after the sun goes down.
• Scan before turning. Before making a left or right turn, actively check crosswalks and sidewalks for pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooter riders who may be in or entering an intersection.
• Use your headlights. Don’t wait until it is completely dark. Headlights help you see others and help others see you.
• Slown down. Darkness reduces how far ahead you can see. Reducing speed gives you additional time to recognize and respond to hazards.
• Keep your windshield clear. Glare, condensation, rain, and dirty glass can further reduce visibility during early morning and evening hours.

For Pedestrians:

• Make yourself visible. Light-colored or reflective clothing, flashlights, and other lights can help drivers see you sooner.
• Use crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals. Cross where drivers are more likely to expect you.
• Make eye contact. Before entering the roadway, make sure approaching drivers have seen you.
• Stay alert. Avoid distractions that prevent you from seeing or hearing approaching traffic.

As the seasons change, our driving habits need to change with them. Whether you’re driving, walking, biking, or riding, take an extra moment to look out for others. Learn more on our police blog; fcpdnews.org. 

Each month, our Department of Emergency Management and Security produces the “Emergency Preparedness” newsletter and a monthly preparedness webinar. Learn more at fairfaxcounty.gov/emergencymanagement.

The Fairfax County Deer Management Archery Program runs through Saturday, February 13, 2027, across more than 100 county properties. Approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2000 and operating since Fiscal Year 2010, the program is managed by the Fairfax County Police Department in collaboration with the Fairfax County Park Authority, NOVA Parks, and other landholders to stabilize the white-tailed deer population. Archery is the county's preferred management method for urban and suburban areas because it safely and effectively minimizes deer-vehicle collisions, disease transmission, and environmental damage. Recognized by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the program prioritizes public safety through stringent police oversight and has maintained an impeccable safety record with zero incidents since its inception. Last year, archery hunters harvested 686 deer, accounting for 91% of the total harvests in the county's integrated deer management efforts.

Motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility between drivers and riders to prevent serious crashes, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

For Motorcyclists

• Gear Up: Wear a fitted helmet, protective apparel, and bright or reflective gear to stay visible.
• Inspect Your Bike: Check tires, brakes, lights, signals, and mirrors before every ride.
• Ride Smart: Stay visible with headlights and signals, avoid blind spots, and adjust speed for road and traffic conditions.

For Drivers

• Look Twice & Check Blind Spots: Scan carefully for smaller profiles at intersections and physically check blind spots before changing lanes or turning.
• Give Space: Allow extra following distance so riders can safely navigate hazards like potholes, debris, or wet roads.
• Signal Early: Use turn signals promptly to communicate your intentions to surrounding traffic.

Slow down, stay alert, and share the road. Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can help make Fairfax County’s roadways safer for everyone who uses them. Learn more on our police blog; fcpdnews.org.

Finally, Fairfax County's free alert system sends you important information during an emergency, helps you navigate your commute and shares community information. You can also customize your Fairfax Alerts to receive the information pertinent to you. Don't miss this important information!  Sign up today for Fairfax Alerts at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts.

That’s it for this edition of the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast, produced by the Fairfax County, Virginia, Government. Thanks for listening. Follow the Health and Safety podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. And remember, if you have a police, fire, or medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency needs, call 703-691-2131.