June 10, 2026
Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast. Coming up, learn about summer heat, the Atlantic Hurricane season and Sink It or Soak It. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at fairfaxcounty.gov.
Heat puts added strain on the body and can raise blood pressure, worsen existing health conditions, and increase the risk of falls due to dizziness. It can also affect mental health by increasing stress, anxiety, and other negative feelings. Adults ages 65 and older and people with heart disease, kidney disease, and other health conditions are especially at risk. Heat-related illnesses can range from heat cramps to life-threatening heat stroke, so it’s important to know the signs and what to do.
Heat Stroke:
Symptoms: Rapid pulse, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, extremely high body temperature, red or dry skin, and fainting.
What to Do: Call 9-1-1 immediately. This is a medical emergency. If someone shows these symptoms, move them to a cooler place, use cool cloths or a cold bath to lower body temperature, and do not give fluids unless directed by a medical professional.
Heat Exhaustion:
Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, cool or clammy skin, headache, muscle cramps.
What to Do: Move to a cooler place (ideally indoors with air conditioning), apply cool, wet cloths to your body or take a cool bath, and sip water. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen, last more than an hour, or include vomiting.
Dehydration:
Symptoms: Fatigue, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, dark-colored urine, muscle cramps.
What to Do: Sip water or electrolyte drinks to rehydrate. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages, as these can be dehydrating. Stay safe in the heat and remember to check on your loved ones and neighbors when you can. For more information on extreme heat and available county resources, visit the Fairfax County extreme heat webpage at FairfaxCounty.gov/topics/extreme, dash, heat, dash resources.
Federal forecasters are predicting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year, but local emergency managers want Fairfax County residents to know that one storm is all it takes to cause serious problems, even far inland. Fairfax County is about 100 miles inland from the Atlantic coast, but that distance does not offer full protection from tropical weather. When hurricanes and tropical storms move inland, they can still bring heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, downed trees and power outages. Hurricane remnants have caused significant problems in the Washington region before. Flooding from tropical systems has closed roads, damaged homes and disrupted travel for days after a storm makes landfall hundreds of miles away. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30. The peak of the season typically falls in mid-September through October, when water temperatures are warmest. You do not need to wait for a storm to be in the forecast to get ready. Here are steps you can take today:
Build or restock an emergency kit. Include enough water, food, medications and supplies to last at least 72 hours for everyone in your household, including pets.
Know your flood risk. Some neighborhoods in Fairfax County are more prone to flash flooding than others. Find out if your home or regular commute routes cross flood-prone areas.
Plan for power outages. Storms can knock out power for hours or days. Charge backup batteries, stock flashlights, and know how to safely use a generator outdoors only.
Clear your yard. Loose outdoor furniture, branches and other items can become hazards in high winds.
Stay informed. Follow local weather forecasts from the National Weather Service and pay attention to any watches or warnings issued during the season.
And, of course, get free severe weather alerts from Fairfax Alerts. Subscribe right now at fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts.
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 mulch lining your front walkway may look harmless, but on a hot, dry June day, it can ignite faster than you might think. One carelessly tossed cigarette butt is all it takes. Improperly discarded smoking materials are one of the leading causes of fire in Fairfax County. As temperatures rise and lawns dry out, the risk climbs with them. Our Fire and Rescue Department is once again asking residents to follow a simple rule: Sink it or Soak it. “Sink it or Soak it” is exactly what it sounds like.
Sink it: Drop the cigarette butt into a bucket filled with sand or water. Keep one near any outdoor smoking area.
Soak it: Use a garden hose to fully wet the butt and any ash before you throw it away.
That’s it. Two options, both of them easy, and either one can prevent a fire that could spread from your landscaping to your home. Our emergency information blog has more details, as well as a video. Check it out at fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog.
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 fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts.
That’s it for this edition of the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast, produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government. Thanks for listening. Additional information about health and safety topics and emergency preparedness may be found on our emergency information blog at fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog. 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.
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