OCCOQUAN — A loud noise is expected to rattle residents along the Occoquan River.
Fairfax Water will test the Occoquan Dam Siren from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Residents, they say, shouldn’t be concerned.
These sirens are in place as a safety measure in case the dam ever fails or is severely damaged. Tests of the siren system have been conducted regularly since it was first installed in 2012; however, unlike the upcoming Nov. 14 test, residents couldn’t hear these tests.
“The Nov. 14 diagnostic test is required to ensure functionality of the updated communications system,” said Susan Miller, Fairfax Water public affairs manager. “It is part of an educational campaign to create awareness by residents and business owners about the presence of the siren system.”
Anyone who lives next to the Occoquan River between Belmont Bay and the Town of Occoquan is considered “in the impact zone.” Those in the “impact zone” must immediately evacuate to higher ground if the dam ever breaks down.
Some people may be able to hear the siren even if they are not in affected areas. Below is a map of affected areas.
Sirens are a very outdated way of sending out a warning; however, sometimes older techniques work.
“When we worked with the communities closest to the dam, namely the Town of Occoquan, it was the Town’s feeling that a siren system would be the most effective and desired form of communication to alert people in the extremely unlikely event of a dam failure,” Miller said.
In addition to the siren alert system, residents and businesses can choose to receive alerts on their phones as well. To sign up for text alerts, people can go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts or www.pwcgov.org/pwcan.
Not only is this text alert system a precaution against dam failure, but it also provides weather, traffic, and general county news.
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Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting today, Tuesday, February 18, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
The board requested an additional consideration that County employees would be required to take leave for any board activities, work meetings, or constituent outreach. Those leave requests would be submitted to the County Administrator for public review. This rule would likely have the most impact on the new Chairman of the Board, Deuntay Diggs, who is also a Deputy with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The agenda states the requests will be considered and a new draft presented at a future meeting.
The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
The board requested an additional consideration that County employees would be required to take leave for any board activities, work meetings, or constituent outreach. Those leave requests would be submitted to the County Administrator for public review. This rule would likely have the most impact on the new Chairman of the Board, Deuntay Diggs, who is also a Deputy with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The agenda states the requests will be considered and a new draft presented at a future meeting.
The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
The Occoquan Town Council is set to hold its first FY2026 budget work session on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Bitterly cold air is sweeping into the region, but the anticipated snowstorm will largely miss Northern Virginia.
Employees with IWEISS hold a rope during the hanging an AH-1W Super Cobra attach helicopter for a new display at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, Virginia, Feb. 13, 2024.
A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
