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Stay Informed: Alerts and Warnings
Prince William County shares emergency information, both for everyday preparedness and during active emergencies or disasters, through multiple systems and channels to reach everyone in the County.
Everyday information shared through these channels can include emergency preparedness information covering the Pillars of Preparedness.
Information shared through these channels during an emergency can include local, up-to-date information such as:
- Weather Watches, Warnings, or Advisories
- How to safely stay where you are
- Evacuation orders
- Shelter or other mass care openings and locations
- Where to get help
- Major road closures
Explore this page to discover the different ways you can stay informed both daily and during an emergency!
PWC Alerts
PWC Alerts is an emergency notification system used by the Prince William County Office of Emergency Management to send emergency alerts, non-emergency updates, and automated weather notifications. This highly customizable system allows users to choose:
- How notifications are received, using any combination of text messages, emails, and phone calls
- When notifications are received, by setting quiet hours and "do not disturb" preferences
- What notifications they are interested in receiving
- Where alerts apply, including locations such as home, work, school, and more
Please note that Prince William County Schools use a separate alerting system.
Information on Social Media
The Office of Emergency Management uses the following social media platforms to share messaging on emergency preparedness, emergency information, and other important information. Information on these platforms comes directly from the Prince William County and is a great place to find official information related to emergency preparedness and emergency information.
Understanding Watches vs. Warnings
Emergency alerts issued from the National Weather Services can come as a "Watch" or a "Warning" and understanding the difference can make the difference when time matters. Please note that these alerts are issued by the National Weather Service, not the Prince William County Government. Learn more about these types of alerts below.
Watch
A Watch means be prepared! Hazardous weather is possible near the area where a watch has been issued. Stay informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued. An easy way of understanding a Watch is that you have ingredients to make tacos, but you haven't combined them to make tacos yet!
Warning
A Warning means take action! Hazardous weather has been reported by trained spotters, first responders, or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life or property. Follow the instructions in the warning to keep you and your loved ones safe. An easy way of understanding a Warning is that taco ingredients were combined and now you have tacos!
The National Weather Service can also issue Advisories. An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely. Advisories are for less serious conditions than warnings, that cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property.
For a list of the different watches, warnings, or advisories that may be issued in our area, view the National Weather Service Sterling Weather Forecast Office definitions at https://www.weather.gov/lwx/WarningsDefined
Additional Ways You May Get Information
In Prince William County, you may receive additional information and alerts through additional pathways. Learn about these additional pathways below.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short emergency messages from authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial public alerting authorities that can be broadcast from cell towers to any WEA‐enabled mobile device in a locally targeted area. Wireless providers primarily use cell broadcast technology for WEA message delivery. WEA is a partnership among FEMA, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and wireless providers to enhance public safety.
Learn more about WEA alerts at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/public/wireless-emergency-alerts
The Emergency Alerts system is an essential part of America's emergency preparedness. The EAS is what overrides television and radio broadcast stations with emergency messages.
Learn more about the EAS at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-system
The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) has Weather Radios that can be programmed to broadcast alerts about all types of hazards for your specific area.
Learn more about NOAA Weather Radios at https://www.weather.gov/nwr
Local television (TV) and radio stations often provide information before, during, and after disasters. WTOP (FM 103.5 and AM 1500), and WMAL (FM 105.9 and AM 630) are the designated Emergency Broadcast Stations for this area. Authorities will use these and other media sources to broadcast emergency alerts and test alerts through the EAS.
Notifications on Sheltering in Place or Evacuating
Depending on the situation, local officials may tell you to stay where you are and take steps to protect yourself, or you may be told to leave the area immediately. Being informed about your options is critical to being prepared.
If you are able to stay in your home:
- Gather your emergency supplies
- Check for damage to your home
- Know how to shut off any damaged utilities
- Check in with your emergency contact
- Check on your neighbors
Officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk. If you have to evacuate the area:
- Listen carefully and follow directions
- Shut off water and electricity but leave natural gas on unless officials advise you to turn it off
- Wear clothing that will protect you such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes
- Take any special supplies you may need such as medications, special food, or assistive device.
- Take a collar, harness, identification tags, vaccination records, medications, veterinarian contact and food for your service animal or pet
- If you are driving, make sure you have local maps and a full fuel tank
- Listen to local radio stations for traffic information
- Lock your home when you leave
- Notify your emergency contact of your plans
Be Prepared to evacuate if:
- Flood water is rising
- Hazardous materials have been released
- Your home is significantly damaged or without all utilities