The Internal Revenue Service today issued a consumer alert about possible fake charity scams emerging due to severe flooding this month in South Carolina and neighboring states. "When making donations to assist flood victims in South Carolina and elsewhere, taxpayers should take steps to ensure their hard-earned money goes to legitimate and currently eligible charities,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.

It's Fire Prevention Week and reports indicate 25% of home fire deaths were caused by fires that start in the bedroom and half of home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are sleeping. Make sure your regular smoke alarm is working. Get vibrating or flashing smoke alarms for people with hearing loss.

Fauquier County Public Schools will participate in an earthquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10:15 a.m. The drill is part of the fourth annual Great SouthEast ShakeOut, a multi-state simultaneous earthquake drill in which participants practice the recommended action to take during an actual earthquake.

Manassas City Police reminds residents to tread lightly when offered unsolicited landscaping or home repair services by door-to-door salespeople. Some scam artists have been known to exploit catastrophic events such as storms to target victims in dire circumstances.

Due to the threat of heavy rain and possible severe weather, the State Fair of Virginia closed at 7 p.m. on Oct. 1 and will not reopen for the remainder of the 2015 season. Unused tickets can be exchanged for 2016 tickets. Details below.

The Virginia Department of Transportation urges motorists to plan for difficult travel and prepare for hurricane-like impacts Oct. 1-4. Northern Virginia VDOT crews are on alert, checking drains and making preparations for the coming storm. More than 500 crewmembers plus 300 contract employees are ready to clear roads from expected heavy rains, fallen trees and other debris.

On Tuesday, September 29th, at approximately 4:30 p.m., fire and rescue units were dispatched to a structure fire in a two-story single family home located in the 8700 block of Lords View Loop in Bristow.

Dominion Virginia Power is tracking Hurricane Joaquin and two other weather systems that could lead to flooding, high winds and falling trees and is preparing to deal with possible widespread and extended power outages in the company’s service area. The power company urges customers to also prepare and offers these tips.