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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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Celebrating the Holidays in Alexandria

Find seasonal information on holiday happenings in Alexandria, gifts and decorations, charitable giving opportunities, safety tips, how to make your holiday "greener," and more.
Page updated on February 10, 2022 at 10:53 AM

About Alexandria

  • City Government
    • City Council
    • City Manager's Office
    • City Departments & Agencies
    • City Hall
    • Participate in City Government
  • City News Releases
  • Alexandria's History
  • Visit Alexandria

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Holiday Events in Alexandria

See more holiday happenings in and around Alexandria at VisitAlexandriaVA.com 

Calendar Placeholder

Charitable Giving

  • Alexandria is a caring community! You can provide help to children, families and seniors who need it the most this holiday season through the City's Holiday Sharing Program. Sponsor the purchase of gifts for eligible families and individuals or volunteer your time. To learn more, visit the Holiday Sharing page.
  • Help preserve Alexandria's past for future generations by supporting Historic Alexandria's museums. Your donations assist with preservation, research, education, and collections care of city museums. You can donate to your favorite museum(s) or projects - or support them all. Visit The Alexandria Shop and view the many different options to choose from.
  • The Alexandria Firefighters Children's Holiday Toy Drive provides toys to specifically selected City charities as well as to Inova Alexandria Hospital. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Santa will not visit the hospital this year. However, toy drive donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any Alexandria fire station now through Christmas. When dropping off toy donations, please follow CDC guidelines and wear a mask or cloth face covering and maintain physical distance from others. For fire station locations, visit alexandriava.gov/Fire

Holiday Gifts and Decorations

  • Alexandria Police Youth Camp Hosts 2021 Christmas Tree Sale
    Help the Alexandria Police Youth Camp (APYC) send kids to camp! Beginning Saturday, November 20, the APYC will host its annual Christmas tree sale. Trees will be available Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at 110 Callahan Drive. Proceeds are used to cover the cost of camp for Alexandria children who need financial assistance so every child has the opportunity to attend our summer program! 
  • Historic Alexandria Museum Stores
    Looking for the perfect gift? Shop the Historic Alexandria Museum Stores! Stop by Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and Alexandria Archaeology Museum this holiday season for a great selection of books, children's toys, and other unique gift items. Pick up the new 2020 Historic Alexandria Commemorative Ornament, which features the Friendship Firehouse Hose Reel, at these museums. The ornament costs $20. Can't get to the store? Shop online! 
  • VisitAlexandriaVA.com for information on holiday shopping--and more!

Holiday Safety

Personal Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

Throughout the holiday season the Alexandria Police Department typically sees an increase in thefts and robberies. Often shoppers and residents become distracted and vulnerable to holiday crimes. Shoppers have a tendency to carry more cash, valuable items they intend as gifts, and store purchases in plain view in their vehicles, which make them attractive targets. Make smart decisions to avoid becoming a victim of theft.

Before you leave home: 

  • Carry your purse or bag close to their body at all times; if carrying a wallet, keep it in a front pocket.
  • Take only one or two credit cards and avoid carrying large amounts of cash to minimize your loss if robbed.
  • Use caution when posting status updates on social media websites that you won't be home during the holidays or that you are going to be away from the house shopping.

Staying safe while shopping: 

  • Park in a well lit area as close to the entrance as possible. Lock your car and take your keys with you.
  • Place purchases in the trunk of your car so they are out of sight.
  • Always remain aware of your surroundings and visually scan the parking lot for suspicious activities or persons.
  • Never leave your purse or purchases unattended.
  • Avoid dark and/or isolated areas. If unavoidable, ask security to escort you to your vehicle.
  • Have your keys in hand so that you are not searching for them once you reach your car.
  • As you approach, check around your car to make sure no one is hiding.
  • Enter your car and immediately lock the doors behind you.
  • Avoid isolated areas or taking a "shortcut" through poorly lit, alleys, parking lots, and offices after business hours.
  • Keep your cell phone in your purse or pocket
  • If talking on your cell phone, stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Only carry the cash/cards you intend to use.
  • Keep your purse on your shoulder, do not rest it in a shopping cart.
  • If leaving bags in your car, put them out of sight in the trunk.
  • Pay attention at all times.  Do not get distracted by your phone. 
  • Do not carry your phone in your hand while walking.

Using online purchase or selling apps:

Are you interested in using online purchase/sell apps to make extra cash for the holiday or to get a bargain? These interactions can also be targeted by thieves.

  • Never go to the transaction location alone. Always bring a second person with you.
  • Exchange items in well-lit, populated areas
  • Only meet a potential buyer or seller in a public place.
  • Do not communicate solely through an app or online. It's best to talk to potential seller or buyer on the phone.
  • Trust your instincts. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Never invite a buyer to your home.

Have a safe holiday season. If you do happen to become a victim of theft or see suspicious activity, please call the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.4444 or if you witness or experience a life threatening situation, call 911.

Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

Each year, fires that occur during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damage. Here are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday.

COOKING SAFETY TIPS

According to the National Fire Protection, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve.

Four times as many home cooking fires happen on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year.  Follow these tips to have a safe holiday.

  • Make sure ovens and stoves are clean and free of grease accumulation prior to use.
  • Do not leave stoves, ovens, or any other heating and cooking material unintended. Stay in the kitchen so you can keep your eyes on the food.
  • Keep children away from the stove. Grease and other cooking items can splash, which can cause serious burns.
  • Wear short sleeves or roll up your long sleeves so your clothes won't catch fire.
  • Handle all hot cooking pans utensils with proper oven mitts and pot holders to prevent burns.
  • Always set timers to keep of cooking times.
  • Keep food wrappers, pot holders, cloths, plastic, and other combustible items away from heating sources while cooking.
  • Once cooking is done, make sure all cooking appliances are off.
  • Call 911 immediately if an oven fire occurs!

 Deep frying a turkey?  Follow these tips!

  • Use an approved turkey fryer with four legs and a built-in thermostat so proper oil temperature can be maintained. Make sure the fryer is in a place where it cannot tip over. This is a major cause of most kitchen fires.
  • If using a Low Pressure (LP) gas powered deep fryer, check the gas cylinder and connections for leaks prior to use. Low Pressure (LP) gas should only be used outside.
  • Never use a fryer indoors. Always fry outdoors and keep fryer away from children, pets, buildings, and other combustible items.
  • Follow fryer instructions, and pay attention to the following when purchasing a fryer
  • What size turkey should be used?
  • How should the turkey be cooked?
  • What type of oil should be used?
  • Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry. Do not stuff the turkey. Don't forget to remove the bag of gizzards. Always lower the turkey into the hot oil slowly.
  • Never leave the fryer unattended. Wear fry gloves.
  • Splashing oil can cause a flash fire and serious burns, so be careful.
  • Do not handle hot oil. Let oil cool down for an extended period after cooking before removing from fryer and dispose of properly as food waste. Do not pour oil down drains or dispose of outside.

PREVENTING CHRISTMAS TREE FIRES

  • Longing for a live tree? Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
  • How to select a live tree: Needles should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
  • Caring for your live tree: Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
  • Disposing of your tree: Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
  • Choosing an artificial tree: If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS 

  •  Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
  • Inspect lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
  • Don't overload electrical outlets! Do not link more than three light strands. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
  • Never leave holiday lights on while unattended!

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS 

  •  All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
  • Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace. It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
  • Avoid using lit candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. 
  • Never put lit candles on a Christmas tree. Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame -- candles, lighters or matches.

REMEMBER EVERYDAY FIRE SAFETY

As in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Holiday Dinner Safe

Did you know that unwashed hands cause the most food-borne illnesses? The food safety experts at Alexandria Health Department collected the top 10 key tips to reduce your risk of food-borne illnesses this holiday season and throughout the year! Learn more

Coping with Holiday Stress

Holidays may be stressful due to anxieties about safety and what the future may bring. Some may be facing the holidays without family, friends or co-workers. It may be that we don't have our normal energy level for shopping or entertaining. Although the season can be challenging, there are ways to beat the stress and have meaningful moments with our loved ones. Get valuable tips for reducing stress, understanding kids and holiday stress, and other helpful resources.

Making Your Holidays "Greener"

Eco-City Alexandria challenges you to enjoy the holidays while reducing your impact on the environment. Check out these tips to make your holidays "greener."

  • Consider making gifts to charities, or giving food or experience gifts.
  • Recycle your cut tree by placing it curbside after the holidays. Trees are collected, ground into mulch and available to residents in the Spring!
  • Reuse or recycle gift bags (cloth bags can be used for years) or wrap gifts with comics or paper bags.
  • Use LED holiday lights and control them on a power strip and timer, or an app to turn them off easily every night.
  • Decorate with greens (holly and pine) and fruit that can be composted after use such as cloves in an orange or gourds. 
  • Search for gifts with minimal packaging.
  • Shop and buy locally-grown foods for your holiday celebrations.
  • Donate gently used items to nonprofit reuse stores and shelters.

HOUSEHOLD BATTERY DISPOSAL

Some holiday gifts require batteries, and discharged batteries may require special disposal. Rechargeable and small button style batteries contain hazardous materials, and can be safely disposed of at the City's Household Hazardous Waste site, located at 3224 Colvin St. Safe disposal of these batteries helps protect air and water quality, which protects people and the environment.

Standard alkaline batteries can be discarded as regular trash, but if you are unsure of what kind of batteries you have, bring them to the HHW site. For more information visit alexandriava.gov/ResourceRecovery .

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Alexandria, VA 22314

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