Severe winter weather, including snow, ice and extremely cold temperatures, is expected throughout much of Virginia this weekend. On January 22, Governor Spanberger declared a State of Emergency due to winter weather.
Now is the time to prepare! Before the storm hits, take these steps to prepare you and your family:
- Check and restock your emergency kit with food, and water, blankets, flashlights and batteries.
- Ensure you have an emergency kit for your vehicle(s).
- Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, home-use medical devices, and vitamins. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.
- Winterize your home by insulating exposed pipes and caulking and weather-stripping doors/windows.
- Check batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Replenish fuel for your car and heating sources.
- Charge all phones, computers and radios.
- Make sure you understand the warnings, watches and advisories and have multiple ways to receive alerts.
Follow these tips to protect you and your family during and after the storm.
- Bring your pets indoors and ensure they have water.
- Stay indoors and limit your exposure to the cold.
- Properly ventilate emergency heat sources.
- Use space heaters safely. Keep heat sources at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials. Never cover your space heater.
- Keep generators outside at least 20 feet from your home.
- Check on neighbors and family.
If you must go outside, please take these precautions to stay safe and prevent frostbite and hypothermia:
- Be aware of wind chill factor. Dress warmly and in layers. Make sure you cover your head, fingers and toes.
- Wear proper footwear for traction. Take slow, short steps.
- Avoid getting wet. If you get wet, change out of wet clothes as soon as possible.
- Stay hydrated. Drink warm beverages.
- Take frequent breaks if shoveling snow or working outdoors.
- Stay off the roads. If you must travel, use 511.vdot.virginia.gov to check the road conditions along your route first. Allow extra time and follow these tips from the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Prepare now with these steps to stay safe and warm for this storm and throughout the winter.