Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Winter Weather Safety 

Posted on by amberpadilla

Last Updated: December 12, 2024

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts RHHD encourage community members to prepare for winter weather at home and on the road by building emergency kits and understanding cold weather hazards.

“Winter weather can be sneaky and unpredictable,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Ed Porner.

“Whether you’re staying close to home with family and friends or making a long trip, be prepared with a winter emergency kit, get smart on the unique hazards presented by cold weather, and above all, know your limitations.”

RHHD offers these tips to help you and your family prepare for winter weather:

  • Keep at least one emergency kit at home and one in your vehicle. Ready.gov has a great list of basic kit necessities and options for making low-cost kits. If there’s a baby in the home, make sure the kit includes formula and/or breast milk supplies, diapers, and other necessary items. Anyone with prescription medications should place a few weeks’ worth in their kit. If you freeze or refrigerate breast milk or prescription medication, add a cooler to your kit checklist. Finally, Don’t forget about your pets.
  • Keep warm safely. The improper use of some heat sources can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or death. In the event of a power outage and freezing temperatures:
    • Avoid using stovetop burners or an oven to heat your home.
    • Keep generators outdoors and separate from the home.
    • If your car becomes stranded:<
      • Clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
      • Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
      • While running the motor, open an upwind window slightly for ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Write down the contact information and directions to your local Inclement Weather Shelter or warming center.
    • Richmond Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS)
      1900 Chamberlayne Parkway
      Richmond, VA, 23222
      Call for availability at 804-653-5706
      Open 5 p.m. — 8 a.m.
      Line up for admission to IWS begins at 4 p.m. The IWS is for single men and women and can accommodate service animals. All guests will be provided a cot, dinner, snack, and breakfast.
    • 50-Bed Year-Round Family Shelter (no age requirements)
      7 North 2nd Street
      Richmond, VA 23219
      Access: Regional Coordinated Entry System: Greater Richmond Continuum of Care Homeless Connection Line at 804-972-0813.
  • Check weather conditions before driving. If you’re not familiar with driving in the snow, or your vehicle isn’t built for extreme weather, consider delaying your trip. A wet day with freezing temperatures overnight can create icy streets the following day. Visit the Virginia Department of Transportation for more winter driving tips.
  • Check for impairment before driving. Distractions, drowsiness, drugs, and alcohol can impair your driving. Traffic crashes are preventable. Keep loved ones and community members safe by arranging for a designated driver, making use of rideshares or the Greater Richmond Transit Company’s (GRTC) fare-free bus lines, or by gathering at home.

For more information and winter weather safety tips, visit ready.gov/winter-ready.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs.
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