Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Urges the Community to Prepare for Incoming Winter Storm

Last Updated: January 22, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 22, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Urges the Community to Prepare for Incoming Winter Storm

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond City and Henrico County are expected to be impacted by severe winter weather, including snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) urge you to prepare now to keep yourself, your family and your pets safe, warm and healthy during this storm.

“We have all experienced how disruptive winter weather can be to our daily lives,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Take time now to make sure your home, family, friends, and neighbors are ready for this winter storm. Prepare for the storm by organizing your emergency kits and medicines, insulating your home, and staying up to date on weather reports. During the storm, stay indoors as much as possible, ventilate emergency heat sources and check on friends and family. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other as winter weather affects our communities.”

Before the Storm

Make sure you have an emergency supply kit on hand and keep an emergency kit for your car.

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.

Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Replenish fuel for your car and heating sources.

Weatherproof your home by insulating exposed pipes and caulking and weather strip doors/windows.

Make sure you understand the warnings, watches and advisories and have multiple ways to receive alerts.

Write down the contact information and directions to your local Inclement Weather Shelter or warming center. Call 804-646-3111 or email homeless@rva.gov for more information.

- City of Richmond Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS)
  1900 Chamberlayne Parkway
  Richmond, VA, 23222
  Open 5 p.m.-8 a.m.

- The shelter may remain open after 8 a.m. when temperatures are less than or equal to 40°F, or when more than one inch of freezing rain or snow has fallen in 24-hours.

Richmond Public Library branches serve as warming spaces during normal operating hours.

Henrico County libraries and recreation centers are open to the public during normal operating hours.

During/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.

Keep generators outside at least 20 feet from your home.

Check on neighbors and family.

If you must go outside, take the following precautions to stay safe and prevent frostbite and hypothermia:

Wear proper footwear for traction. Take slow, short steps.

Dress warmly and in layers. Make sure you cover your head, fingers and toes.

Avoid getting wet and 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, check the road conditions and your route first. Allow extra time and follow these tips from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

RHHD wants you to stay safe, warm and healthy! Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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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.

rhhd.gov | henrico.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd