Community Corner

Winter Storm: 4 Tips to Prepare for Snow and Sleet

Possibly more than 5 inches of snow in the area beginning Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service. Here are steps to prepare, from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

As a winter storm appears ready to pour snow and sleet on Northern Virginia, knowing in advance gives us time to prepare.

The latest winter storm watch notes the chance for 5 inches snow or more, along with dangerous sleet Wednesday night and Thursday.

Virginia Department of Emergency Management shared these tips on preparing for winter storms at the beginning of the season:

Get a kit. Basic emergency supplies include:
  • Three days’ food that doesn’t need refrigeration or electricity to prepare it.
  • Three days’ water (a gallon per person per day)A battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio with extra batteries
  •  After you have these essentials, then add a first aid kit, supply of prescription medications, blankets and warm clothing, supplies for special members of your household, and pet items.
Make a plan.  Everyone needs an emergency plan:
  • Decide who your out-of-town emergency contact will be
  • Where will you meet up with family members if you can’t return home?
  • Get a worksheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov or on the new Ready Virginia app.
Stay informed.  Before, during and after a winter storm, you should:
  • Listen to local media for information and instructions from emergency officials
  • Be aware of winter storm watches and warnings and road conditions
  • Get where you need to go before the weather gets bad
  • Get road condition information 24/7 by calling 511 or checking www.511Virginia.org
Download the Ready Virginia app. Features:
  • Location-specific weather watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service
  • Disaster news from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management
  • A customizable family emergency plan that can be easily shared
  • A checklist for gathering emergency supplies
  • Contact information for local emergency managers
  • Links to register for local emergency alerts, and more

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