Winter is coming – get ready now!

Posted November 8, 2010
By Virginia Department of Emergency Management

RICHMOND — Who can forget the winter of 2009-2010! Multiple record-breaking snowstorms and cold temperatures affected every part of Virginia.

Millions of us suffered through power outages. Snowplow drivers worked around the clock to get roads open. School systems shut down for days. Sadly, 14 Virginians lost their lives due to last winter's storms.

Many communities set records for the number of days with at least one inch of snow on the ground. And it could happen again this year.

Winter Preparedness Week – set for Dec. 5-11 – is the time to get ready for possible bad weather. All it takes is one heavy snow that sticks around for several days or an ice storm that knocks out power to remind us that being prepared ahead of time just makes sense.

• Make a plan. Decide on a meeting place outside of your neighborhood if your family is separated and cannot return home because of closed roads. Choose an out-of-town relative or friend to be your family's point of contact for emergency communications. With your family, write down your emergency plan – get a free worksheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov.
  
• Get a kit. Here are basic supplies for winter weather: three days' food; three days' water (a gallon per person per day); a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio with extra batteries; and your written family emergency plan. After you have these essential supplies, add a first aid kit, medications if needed, blankets and warm clothing, supplies for special member of your household, and pet items.
  
• 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. You can get road condition information 24-hours-a-day by calling 511 or checking www.511Virginia.org.
  

The Norfolk District launched its new employee automated notification system May 20, that's aimed at improving employee communications during hazardous weather and emergency situations affecting the district. To date employees here have overwhelmingly approved of the new employee emergency notification system.

If you haven't signed up to receive your employee automated emergency notification, log onto http://naointra.usace.army.mil/sites/EmployeeNotificationForm/default.aspx.

Finally, go to www.ReadyVirginia.gov and print out an emergency supply checklist and a family emergency plan. It's time to get ready for winter weather – now!