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Governor Jim Gilmore has proclaimed Nov. 14-20 as Winter Preparedness Week in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Emergency Services and the National Weather Service are joining forces this year to promote the week.
Last winter dealt a one-two punch of treacherous ice storms that crippled much of Virginia. The Christmas Eve ice storm shattered winter power outage records, snapped ice-laden trees and closed highways in much of the central and eastern parts of the state.
Many homes were without power for up to nine days. Although particularly devastating, last year’s icy mess offered just a taste of what winter can unleash. In recent years, Virginians have dealt with massive snow drifts, closed highways, subzero temperatures, prolonged power outages and fuel shortages. This winter could offer more of the same.
“Severe winter weather can cause significant problems,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Services. “If severe weather strikes, we need to make sure we can be self sufficient for several days in case power, water and access are cut off. The key to facing winter weather safely is to prepare now.”
The following tips can make the winter months ahead safer for you and your family:
• Stock an emergency supply of water and non-perishable foods.
• Keep an adequate supply of fuel in your home. Have an alternate heat source such as a wood stove, fireplace or space heater in Case you lose power.
• Connect any generator you plan to use to the item you want to power. Do not connect the generator to your home’s electrical system. Place the generator in a well-ventilated area outdoors or in the garage.
• Make sure you have a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit and extra prescription medications that you might need.
• To prevent hypothermia, dress warmly, both during the day and while sleeping. Several layers of lighter weight clothing or blankets are better than a single, heavy layer.
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