Friend,

As we enter the coldest months of the year, it is possible that many areas of the First Congressional District will be hit by upcoming winter storms. To ensure you are prepared, I wanted to share some resources to assist you in keeping yourself, your family, and our communities safe in the event of extreme weather.

Important reminders for winter storms:

• Stay off the roads as much as possible and only drive when absolutely necessary. Always give snowplows and responders the right of way on the road.
  • If you must travel, know the road conditions before you leave by visiting 511virginia.org. 
• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal burning device inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any other partially enclosed area.
• Snow shoveling is a known trigger for heart attacks. Always avoid overexertion when shoveling.
• Be sure to check on elderly or disabled neighbors and relatives.
• Protect yourself from frostbite and keep yourself dry. Wear several layers of clothing along with a hat, mittens, and a scarf.

For preparing your home:

• Make sure your home is properly insulated and check the weather stripping around doors and windows.
• Learn how to shut off water valves in case of a pipe burst.
• Have additional heat sources in case of a power outage.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher accessible and check the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors.
• In the event of high winds, secure loose items around your property and trim any branches that could threaten your home.

For preparing your car:

• Batteries lose power as temperatures drop, be sure to have them tested.
• Check your car’s antifreeze level, have your radiator system serviced, replace windshield wiper fluid with a wintertime mix, and proactively replace your car’s worn tires and wiper blades.
• Clean snow and ice off of your car entirely – including your trunk, roof, windows, and headlights – before driving.
• Be sure to have an emergency winter weather kit in your car if you must travel. This could include items such as:
  • Blankets
  • Enough water and snacks for everyone in the car, including pets
  • Boots
  • First-aid kit
  • Warm clothes and insulating layers (sweatpants, gloves, hat)
  • Shovel and ice-scraper/snow brush
  • Jumper cables
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Portable smartphone power bank
  • Traction aid such as sand or salt
  • Garbage bags

For more information on how to prepare yourself and your loved ones for winter weather, visit vaemergency.gov/winter-weather. If you will be traveling, check current road conditions by visiting 511virginia.org, calling 511, or reviewing the 511 Virginia mobile app. 

For weather warnings, hazards, and updates, stay up to date with information shared by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Virginia State Police, National Weather Service, and your local government.

To ensure you continue receiving updates from my office, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter here.

Sincerely,