How to prepare for this weekend’s winter storm
With Henrico County and Metro Richmond expecting a major snow and ice storm this weekend, local and regional officials are urging residents to take a number of precautions and make preparations.
“We have all experienced how disruptive winter weather can be to our daily lives,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry. “Take time now to make sure your home, family, friends, and neighbors are ready for this winter storm.”
Dominion Energy officials Thursday said they are preparing for “widespread power outages from heavy ice and snow accumulation” throughout Virginia and parts of northeastern North Carolina.
“This is likely to be a severe storm and multi-day power restoration effort,” they said in a statement. “Heavy ice accumulation, severe damage to trees and power lines, and difficult travel conditions could prolong the power restoration effort over multiple days."
Dominion Energy will prioritize power restoration for hospitals, schools, water treatment facilities and other critical community services, as well as areas with the largest number of outages, they said, and will closely coordinate with state and local emergency management agencies to ensure resources are available for road clearing.
The company has hundreds of its own crews on call as well as additional crews from contractors and peer utilities in other states, officials said.
Residents should organize emergency supply kits and medicines, insulate their homes and stay updated about the latest weather reports, Perry said, and during the storm they should stay inside as much as possible, ventilate emergency heat sources and check on friends and family members.
People in the path of the storm also should:
• keep an emergency kit for their cars;
• fully charge electronic devices before the storm and ensure that portable power banks are charged;
• organize and protect prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, home-use medical devices, and vitamins;
• check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors;
• replenish fuel for vehicles and heating sources;
• weatherproof their homes by insulating exposed pipes and caulking and weather strip doors/windows;
• make sure they understand the warnings, watches and advisories and have multiple ways to receive alerts;
• write down the contact information and directions to a local Inclement Weather Shelter or warming center (for details, call (804) 646-3111 or email homeless@rva.gov);
• keep generators at least 20 feet from residences;
• bring pets indoors and ensure that they have water;
• take frequent breaks if shoveling snow or working outdoors;
• dress warmly and in layers.
To report a power outage or downed power lines, use the Dominion Energy app or call 1-866-DOM-HELP. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines, according to Dominion Energy officials.
The City of Richmond Inclement Weather Shelter at 1900 Chamberlayne Parkway is open to the public between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. and 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.
Henrico County libraries and recreation centers are open to the public during normal operating hours.
Officials also urge people to stay off the roads unless they absolutely must travel. Allow extra time and follow tips from the Virginia Department of Transportation.
