Agricultural Damage Assessment and Resources for the Coming Storm

I sincerely hope that each of you are getting prepared for what is projected to be a Serious Winter Storm.   

If you live in Virginia's P.D. 7 - My co-workers, Mark Sutphin, Bobby Clark and I are responsible for providing agricultural damage assessment and situational updates to local, regional and state Emergency Operations Authorities.  Due to the serious and wide spread nature of this storm system, I have a a couple of requests:

 

Please take this seriously and Prepare for the storm (farm and family) as best you can - be watchful of damages and or loss caused to agricultural related items such as livestock, horses, barns/structures, fencing, equipment, greenhouses, etc. – If you have losses like these  please let one of us know.

 

Also, If you know of someone in your area that experiences losses as described please contact one of us.  We will do all that we can to help.

 

I also wanted to share with you some resources that have been passed around in various forms and additional information just in case you need it. 

 

1. PREPARE FOR A POWER OUTAGE
   Heavy snow and high winds are a recipe for widespread power outages. Prepare a plan now before a possible outage.
   • Learn how you can use alternative heat sources and generators safely.
   • Have an Emergency Preparedness Kit with three days of food, water, prescription
   medications and other supplies ready.
   • Consider obtaining a NOAA Weather Radio to stay abreast of current weather conditions.
2. PREVENT ROOF COLLAPSE
   If heavy snow begins to accumulate on your roof, remove the snow with a snow rake and a long extension arm that will allow you to remove the snow while standing safely on the ground.
3. STAY SAFE AND WARM
   Inspect your source of heat for any damage which can cause a fire and result in costly property damage. Also, remove combustible items placed near a heat source.
4. PREVENT FROZEN PIPES
   Prevent costly water damage caused by frozen pipes by:
   • providing a reliable back-up power source
   • insulating all attic penetrations
   • ensuring proper seals on all doors and windows
   • sealing all cracks and openings in exterior walls
5. KNOW YOUR WINTER WEATHER ALERTS
   When severe winter weather is on its way, it’s important you know and understand what each alert means so you can respond accordingly.

 

Contact Information:

 

• Report power outages, downed power lines, etc.
• Dominion – (1-866-366-4357) https://www.dom.com/residential/dominion-virginia-power/outage-center/report-and-check-outages
• Rappahannock Electric Coop  – (1- 800-552-3904) https://www.myrec.coop/wss1/index.cfm?event=RptOutage
• NOVEC  – (1- 888-335-0500) https://www.novec.com/forms2/acctsigninform.cfm?type=outage
• Check road conditions: www.511virginia.org
• Winter Driving Tips: http://www.virginiadot.org/programs/faq-winterdrive.asp
• Winter weather tips: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stayinformed/winter
• Get the Ready Virginia Mobile App: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/additional-resources/mobileapp
• Other Emergency Information Links
• www.ReadyVirginia.gov
• General Emergency Planning Tips: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/makeaplan
• Tips for Seniors: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit/older
• Power Outage Tips: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stayinformed/blackouts
• VDEM Winter Weather Videos:
• Stay Safe & Warm - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AmF-cBtXpo
• Make a Car Emergency Kit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPgvWgtiWHI
• Tips for dealing with extreme cold:
• Wear cold weather appropriate clothing like gloves/mittens, hats, scarves and snow boots. Dress in several layers of loose-fitting clothing and cover your face and mouth if possible.
• Be aware of the wind chill factor. Wind can cause body-heat loss.
• Stay dry, and if you become wet, head indoors and remove any wet clothing immediately.
• Limit your time outdoors.
• Make sure you monitor the time your children are out in the cold.
• Do not ignore shivering. It's an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
• If the heat in your home doesn’t work properly, contact your local government to find a warming center near you.
• Check on others who might not be able to care for themselves.
• Tips for keeping pets safe -- http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit/pets

 

 

Thank you and Please Stay Safe!

 

 

C. Corey Childs

Unit Coordinator - Agriculture Extension Agent

Warren County Extension Unit

220 N. Commerce Avenue

Front Royal, Virginia  22630

Cell: 540-692-4075

Office: 540-635-4549