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.
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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 - 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
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