The Time to Prepare for Winter Weather Is Now

Mild winter weather is subject to change at any time in Stafford County's area. Now is the time to ensure your home and family are prepared for any eventuality, particularly fierce winter weather with power outages. Stafford County Government and Emergency Management compiled the information below to help you plan and stay informed. The most important things residents should remember are to: Make a Plan; Build a Kit; Be Informed; and to Prepare Your Home. Officials ask that you have supplies and a plan for sheltering in place for at least 72 hours with a potential power outage.

Make a Plan
Prepare your home and property ahead of winter storms.

• Check and replace insulation and weather stripping.
• Trim tree limbs that could fall on or near structures or vehicles.
• Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Keep at least three feet between space heaters, fireplaces, and any potentially flammable items.

Create a Family/Household Emergency Plan.

• Write down important phone numbers, including family, neighbors, doctors, contractors, etc.
• Make sure everyone is familiar with medical needs, including equipment, medication, etc.
• Determine an out-of-area contact for updates if local phone towers are overwhelmed. Texts will generally go through if phone calls won't.
• Know where to meet if communication is not available to coordinate.
• For more information: www.ready.gov/plan or use this template: https://www.ready.gov/plan-form

Request Priority Restoration for those dependent on electric medical equipment.

• Register with your utility for priority restoration each year. A physician's signature is required so download the form and get started early.
• Forms are available on your utility's website.
• Dominion Energy
• Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)
• Northern Neck Electric Cooperative (NNEC)
• Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC)

Build a Kit
When making kits, remember any special needs your family has, such as dietary considerations or medication requirements. Include entertainment items like games, books, or toys for children and don't forget your pets!

Home Emergency Kit Components for 72 hours

• Water - One Gallon per person/pet per day
• Food - Nonperishable and at least enough for three days
• Radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight/Headlamp
• First Aid Kit
• Medication
• Blankets
• Recreational items (cards, board games etc.)
• Full Emergency Kit Supply List: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/ready_supply-kit-checklist.pdf

Vehicle Emergency Kit (24 hours)

• Water
• Food - nonperishable
• Flashlight/Headlamp w/extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Sand/Cat Litter (for tire traction)
• Small shovel
• Jumper cables
• Ice scraper
• Blankets
• Warm clothing / closed toe shoes
• Keep your gas tank at least half full

Be InformedMake sure you monitor the weather. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave your home for the day. The National Weather Service is an official source or weather information - https://forecast.weather.gov/.

You can find information on County closures at www.staffordcountyva.gov/closings and on all the locations below on the opening status for County Government, parks facilities, courts and the Regional Landfill. If a receiving center or shelter is opened, information may be found through the resources below.

• Stafford Alert at staffordalert.com - Sign up and receive phone calls, texts or emails
• Stafford's website - staffordcountyva.gov, AskBlu chatbot on website and AskBlu App
• Parks website - staffordparks.com
• R-Board website - rboard.org
• Courts - staffordcountyva.gov/courts
• Facebook - @StaffordCountyGovernment, X - @StaffordVAGov, NextDoor
• TV stations, radio stations and their websites
• Stafford Information -(540) 658-8600
• Sheriff's Office Non-Emergency Number - (540) 658-4400

Additionally, some questions come up during a winter storm that others can best answer.

• Downed trees? Call VDOT at 1 (800)367-ROAD (1 (800) 367-7623).
• Downed power lines? Call Dominion Energy at 1-866-DOM-HELP or NOVEC at 1(888)335-0500.

• Road Conditions? Download the Virginia 511 App for the mobile version
• • iPhone - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vdot-511-virginia-traffic/id520177066?ls=1
  • Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.meridian.vdot&pli=1

Know your winter weather terms.

• Winter Storm Warning - Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
• Winter Storm Watch - Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.
• Winter Weather Advisory - Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.

Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather
You can do a few things around your home to help prevent damage or discomfort during severe winter weather.

• Keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping (also lowers your heat bill!)
• Trim dead trees and limbs that could fall on or near structures
• Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
• Insulate your pipes and outside faucets (hose spigots) in unheated areas to prevent pipes from freezing. If you have pipes in an unheated garage or crawl space, wrap the water pipes with insulation.
• Make an Emergency Kit by gathering supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
• If you cannot afford your heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.

It is important to stay safe when hearing your home and to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. When the power goes out, there are a few things to do to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Never use a generator indoors or within 20 feet of your house.
• Have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every floor.
• If you use your car to stay warm or charge devices, ensure its outside the garage.
• Never use an oven to produce heat for your home.

For more Winter Weather Preparedness Information visit: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather