Snow Plan A has been implemented in the City of Winchester as of 9:30 a.m. February 5, 2010. Snow Plan A includes the following provisions:
• Use caution
• Drive only when necessary with snow tires or chains (recommended)
• Keep sidewalks clear of snow

Public Works crews are currently treating roadways as necessary. Updates will follow as plowing and snow removal operations commence. When plowing operations begin, it is requested that vehicles be moved from the roadway, where possible.

Citizens and businesses are encouraged to use ice melt on their driveway entrance and sidewalks early and often to prevent snow packing down and forming into ice. An ice melter with Calcium Chloride or Potassium Chloride is better for the environment and only requires a small amount to melt ice. Please avoid rock salt or Sodium Chloride which can kill plants and trees.

In anticipation of the approaching winter storm, the City of Winchester would like to remind citizens to take precautions for the weather, plan with family and neighbors what they would do in an emergency and look at their specific needs. Having enough medication, heating fuel and basic necessities on hand to last several days is of critical importance.

Public Works crews will be prepared to work around-the-clock when the storm arrives plowing and treating roadways. Once snow begins to fall, it is requested that vehicles not be parked on the street, when possible, to expedite the snow removal process. In the event that road conditions become too dangerous to continue refuse removal Friday, February 5, refuse crews will discontinue refuse collections and begin assisting in the snow removal efforts. Any refuse not collected on Friday, February 5 will be collected on Wednesday, February 10.

The storm is expected to carry heavy snow, which poses several potential problems, including the weight of snow on building roofs and decks, loss of electricity due to down power lines and the difficulty of moving and shoveling heavy snow.

Periodic updates will follow as the storm progresses and while cleanup continues.

Basic weather safety involves staying off the roads, dressing in layers, having emergency supplies ready and avoiding overexertion. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management and City of Winchester hope citizens will take the following precautions:

Driving
• Once freezing rain or snow begins to fall, stay off the roads. Only travel if absolutely necessary, and if you do, wear a seat belt. • Know road conditions before you leave. Current road conditions are available by calling 5-1-1 or visiting 511Virginia.gov.
• Have emergency supplies in your car. If you become stranded, you will need water, food, blankets, a radio, flashlight and extra batteries. Stay with your car. The Virginia Department of Transportation recommends running the car engine for heat for 10 minutes and then turning off the engine for 20 minutes.

Health Concerns
• Wear loose layers and a hat.
• Avoid overexertion during clean up, no matter your age or physical condition. Shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.

Emergency Heat
• Generators should always be run outside, in well-ventilated areas. Get to fresh air immediately if you start to feel sick, weak or dizzy.
• Never use a portable generator in any enclosed or partially enclosed space. Windows and doors do not provide enough ventilation.
• Kerosene and propane heaters can cause fires if left unsupervised. If you use one, use only the recommended fuel. Always refuel outdoors safely away from your home.
• Keep an eye on your heater at all times while it is running. Shut it off before you go to bed or when you leave the house.
• In the event of a power failure, if candles are utilized for light make certain they are kept away from combustibles and should be enclosed by a globe. Additionally, don’t permit candles be burn unattended. If you have not checked the operation of your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors do so now. Replace batteries as necessary.

Emergency Assistance
Clear snow from around fire hydrants.

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.

If you are seeking assistance for an elderly or disabled person during the storm, need information on warming shelters in the area or concerned about an unsheltered individual or family at risk of hypothermia, please dial 2-1-1 or visit 211virginia.org.

When you dial 2-1-1, a trained professional will listen to your situation and suggest sources of help using one of the largest databases of health and human services in your community and statewide. All referrals are confidential, and you can search for these same services on 211virginia.org.

Detailed safety information is available at http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov.