The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for this Friday and continuing through this weekend for many parts of the Commonwealth, including the 57th District. I want to provide you with important numbers and websites in case of an emergency.
One important website is Community Emergency Information for Charlottesville, Albemarle County and the University of Virginia, which you can see here. You can also visit the Albemarle-Charlottesville-UVA Emergency Communications Center’s website to sign up to receive emergency updates by phone, text and email. On social media, follow #CommEmerg on Twitter and visit https://www.facebook.com/CommEmerg.
The Commonwealth has their winter weather preparedness website available. VDOT has winter travel tips and information. You can also download the new Ready Virginia app for your phone.
Additionally, be aware of power outages that can be caused by heavy, wet snow and strong winds.
Report any power outages to your provider – we have a list of numbers below. Remember to make alternative plans if you or a family member need power for medical purposes.
The following phone numbers are important to have on hand during a storm –
Emergency
- Emergency: If you are having an emergency, please call 911
- Non-Emergency Information: Charlottesville Police Non-Emergency number 434-970-3280; Albemarle County Police Non-Emergency Number 434-977-9041; VA TTY NUMBER IS 711
- Shelter Locations: Call 2-1-1 for Shelter Location or https://www.211virginia.org
- Road Conditions: Call 5-1-1 for road conditions or https://www.511virginia.org/
Power Outages
- Dominion Virginia Power outages and downed wires: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357); follow restoration efforts at www.dom.com.
- Central Virginia Electric Cooperative: 1-800-367-2832
- Rappahannock Electric Cooperative: 1-800-552-3904
- Appalachian Power: 1-800-956-4237
Downed Trees
- Public roads: Virginia Department of Transportation: 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623)
- Private property: Removal is the property owner’s responsibility. Be aware of the risk of chain saw injury during tree removal. Use a chain saw safely to clear debris. If a tree has hit your home, call your property insurance company before starting the removal process.
Insurance
The Virginia state Bureau of Insurance offers free consumer guides entitled, “What to Do After an Insured Commercial Property Loss”‘, and “What to Do After an Insured Homeowners Loss”. These guides are available at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi. The Bureau of Insurance has staff specifically trained to handle disaster insurance questions and problems. Phone: 804 371 9185 or 804 371 9185 or 9691. The toll-free number is 1-877-310-6560.
Please be careful and stay safe, at home if you can and on the roads if you must go out. In addition, don’t forget to check on friends and neighbors, especially those who live alone or are elderly.
