[Archived] Alexandria Prepares for Winter Weather Challenges

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	January 17, 2007 PIO# 017-07/jbh	Brian Hannigan, Director of Communications, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

ALEXANDRIA PREPARES FOR WINTER WEATHER CHALLENGES

While the mid-Atlantic region has to date experienced unseasonably warm weather this winter, recent severe storms to the north, south and west remind us of the challenges and hazardous conditions typically brought by winter storms. Snow and ice storms produce an average annual accumulation of 20 inches in Alexandria, spread over several snow events in a typical winter.

The City of Alexandria is committed to providing residents with continuous service and up-to-date information during winter weather emergencies. Residents and those who work in the City are urged to prepare for the possibility of heavy winter storms, to know the law and be alert for snow emergency declarations.

Snow and ice removal. The Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services is responsible for snow and ice removal from most public streets within the City limits. City crews work around-the-clock to ensure that all primary roads, hospital and emergency routes and school bus routes are kept clear and passable. The City’s snow removal operations plan also aims to make all other roadways passable within 24 hours of a 6-inch snowfall, and cleared within 48 hours.

A map of primary and secondary routes and additional information can be viewed on the City's Web site at www.alexandriava.gov/tes. All primary routes and some secondary routes are designated snow emergency routes and are posted with emergency route signage.

Driving and Parking. The City’s ability to clear snow from streets is directly impacted by how many vehicles are on the roads or parked on streets clogged with snow. Residents and businesses are reminded to follow driving and parking regulations during snow emergencies:

� Drive only when necessary and when equipped with snow-approved tires or chains. Vehicles not properly equipped can be fined for obstructing or impeding traffic on a snow emergency route.

� Park away from snow emergency routes and off all streets if possible. Vehicles parked on emergency routes can be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

Sidewalks. Alexandria business owners and homeowners are responsible for clearing sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after a storm has ended. Failure to clear sidewalks may result in the property owners being charged by the City for sidewalk snow removal. It is illegal to shovel snow from private property onto the sidewalk or street.

More snow removal tips:
� Clear leaves and snow from nearby fire hydrants and storm drains;
� Check on neighbors needing special assistance;
� Use alternate transportation during winter storms, and
� Make early arrangements for required snow shoveling on adjacent sidewalks.

Weather Emergency Information: Up-to-date information about snow emergencies, scheduling changes, or cancellations in City programs will be posted on the Citys Web site at www.alexandriava.gov, e-mailed to subscribers of eNews You Can Use, and provided to radio and television stations for broadcast. For general information during office hours, call the Office of Citizen Assistance at 703-838-4800.

For snow removal information or to report potholes, call 703-838-4488.

Water main breaks: In the event of a water main break in underground pipes, water to surrounding buildings is shut off temporarily while workers repair the problem. To report a water main break, call the Virginia American Water Co. at 703-549-7080 or 703-491-8814 after normal business hours.

Power outages: To report an electrical power outage, call Dominion Virginia at 1-888-667-3000.

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