For Immediate Release: January 29, 2019
The City of Alexandria is urging caution based on winter weather predictions and cold temperatures expected for the region beginning Tuesday evening and lasting through the week. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory beginning at 3 p.m. through midnight, meaning that falling temperatures and periods of snow will cause extreme cold and travel difficulties. Motorists should avoid travel during the evening rush hour if possible, since heavy volume and slippery road conditions are expected to cause significant delays. Because precipitation is expected to begin as rain and then turn to snow, brining will not be effective.
Time outdoors should be limited as much as possible, and those who must be outdoors should take precautions to stay safe. A winter weather shelter is available today as described below, including shuttle pickups and drop-offs from several locations.
Use these tips and resources to keep you, your loved ones and others safe during extremely cold weather:
Remember: For immediate police, fire, or emergency medical response, call 911. For other urgent situations, call 703.746.4444.
Stay off the roads if possible. If you must travel, allow extra time and use public transit. Consider leaving work early or staying in the area rather than joining the evening rush hour.
If you choose to drive, ensure you have a full tank of gas and emergency road supplies in case you become stranded.
If you must be outdoors, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Make sure your outer layer is tightly woven and windproof. Wool clothing keeps you warmer than cotton when it is damp and wet.
Clothing should include sweaters, boots, hats, gloves and scarves. Wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to prevent losing body heat.
Bring pets indoors. If they cannot come inside your home, make sure they have enough shelter to keep warm and that they have access to unfrozen water.
Use caution when operating space heaters or fireplaces, and never leave them unattended by adults. Before leaving the room or going to bed, turn space heaters off and make sure fireplace embers are out.
Space heaters should only be used on level, hard surfaces and kept at least three feet away from flammable items like paper, clothing, bedding, curtains, or rugs.
If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
To keep your pipes from freezing, run a continuous trickle of water. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing.
If your power goes out, report it to Dominion Virginia Power at 866.DOM.HELP (866.366.4357) or www.dom.com.
To report a water main break or for questions about water service, contact Virginia American Water at 800.452.6863.
For more winter weather safety tips and information, visit the Ready.gov Snowstorms & Extreme Cold page.
Check on neighbors who are older adults, or have special needs, to make sure they are safe.
If you see someone who may be in need of shelter, call 703.746.4444, 24 hours a day, so a first responder or caseworker can evaluate the situation.
During wintry or cold weather, those experiencing homelessness may access the Alexandria Winter Shelter Collaborative at Carpenter's Shelter (5701-D Duke St., in the former Landmark Mall). The shelter accommodates men, women, and families with children. The shelter opens at 7 p.m. during the winter, and during more extreme weather like today, may open earlier or remain open. Please check the City’s Homeless Services webpage for status. For more information, contact the shelter at 703.548.7500. For information about housing assistance, shelters, and related City resources, visit the Homeless Services webpage.
A shelter shuttle will pick up and drop off daily at Braddock Rd Metro Station (Kiss & Ride / 700 N. West St.) at 7:20 a.m.; City Hall (301 King St.) at 7:35 a.m.; Meade Memorial Church (322 N. Alfred St.) at 11:50 a.m.; City Hall (301 King St. at the corner of King St. and Royal St.) at noon; Braddock Road Metrorail Station Kiss & Ride (700 N. West St.) at 6:20 p.m.; Christ House (131 S. West St.) at 6:30 p.m., and again at City Hall (301 King St. at the corner of King and Royal) at 6:40 p.m. Pick-ups and drop-offs during the 6 p.m. hour run through the winter; morning and afternoon pick-ups are weather dependent.
Stay informed of weather-related events by monitoring local media and government information for official news and information. Visit the City’s Be Alert page to learn about the many ways you can stay in touch with local government and emergency authorities during an emergency, ranging from the free Alexandria eNews service to social media channels.
For more information on winter weather preparedness, visit alexandriava.gov/Snow.
For media inquiries, contact Melissa Riddy, Senior Communications Officer, at melissa.riddy@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3961.
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