Winter Weather Tips: Before, During, After Inclement Weather

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

12/15/2020 9:00 AM

It's winter, and that means the possibility of inclement weather. Citizens are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare for winter weather.

Check out the tips below to help keep your own household safe and prepared, and be sure to check on neighbors who may need assistance with preparations.

Remember to check the city's information resources for information and updates regarding city services and programs, including the website news page, Cityscreen-12, and Fairfax City Alert.

The city has published a flyer with important information about emergency preparation, especially during winter months. Click on the image (right) or click here to download the 2020 winter inclement weather flyer.

Before, during, and after inclement weather, the Public Works Department monitors and treat roads as appropriate. Snow plowing begins after two or more inches of snow accumulation, and continues until all roads are cleared and the weather event ends.

During inclement weather: to report hazardous road conditions, downed limbs, or other conditions in the city's public right-of-way, call Police Dispatch at 703-385-7924.

Click here to watch a video about city winter weather and snow removal processes:

Before a storm

• Park off-street (in driveways and designated parking lots/areas) when possible to allow vehicles treating and plowing roads efficient access to public roads.
• Secure outdoor items or store them safely when high winds are predicted.
• Stay charged — keep electronic items, such as mobile phones, laptops and other handheld or mobile devices, fully charged in case of power outages.
• Bring pets indoors — keep them safe and warm indoors.
• Review your resources for snow removal and unexpected, urgent services you may need for your home (such as electricians, plumbers, construction services). Check with neighbors and community leaders for suggestions.

During a storm

• Report power outages to Dominion Energy by calling 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) or visit the Dominion Energy Outage Center, which also features power outage safety and preparation information.
• Report city-related weather issues — city street conditions, downed tree limbs and utility wires on public roads in the city — to the City of Fairfax. The city will publish contact information when the services are activated. Snow plowing begins after two or more inches of snow accumulation, and continues until all public roads are treated in the city.
• Stay off the road, if public safety officials recommend it. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.

After a storm

• Consider clearing snow and ice promptly from sidewalks and walkways, and using ice “busters” to keep pedestrian areas safe for foot traffic. Even though the city does not have a law requiring property owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, such practices are encouraged: safe access to school and bus stops are essential for public safety.
• Shovel snow safely and smartly — click here for a few tips.
• Remember your local hydrant and remove snow and debris for easy access by public safety officials.
• Remove snow from vehicles before getting on the road. Snow and ice flying off a traveling vehicle is a hazard.
• Stay informed about city services, road conditions and public safety information.

• Report city-related weather issues — city street conditions, downed tree limbs and utility wires on public roads in the city — to the City of Fairfax Snow Command Center. Contact information is published on city media when the command center is activated. Snow plowing begins after two or more inches of snow accumulation.

Click here for the city's winter weather flyerwith additional information.

This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.