Winter Weather Tips: Before, During, After Inclement Weather 2020-21, Fairfax City

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

12/14/2020 7:30 AM

Winter is here — are you ready? Check out the tips below to help keep your own household safe and prepared, and be sure to check with neighbors who may need assistance with their preparations (or even during an event).

If you haven't already, please bookmark the National Weather Service website for the Washington-Baltimore area (weather.gov/lwx), which will provide you with information and updates from a trusted resource.

When inclement weather is forecast, make sure you've subscribed to, and bookmarked important 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 images (right) or click here to download the 2020-21 winter inclement weather flyer in English and Spanish.

Haga clic en la imagen (derecha, abajo) o haga clic aquí para descargar el folleto de las inclemencias del invierno 2020 en inglés y español.

Please continue reading for important information on city services, practices, and recommendations on what to do before, during, and after inclement weather in Fairfax City.

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, particularly when high winds are predicted.
• Charge electronic items, such as mobile phones, laptops and other handheld or mobile devices — and keep them fully charged in case of power outages.
• Bring pets indoors to keep them safe and warm. If it's too cold for you outoors, it's too cold for them.
• 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. Call 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 three 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

• Clear snow and ice promptly from sidewalks and walkways, using ice “busters” to keep pedestrian areas safe. 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 bus stops and school are essential for public safety. Need help shoveling? Check with your civic association or neighbors for resources and referrals.
• Shovel snow safely and smartly — When clearing driveways, pile snow off the street, to the left of the driveway (facing the driveway from the street). Consider waiting until after plows clear the road at your driveway, so you don't have to clear any of the plow's unintentional snow/ice spillage.
• Remember your local hydrant and clear snow and debris in a three-foot diameter around the hydrant so emergency crews can access it promptly.
• Remove snow from vehicles before getting on the road. Snow and ice flying off a traveling vehicle is a hazard that can injure people and damage other vehicles.
• 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. The city will publish contact information when the services are activated. Snow plowing begins after three or more inches of snow accumulation, and continues until all public roads are treated in the city. (Primary roads are cleared first, then secondary and residential roads are cleared.)

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