Winter Weather Tips: Before, During, After Inclement Weather - December 14-16

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

12/15/2020 10:30 AM

The city is under a Winter Storm Watch; visit the National Weather Service website for the Washington-Baltimore area (weather.gov/lwx) for updates.

On December 15, city crews began applying brine to city streets in anticipation of snow accumulations on Wednesday, December 16. Check back for information as the weather event progresses.

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 crews monitor and treat roads as appropriate. Snow plowing begins after three or more inches of snow accumulation, and continues until all roads are cleared and the weather event ends. Primary roads are cleared first, then secondary and residential roads.

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.

As always, in case of emergency, call 911 (voice/TTY).

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 remove snow and debris 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. (Remember: snow plowing begins after three or more inches of snow accumulation. Primary roads are cleared first, then secondary and residential roads are cleared.)

• Check on friends, family members, and neighbors who may need additional assistance, and provide help as you can.

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