Sunday Morning Updates in Falls Church on Historic Blizzard

PHOTO: Snow blankets cars in Northern Virginia; Patch photo

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Editor’s note: Here’s the latest on the mega winter storm, from the City of Falls Church:

FALLS CHURCH, VA --- The snow has stopped, but crews continue to work around the clock to clear roads. The City asks for patience from the community as we work together to get back to normal.

Plowing Update
The City’s Public Works crews continue to clear Snow Emergency Routes as first priority. They have plowed one lane on most residential streets and will working through at least Monday to clear more. Crews communicate and work with emergency responders in case of calls to residential streets.

We ask the community to be patient as crews manage this historic blizzard. The crews face several challenges, including disposing of mass amounts of snow and avoiding vehicles and pedestrians. You can help by staying off the roads.

Snow Emergency Still in Effect: Stay off the Roads
Although the snow has stopped, we are still in an emergency mode. The Snow Emergency Routes must remain open for emergency vehicles, so parking is still restricted. Visitfallschurchva.gov/SnowRoutes for the list of streets.

It is also critical that people continue to stay home and not drive nor walk in the middle of streets. We understand that community members are anxious to get life back to normal, but crews and emergency personnel are still working around the clock, responding to urgent issues. Please stay off the roads.

Community Center Open Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you are able to safely walk to the Community Center (223 Little Falls St.), it will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The gym will be open for free play and the Teen Center will be open for drop-in fun.

If you walk, please be safe and smart. If you see a plow or other vehicle coming, please get out of the way immediately--don’t wait for them to get closer. Pedestrians in the street create a dangerous situation for plows and emergency personnel.

Shoveling Tips and Safety

• Shovel Left, Pile Right: As plows push snow past your driveway, they may undo the hard work you put into digging out. When you shovel snow, pile it to the right of your driveway (as you face the street) into your yard. Also try to clear a space to the left of your driveway so the plows don’t have any snow to push. The City’s website has a graphic and video to illustrate these techniques.
• Clear Fire Hydrants: Please clear the fire hydrant on your street. This small gesture can save lives in the event of an emergency.
• Know the Risks: Please be careful while shoveling this large amount of snow. The American Heart Association recommends avoiding heavy meals and alcohol before shoveling; lifting small amounts at a time; giving yourself plenty of breaks; and knowing the signs of a heart attack. Visit the City’s website for more information.

Important Phone Numbers

• Police, Fire, Ambulance: 9-1-1 (TTY 911)
• Police Non-Emergency: 703-241-5050 (TTY 711)
• Downed Trees on Streets or Public Property: 703-248-5053 (TTY 711)
• Gas Issues, Washington Gas: 800-752-7520 or 703-750-1400 (TTY 711)
• Phone, Internet, Cable Television
  • Cox: 703-378-8422
  • RCN: 800-746-4726
  • Verizon: 800-837-4966, Report to Verizon Online
• Power Outages, Downed Power Lines, Dominion Virginia Power: 866-DOM-HELP (TTY 711),Report and Check Outages Online
• Water Issues, Fairfax Water: 703-698-5613 (TTY 711), Report and Check Outages Online