Hurricane Sandy: Phone Numbers to Know for During, After the Storm

Hurricane Sandy is likely to stay off the East Coast as it passes by the region Sunday through Tuesday, but that doesn't mean Northern Virginia is in the clear. 

By Thursday morning, Hurricane Sandy was a Category 2 hurricane with 105-mile-per-hour winds, according to the National Hurricane Center. Strong winds and rain are a possibility for this area. 

Print out this list of emergency and non-emergency numbers and keep it handy during and after the storm in case your power, home phone or other services are interrupted or trees come down on or near your property. If you have an emergency, please dial 911. 

Power Outages

• BGE outages: 877-778-2222; downed wires: 800-685-0123; view outage map
• Dominion Virginia Power outages and downed wires: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357), TTY 711; view outage map
• NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) outages and downed wires: 1-888-335-0500 or 703-335-0500, TTY 711; view outage reports
• Pepco outages: 1-877-737-2662; downed wires: 202-872-343; view outage map

Downed Trees

If a tree or major tree limb debris falls onto city streets, contact the Alexandria Police Department’s non-emergency number at 703-746-4444 to submit a report for tree removal.

Adjacent to public roads: Contact Virginia Department of Transportation at 1-800-FOR-ROAD, TTY 711.

Private property: Removal is the property owner's responsibility. Be aware of the risk of chain saw injury during tree removal. Use a chain saw safely to clear debris. If a tree has hit your home, call your property insurance company before starting the removal process. 

Flooding

• Rising water that threatens your safety, call 911
• If you have damp walls or floors, contact a water removal or restoration company

Phone, Cable, and Internet Service

• Cox Cable, Phone, and Internet: Call 703-378-8422 or visit their website
• Verizon Phone and Internet: Call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966) or visit their website.
• Direct TV: Call 1-800-531-5000  or visit their website.
• Dish Network: Call 1-800-333-3474 or visit their website.

Insurance

The Virginia state Bureau of Insurance offers free consumer guides entitled, "What to Do After an Insured Commercial Property Loss"', and "What to Do After an Insured Homeowners Loss". These guides are available at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi. The Bureau of Insurance has staff specifically trained to handle disaster insurance questions and problems. Call 804-371-9185 or 804-371-9185 or 9691. The toll-free number is 1-877-310-6560.