WINTER STORM WARNING
Stay up to date of current conditions:
If you find yourself without heat, please call 211 for assistance and available resources.
CodeRed alerts: https://accountportal.onsolve.net/kilmarnockva
VA 511 for current road conditions https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/
Dominion Energy to check and report outages https://www.dominionenergy.com/.../report-and-check-outages
Check local radio stations for updates on closures and conditions. 101-7 BAY FM https://middlenecknews.com/closings-and-delays/
Follow:
Kilmarnock, VA Police Department
Lancaster County Virginia Sheriff's Office
Virginia State Police
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Virginia Department of Transportation
US National Weather Service Wakefield VA
Generator Safety
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.
DURING THE STORM
Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
Use only safe indoor heating methods.
Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.
Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.
With severe weather events becoming more frequent and unpredictable, now more than ever, it makes sense to be prepared. Whether it’s a prolonged power outage, hurricane, or other emergency, having enough food, water, and essential supplies to last at least a few days can make all the difference. In honor of National Preparedness Month every September, Eastern Virginia CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) encourages everyone in our community to embrace the power of preparation. While you don’t need to become a full-fledged survivalist or emergency readiness enthusiast, taking a few practical steps can go a long way in keeping your family safe. 〰️
Current And Upcoming events
possibe winter storm this weekend!!!
plan for the worst, hope for the best!!!
possibe winter storm this weekend!!! plan for the worst, hope for the best!!!
On February 7, (8-3), White Stone Methodist Church is hosting a Disaster Relief Training Day designed and taught by Impact Missions Movement. (Baptist General Association of VA). It is interdenominational in presentation, and structured in community. It's going to be a hands on, informative day with lunch included. We'll have mass feeding and clean out trailers on site. It is free of charge, but is limited in seating. Each participant must register.
Participants have the opportunity to choose 3 sessions out of 6 that interest them:
- Introduction to Disaster Response
- Mass Feeding
- Administration
- Chainsaw
- Supply Distribution
To Register:
Contact Glenn Maddox
glenn.maddox@bgav.org
www.impactmissionsmovement.org
Preparedness Tips
In honor of National Preparedness Month in September, Eastern VA CERT wants to remind members of our community about the power of preparation. While you don’t have to achieve a “doomsday prepper” level of preparedness, there are several practical steps you can take to keep you and your family safe.
Even at a modest level, preparation can help reduce stress and anxiety and lessen the impact of an emergency event. We recommend starting with the basics. Here are general guidelines recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency:
Assemble a grab-and-go disaster kit. Include items like nonperishable food, water (1 gallon per person, per day), diapers, batteries, flashlights, prescription medications, first-aid kit, battery-powered radio and phone chargers.
Develop a plan for communicating with family and friends (i.e., via text, social media, third party, etc.).
Have some extra cash available. During power outages, electronic card readers and cash machines may not work.
Store important documents (birth certificates, property deed, etc.) in safe place away from home (i.e., a bank safe deposit box).
Keep neighbors and coworkers appraised of your emergency plans.
Fill your car with gas.
Organize your supplies so they are together in an easily accessible location that family members know about.
CARING FOR VULNERABLE FAMILY MEMBERS
If you have older family members or those with special needs, make sure they have enough medication and supplies for a few days. If they don’t live with you, arrange for a neighbor to check in on them. If a severe weather event is expected, consider having your relative stay with you, if feasible. Otherwise, call them daily. If you have an infant or young children, make certain that you have ample formula, diapers, medication and other supplies on hand to weather an outage lasting several days or more.
KEEPING FOUR-LEGGED FAMILY MEMBERS SAFE
For families with pets, having a plan in place in the event of a prolonged outage or an emergency will help reduce worry and stress, especially if you need to make a decision during an emergency.
Bring pets indoors at the first sign of a storm or other emergency. Pets can become disoriented and frightened during severe weather.
Create an emergency kit for pets. Include shelf-safe food, bottled water, medications and other supplies.