Five things to know about dealing with winter weather

As the first significant winter weather of the season is forecasted to impact Loudoun County and
our region, officials encourage members of the community to take steps to prepare for the effects
of a forecasted winter weather event.
 
Here are five things for every resident to know ahead of the storm:
 
1.      Know the Forecast
Get updated weather information from the National Weather Service at weather.gov/lwx, Facebook or Twitter. 
 
2.      Know the Road Conditions
The Virginia Department of Transportation urges motorists to limit or delay their travel if
road conditions warrant. Track VDOTs efforts and get real-time traffic information at 511virginia.org. Follow VDOT on Facebook and Twitter. Call VDOT for more information at 1-800-FOR-ROAD.

If you have to travel on snow-covered roads, be sure to review driving safety and preparedness tips from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office before heading out on the road, including having an emergency kit in your vehicle.

3.      Know Who Maintains Your Street
VDOT and homeowners’ associations maintain most roads in the county, which includes snow removal.

 Loudoun County has an interactive online tool to help residents determine who is responsible for the maintenance of their roads. Learn more at loudoun.gov/roads. 

4.      Know How to Be Prepared
The possibility of significant icing could lead to tree damage and power outages. Loudoun County emergency management officials suggest that you take time to charge cell phones and other electronics ahead of the inclement weather.

Know How to Contact Your Utility Providers: If you need to report outages, make sure you have contact information for local utilities, which is posted at loudoun.gov/winter.

Make a Plan and Build an Emergency Kit: Everyone is encouraged to review their emergency plans and have an emergency supply kit with items such as flashlights and batteries, battery-operated radio, water, first aid supplies, canned food and can opener, medications, etc. Learn more about emergency preparedness at loudoun.gov/ready.  
 
5.      Know How to Stay Informed
Check loudoun.gov for timely information on county operations, including the status of county facilities.

Follow Loudoun County Government on Facebook and Twitter.

Sign up for Alert Loudoun to receive information alerts from the Loudoun County Government.

Find out about Loudoun County Public Schools operational status at lcps.org or via LCPS Facebook and Twitter.