As you likely know, the National Weather Service is predicting several inches of wet snow starting tomorrow morning.  Apparently an entire winter of the kids flushing ice-cubes down the toilet has finally caught up with us!  I hope you will find the information below helpful as you prepare for the storm or if you lose power.

Emergency numbers and reporting a power outage.

• Emergency. If you are having an emergency, please call 911.
• Non-Emergency police contact. The Fairfax County non-emergency number is 703-691-2131. The City of Fairfax non-emergency number is 703-385-7924.
• Power interruption - Dominion. Call Dominion at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) to report the outage. You may also visit www.dom.com.
• Power interruption - NOVEC. Call NOVEC at 1-888-335-0500 or 703-335-0500. You may also visit www.novec.com.
• Downed trees. If the tree is on a public road, contact VDOT at 1-800-FOR-ROAD.

Snow removal.

• City of Fairfax. If you live in the City, call (703) 385-2629 for information about snow removal from public roads.
• Fairfax County/VDOT. If you live in the County, most public roads are the responsibility of VDOT. The following information has been provided by VDOT:
• Check current weather, road conditions and, traffic before traveling here or by calling 511.
• Click here for more information on Northern Virginia's snow removal program, and report road problems to 1-800-FOR-ROAD or [email protected].
• Keep an eye on the status of snow removal operations at VDOT's new snow plow map. 

What to do after the storm?

• Check on your neighbors. This snow will be very heavy to shovel, so please pitch in to help older adults and those with heart conditions.
• Fallen wires. Treat all fallen wires and anything touching them as though they are energized and stay away from them.
• Generators. Follow safe operating procedures for generators. Never operate a generator inside your home or in any enclosed space (such as a garage). Do not hook them directly into your electrical system; instead plug directly into the generator with properly-sized extension cords.
• Chainsaws. Trees that fall on private property are the owner's responsibility. Be aware of the risk of chain saw injury during tree removal. If a tree has hit your home, call your property insurance company before starting the removal process.
• Stay at home if possible.  Snow is a great time to catch up on a good book or chores around the house.  Plus, it lets snow and electrical crews do their work.