Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Severe Weather on the Way; Sheriff's Office Urges Caution

The National Weather Service is reporting the possibility of a significant severe weather event to impact Loudoun County and the region beginning today through early Friday morning. 
 
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office urges residents to take the following steps:  
  • If you must be on the road, drive carefully. Wet leaves and wet roads are a dangerous combination. Find out the latest road conditions before heading out by calling 511 or visiting www.511virginia.org.  The Virginia Department of Transportation recommends drivers delay travel until unsafe weather conditions have passed.
  • Monitor the weather forecast. Excessive rainfall could cause creeks and streams to rise quickly out of their banks and flood low-lying areas. If you come to roads covered in water, turn around; don't drown. 
 
In addition, make sure your family members, friends and neighbors are prepared for an extended weather event. And have flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio and extra batteries in case power goes out.  Have food that does not need refrigeration and one gallon of water per person per day.  Other important items are a first aid kit and medications, car phone charger, blankets and other supplies.
 
With power outages expected, now is the time to charge cellphones and other electronics. Have charged batteries and car-phone chargers for back-up power for your cellphone. And if you lose power, you can charge your cellphone in your car. Just be sure your car is in a well-ventilated place – not in a garage – but do not go to your car until danger has passed, 
 
 
Important Phone Numbers
  • 2-1-1 Virginia is serving as the public inquiry number for Virginia residents.  
  • 5-1-1 is to be used for the latest in road conditions.  
  • Call #77 on a cellphone to report a traffic crash or traffic emergency. 
  • Only call 9-1-1 in a true emergency.  For non-emergency situations in Loudoun County, call 703-777-1021.  
     
Storm-related information also will be posted on www.loudoun.gov/storm. For the latest weather forecast visit Loudoun County Weather and be sure to sign up for emergency alerts from the county at www.loudoun.gov/alert.  



 

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