I hope everyone is getting prepared for what could be our first winter blast for 2016.
I am sure by now everyone was advised of the snow event we will be having Friday into Saturday. The weathermen do not appear to be in agreement with how much snow we will be receiving. For example, WTOP has placed a blizzard watch with an expectation of 16"-18" by Sunday morning.
The one thing they are all in agreement with is there will be high winds and a big mess -ice, snow, etc. With that being said, if you have not already, please secure any loose items you may have outside. And if you must drive over the next day or two, please be careful.
So far this is the timeframe of the event: Flurries may start early Friday afternoon and the snow should really start falling in by Friday evening. At this point it is hard to say how much at this time but it is being labeled as a historic event.
SNOW REMOVAL PROCEDURES
For private street homeowners, eyebrow loops and the gated section homes, once we have received two inches of snow, the snow removal contractor ValleyCrest will plow the roads to keep a clear path. Please be patient with the crew, it could take half a day or more depending on the amount of snow that falls. The remainder of the community is on state maintained roads therefore VDOT will plow them. You can contact VDOT directly at 1-800-FOR-ROAD or check updates at www.vdotplows.org As a reminder all owners are responsible for shoveling their sidewalks.
If the roads are considered hazardous AAA trash removal will not be sending out their trucks due to the safety of their drivers. If trash is not picked up it will be picked up on the next regularly scheduled trash day.
If you experience the following during the storm:
If a tree should be blown over on common area, please leave a message on my voicemail and/or email me and the contractor will be dispatched after the storm has passed.
Please see the following helpful tips as you start to prepare for the storm today:
Plan Ahead for Winter Storms
Play it safe by preparing ahead for winter storms.
Remember, these storms can cause loss of electricity, heat, and telephone service and can trap you in your home for a few days. It's important to have ample supplies on hand in your home:
Flashlight and extra batteries.
Battery-powered NOAA weather radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.
Extra food and bottled water. High energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and canned food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.
Manual can opener.
Extra medicine and baby items.
First-aid supplies.
Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm.
Back-up heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc.
Fire extinguisher and smoke detector.
Be sure to carry a survival kit in your car that contains:
Cell phone
Blankets/sleeping bags
Flashlight with extra batteries
Knife
High calorie, non-perishable food
A can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
Sand or cat litter
Shovel
Windshield scraper
Tool kit
Tow rope
Jumper cables
Water container
Compass
Road maps
Extra winter clothes and boots
Also, keep your vehicles gas tank full in case you get stranded and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
How to Dress for Winter Weather:
Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
Remove a layer or two if necessary to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chill.
Make sure outer garments are tightly woven and water-repellent.
Wear mittens - they are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.
Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in snow or flooding conditions.
With a little planning and know-how, you can make this winter a safe and warm one for you and your family.
Our Customer Care Center is available during normal business hours at 703-385-1133. To report an after-hour emergency, defined as an eminent threat to common area property or life, please call 703-385-1133. Please do not call the emergency line for snow removal.
Sincerely,
Amy Weinschenk
Community Association Manager
11351 Random Hills Road, Suite 500 | | Fairfax, VA 22030
Main 703-385-1133
