I hope everyone is enjoying the day so far and getting prepared for what could be our first major winter storm for 2014.  
I am sure by now everyone was advised of the snow event we will be having this evening into Thursday. The weathermen do not appear to be in agreement with how much snow we will be receiving with a range from anywhere of 1-4" in the eastern part of the state/Md and 6-12" in the western Virginia suburbs and northern areas. 

The one thing they are all in agreement with is there will be enough snow and possible high winds to make a big mess - rain, 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:  Precipitation is expected to start tonight at around 8pm and will continue into Thursday afternoon. At this point it is hard to say how much, but 4"-10" seems to be the consensus and will include a mixture of snow, sleet and rain to guarantee hazardous travel conditions.
SNOW REMOVAL PROCEDURES
Almost all of the streets in the community are maintained by VDOT with the exception of the eye brow loops, Robey, Wensley and Windermere View.  VDOT's phone number is 1-800-FOR-ROAD if you have any concerns about their plowing process.  For the HOA maintained streets the HOA has engaged Professional Grounds to clear the streets and once we have received two inches of snow, the snow removal contractor will plow the roads to keep a clear path. 

An important reminder that Greatbridge and Chanceford are designated snow emergency routes which means that vehicles may be towed if parked on these roads during the storm.  We would advise everyone to park in the driveways to keep the streets clear for the plows. 
?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 as 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  ?and leave a voice message for our on-call emergency manager.