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What is a Governor’s Declaration of Emergency?

Some emergencies and disasters are sudden and unexpected, but many (such as severe weather) are known and predicted. When an imminent threat might be severe enough to require state assistance to local governments, then discussions begin at the state level about the need for a declaration of emergency.

A Governor’s declaration allows state agencies to bypass some time-consuming paperwork and procedures in the interest of quickly getting assistance to local governments, and in turn to residents of the Commonwealth.

A Governor’s Declaration of a State of Emergency…

Go to 511virginia.org to monitor latest road conditions

RICHMOND – Snow is falling across most of Virginia this morning as roads are in mostly moderate, snow covered condition in the southern half of the state with minor conditions in the northern region.  Hardest hit will be the Hampton Roads region where the heaviest accumulations are expected through the day.

What you need to know now:

·         Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and contract crews are out in force to keep the roads as clear as possible.  Even with the treatment and plowing, ROADS ARE SLICK.  MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO STAY OFF THE ROADS DURING THE STORM.

·         About 70 percent of deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles. By staying off the roads during a winter storm, transportation workers and public-safety officials can clear roads and respond more quickly to emergency needs.

·         Crews work to clear interstates and primary roads first, then major secondary roads with vital emergency and public facilities, and then other secondary roads and subdivision streets.  Crews focus their efforts on those roads that carry the most traffic.

·         Monitor road conditions by going to www.511virginia.org.

·         If you need more information or report a specific road-related problem, go to https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/  or call 1-800-FOR-ROADS.

VDOT has approximately 2,500 crewmembers for snow-removal operations statewide. In addition, VDOT uses contractors to clear snow.

VDOT has nearly 13,000 pieces of equipment, including trucks, plows and spreaders, and more than 650,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasives to treat roads.

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today declared a state of emergency and urged residents of the Commonwealth to prepare for impacts from a winter storm system, which potentially could result in significant snow accumulation, hazardous road conditions, and high winds. This order authorizes state agencies to assist local governments in responding to this major winter storm that is expected to impact the Commonwealth tonight through the weekend. In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia. A declaration also decreases time and paperwork required to get personnel, equipment and supplies where they are needed. This action does not apply to individuals or private businesses. “We are strongly encouraging everyone in Virginia to prepare for the possibility of snowfall, especially in Southeast Virginia, where forecasts predict accumulations could exceed 12 inches, as well as dangerous road conditions, power outages, and high winds,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I have been briefed by the National Weather Service and my emergency team, who are tracking this storm and following the potential impacts it could have across much of the state. I urge Virginians to limit travel as the severe weather arrives and follow directions from local and state officials. We hope this storm passes quickly through our Commonwealth, but our top priority must be to ensure the safety of our citizens and their families.” 

Weather.gov – Wakefield Office for up to date information http://www.weather.gov/akq/

Traffic updates – http://www.511virginia.org/

Power outage information – http://outagemap.dom.com/external/default.html

Resources for cold weather:

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/weather/ColdWeatherSafety.htm

https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

What Citizens Should Do:

Stay off the roads during the storm unless travel is absolutely necessary. If travel is necessary, drive with caution and allow extra space around other vehicles. Let someone know where you are going, the route you are taking and when you expect to arrive so that if something happens while traveling, someone knows where to send assistance.

Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter and is in safe driving condition. Keep an emergency kit in your car. Include items such as jumper cables, blankets, first aid kit, water, non-perishable food, cat litter or sand, shovel, flash light and batteries, ice scraper and cell phone charger.

Bring pets inside from the cold.

If you have power-dependent medical equipment, make sure all batteries and extra batteries are fully charged. Know where to go if you lose power during or after the storm. If you aren’t sure where to go, dial 2-1-1 for a list of shelters or charging stations that may be open in your area.

Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours, in case roads are blocked and/or there are power outages.

Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries for emergency information. Listen to local weather forecasts and instructions from local officials.

If you need help, information or resources during the storm, call 2-1-1. Those with hearing impairments can call 7-1-1 for the Virginia Relay Center and then call 1-800-230-6977. Out of state or videophone users may also dial 1-800-230-6977 for assistance.

Download the free Ready Virginia mobile app at: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/additional-resources/mobileapp.

    Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Virginia Beach-based Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team help clear debris Oct. 9, 2016, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In addition to debris reduction, Virginia Guard Soldiers assisted multiple localities in the Hampton Roads area with evacuating citizens seeking shelter and transporting law enforcement officers on route assessments to identify road hazards