ReadyVB: Five Steps to Take Now as Winter Weather Approaches

The governor of Virginia has declared a state of emergency for anticipated winter weather this weekend and asked all residents to prepare and to stay off the roads on Sunday. The City of Virginia Beach is closely monitoring the forecast and is actively preparing for what is most likely to be a wintry mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow.   

Virginia Beach remains on the edge of the storm, so any shift in the track of the storm could change the precipitation type and amount.  

What You Can Do Now 

1. Get prepared: Follow tips for your home with winter weather preparedness tips, including winterizing your pipes from the City of Virginia Beach and tips for your car with winter weather tips from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management , including packing an emergency car kit. 
2. Stay informed: Residents can stay informed in Virginia Beach by signing up for VBAlert. Text “VBAlert” to 67283 or sign up at VirginiaBeach.gov/VBAlert to receive important messages and emergency alert notifications from the City of Virginia Beach and Emergency Management during inclement weather.  
3. Download the WAZE app: Use the WAZE app to document, report and see the latest on road conditions and closures. Residents can also report hazardous road conditions by calling 311.
4. Charge electronic devices. Keep your electronic devices fully charged in case you lose power. Remember that home Wi-Fi networks and streaming services may not be available when the power is out. Mobile devices may be the best way to get information. If your power does go out, preserve battery by only using the device to send and receive essential information. 
5. Find more information: Residents can find additional valuable resources, tips and information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency at VirginiaBeach.gov/ReadyVB.  

What You Can Do Later 

• Stay home: Residents are advised to stay indoors and to stay off the roads to avoid cold weather and potentially dangerous roads as much as possible. If you do have to travel, use extreme caution. 
• Report power outages: Report and track power outages to Dominion Energy and follow power outage safety tips. Report downed power lines, as well. Remember to never run a generator in an enclosed space and make sure it is cleared of snow. 
• Stay safe: Check on neighbors, friends and family and those who may be homeless. To help prevent injuries, sledding is not permitted at Mount Trashmore Park during snow events.  
• Get help if needed: You can request City services and information by dialing 311 or 757-385-3111. Residents are reminded to call 911 only for immediate threats to safety and property. If you need talk to police, fire or emergency medical services, but do not need them to hurry to you, call 757-385-5000 instead. 

What the City of Virginia Beach is Doing 

The departments of Public Works and Parks & Recreation are activating snow removal plans and deploying crews to maintain roadways and facilities. In addition, other departments throughout the City are preparing plans, staff and equipment to respond to the shifting conditions and dynamic forecasts expected throughout the weekend. 

Virginia Beach Emergency Management  is coordinating with local and state partners to ensure needed resources and continually monitoring conditions. The City will follow its established Emergency Operations Plan, making adjustments and activating the Emergency Operations Center as needed.  

Residents can stay updated on the latest conditions in the City by checking the City’s website, which will be updated with emergency messages as needed, and by calling 311. 

• ReadyVB
• VBAlert

The City of Virginia Beach Emergency Management team promotes a comprehensive emergency management program to mitigate Virginia Beach's impacts from human-made, natural or technological disasters. Learn more at VirginiaBeach.gov/ReadyVB.