City to Maintain Essential Operations Until 8 a.m. on Sunday

​The City of Virginia Beach will move from essential to modified operations at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30. All city offices and facilities are closed today, Jan. 29.

Closings and Delayed Openings on Sunday, Jan. 30

• The Virginia Aquarium will open at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30.
• Rec centers will remain closed on Sunday, Jan. 30 due to icy road conditions in neighborhoods.
• Virginia Beach Public Library locations are closed, as usual on Sundays.
• City parks will remain closed on Sunday, Jan. 30.
• The Thoroughgood House will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 30.
• Hampton Roads Transit will resume regular service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30. Services will include local bus, The Tide light rail, Elizabeth River Ferry and paratransit services. HRT will operate a normal Sunday schedule. Expect possible delays as operators navigate their routes. For more information, please visit gohrt.com or call 757-222-6100.

City officials are monitoring road conditions and urge residents to watch out for icy roads and slippery parking lots. City crews are busy, clearing and treating roadways and City facility parking lots for anticipated overnight refreezing. Temperatures are expected to plunge into the teens overnight into tomorrow, with wind chills in the low single digits.

Reminders

• No sledding at Mount Trashmore and at any other City property for the safety reasons.
• Downed Trees blocking City streets: call 311 (landlines within city limits) or 385-3111.
• If you lose power, call Dominion Power at 1-866-366-4357.
• Reserve 911 for true emergencies. For other inquiries, call 311.
• Keep off Ice — Ice-covered waters are unsafe. Take care of the children in your lives by keeping them away from any lakes, ponds, canals, etc. Likewise, all adults should keep watch over waters in their neighborhoods to keep children and pets away. Normal ice thickness in the Hampton Roads area will not support the weight of even a small child or pet.
• Prevent Frozen Pipes by keeping a steady drip of water flowing from the highest faucet in your home. (Using cold instead of hot water will save you money on your energy bill.) When plumbing is near an outside wall, open cabinet doors under sinks so room heat can reach the pipes. Locate your private water shut-off valve so you'll be prepared to turn your water off if your pipes do freeze and burst. If you've got water pouring out of your ceiling, you don't want to have to wait even a few minutes for Public Utilities or a plumber to respond to shut off your water.

If Your Pipes Freeze:

• Turn your water off at the private water shut-off valve (see below).
• Never try to thaw frozen pipes with an open flame or any electrical appliance. It's dangerous and could damage your pipes.
• Be prepared for possible leaks as the pipes thaw.

Finding Your Private Water Shut-Off Valve

The location of the shut-off valve varies, but all buildings less than 30 years old have one. Likely locations for the private water shut-off valve include:

• Close to an outside hose bib, where the water supply pipe enters your home. The valve will be located inside a box or pipe in the ground, several feet from the exterior of your home.
• Near your water heater, or under a vanity cabinet or kitchen sink, particularly if you live in a townhouse, condominium, or apartment.
• On the wall in your garage, particularly in newer homes.

Keep Your Pets Warm

Winter weather can be brutal on pets. It is a common misunderstanding that furry animals are able to stay warm in cold weather. Call 757-385-5000 to report unattended pets left outside.

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