Winter Weather Safety Tips

Winter Weather Safety Tips

Important Contact Information

In the event of severe winter weather, the Covington Emergency Dispatch Center will be very busy. You can help to keep our phone lines open for emergencies, by keeping the following number close by your telephone

1. Dominion Power Company - 1-888-667-3000

2. Columbia Gas Company - 1-800-543-8911

3. MISS UTILITY - 1-800-552-7001

3. Virginia State Police - (Salem, Va. Office) 1-800-542-5959

Please do not call the police department to report the following types of outages:

Cable television
Electricity
Heating fuel

* The exception is in the event of a life threatening emergency, such as life sustaining medical equipment that cannot operate without electricity, or an existing health hazard where heat must be obtained immediately. In such events, the emergency dispatch center may send police, fire or rescue personnel to assess the situation. Please be aware that the Covington Emergency Dispatch Center has no control over the restoration of any of the above services. Please contact your utility service provider directly.

School closing will be announced over the local radio station and local television news broadcasts. Please do not call the Covington Emergency Dispatch Center for school closings.

The Covington Emergency Dispatch Center cannot stress the importance of keeping our telephone limes open for emergencies enough. We thank you for your cooperation, understanding and assistance.

Winter Preparedness

At Home

Heed the warnings of the National Weather Service: don't go out unless you absolutely have to. Waiting until a storm strikes to make a trip to the store may be hazardous. Stock up early!
Bring pets indoors
Have a fire extinguisher available.
Test all smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors.
Make sure you have a flashlight and portable AM/FM radio with fresh batteries handy
Have an alternate heat source in case you loose power.
Wrap water pipes in pipe insulation to keep them from freezing. During sustained cold periods, let each faucet drip a little to avoid freezing.
Remember to shut off and drain outdoor faucets.
Keep a first-aid kit and extra prescription medications that you make need (if applicable).

For the Road

Additional road-related information is available from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Have your car inspected and winterized.
Try not to travel alone.
Keep your gas tank near full to help prevent ice from forming in fuel lines, which could leave you stranded.
keep basic items in your car such as windshield scraper, booster cables, flares, tow chain or rope, blanket, flashlight, first-aid kit and cellular telephone with fully charged battery.
Make sure you have good tires on your vehicle. Carry snow chains.
Let someone know your primary destination, alternate routes and anticipated timetable.

Weather Terms

WINTER STORM WATCH - Indicates severe winter weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible within a day or two Now is the time to prepare.

WINTER STORM WARNING - Severe conditions are occurring, imminent or highly likely. Stay indoors.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY - Indicates winter weather conditions will cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorist. Use Caution.

Top of Page