January 20, 2016

WINTER STORM INFORMATION CENTER

Map issued by The Weather Channel

Senator Manchin Urges West Virginians to Prepare for Severe Winter Weather

Most of West Virginia is projected to get a significant amount of snowfall from a high impact winter storm moving through the state from Friday into Saturday. Senator Manchin is advising all West Virginians to make preparations in case of an emergency, to take precautions and to be in contact with their County Office of Emergency Services if necessary.

Each County Office of Emergency Services is the best place to receive assistance with storm damage. Each county has its own contact number, which can be found here: http://www.dhsem.wv.gov/Important%20Contact%20Numbers/Pages/default.aspx

To view road closures, accidents, live camera footage of the conditions, please visit WV 511 here: http://wv511.org

Constituents who need additional assistance can contact Senator Manchin’s office at 304-342-5855 or toll-free number 855-275-5737. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

For updates on the state's response efforts, including lists of warming stations and shelters, power outages, road closures and weather conditions, please visit the state's official Facebook page for Winter Storm Jonas: www.facebook.com/WVJonas.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, RESOURCES AND IMPORTANT CONTACTS:

For information on how to prepare before, during and after a winter storm, please click here: http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security advises you to do the following to prepare for a winter storm:

 

Add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

  • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways.
  • Sand to improve traction.
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
  • Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

 

Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

 

A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the NWS for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your local emergency services.

 

Download FEMA’s Be Smart. Know Your Alerts and Warnings for a summary of notifications at: www.ready.gov/prepare. Free smart phone apps, such as those available from FEMA and the American Red Cross, provide information about finding shelters, providing first aid, and seeking assistance for recovery.

 

Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

 

More information from the Department of Homeland Security can be found here: http://www.fema.gov/

If you or someone you know may be impacted by the storm, here are a few other things to do to get ready:

  • Get some extra cash out at the ATM today. If the power goes out, banks/ATMs may be offline for some time.
  • Make a plan for how you¹ll keep your cell phone charged if you lose power for several days. Picking up a solar or hand-crank charger for your phone is a good idea.
  • Take steps to protect your home/business from high winds ¬ cover windows, clean gutters, trim trees.
  • Get to the store today for emergency supplies such as water, nonperishable food, batteries, flashlight, etc.
  • Make sure you have what you need in case the power goes out and cold weather moves in. Double check that you have a safe, warm place you can go, blankets in your home/car, and winter items like snow shovels and rock salt.
  • Employers: make sure your employees are prepared and review your continuity and tele-work plans. 

 

National Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov/

West Virginia Weather Warnings: http://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wv.php?x=1

National Weather Service Doppler Radar Real Time Weather
Tracking: http://www.weather.gov/Radar#loop

For information about river and creek flooding:
http://water.weather.gov/ahps/

West Virginia state government services: http://www.ready.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx
 

For information about electric outages:

West Virginia customers can get specific information about power outages affecting their accounts via text message and/or email. Sign up through your power company’s website.

Appalachian Power: www.appalachianpower.com/alerts

Potomac Edison / Mon Power: https://www.firstenergycorp.com/h…/communication_tools.html…

 

Power outages are being reported across the state. For up-to-date information on power outages and restoration efforts in your area, visit or call:

AEP - bit.ly/1JiHzRd or 800-956-4237
Mon Power - bit.ly/1UcnhJC or 888-544-4877
Potomac Edison Company - bit.ly/1UcnhJC or 888-544-4877...
Harrison Rural Electrification Association - bit.ly/1QeY4gF or 304-624-6365
Black Diamond Power Company - 304-683-5281
New Martinsville Municipal Utilities - bit.ly/1PpIRGj or 304-455-9100
Philippi Municipal Electric Department - bit.ly/1JiIa5x or 304-457-3700 or 304-457-5167 (after hours)
Craig-Botetourt Rural Electric Cooperative - bit.ly/1S54NLP or 540-864-5121 or 800-760-2232

 

 

Local issues may also be reported to the Governor’s office at 304-558-2000.