Snow Preparedness

With the impending weather, I wanted to remind everyone off a couple things and provide some emergency contractor information to assist in any issues. My clients have had great experiences with these companies and enjoyed solid workmanship and value.

It is always nice to have the feeling of being absolutely prepared for – well- whatever comes our way, right? Absolutely! With the Upcoming Winter Storm Jonas, that is set to have devastating impacts on the Northern Virginia and DC Metro area of the next couple of days, I thought I would put together some of my best contacts for you so you have a list of great professionals at your finger tips so you feel a bit more prepared for the storm, should something happen during the snow.

If you have a home with a walk-out stairwell basement, make sure to check it frequently during the next several days (until the storm passes) to make sure the outside drain is not clogged with leaves or debris. You don’t want rain water to back up, rise above the threshold and flood the basement. The ground is probably already super-saturated, and it can only get worse with the continuation of rain during the next several days.

Also, double check the sump pump (if one is installed) to make sure it is functioning properly. If it has a battery backup, you may also want to test it to make sure it is operational.

Emergency Contractor Info:

• Water Damage – JES Contracting, Mike Cardin 877-537-9675

• Mold and Water Damage – All Aspects Waterproofing, Jeff Basham 866-999-3110

• Handy Man/ GC – Luis Romero 571-259-1489
• Electrician – Riddle Electric, Forrest Riddle 703-539-6003
• Comcast – 800-266-2278
• Verizon – 800-837-4966
• Tree Removal – Flavio Domeneck 703-876-0677

If you have a need for a particular trade of service that is not listed, please ask and I am happy to connect you with a reliable professional.

Stay safe! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything during this time.

Fairfax additional information

Our friends at Fairfax County put together some great details from Supervisor Penny Gross’ office:

 

Fairfax County’s Web site (www.fairfaxcounty.gov) will provide links to weather-related information.

NewsCenter will post preparedness information.

• Snow Update Hub (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news2/snow-update-hub/) – Ongoing updates from Fairfax County, the National Weather Service, VDOT, key transportation sources, utilities, and other partners (FCPS, Red Cross) and regional government sources.
• 6 Ways to Get Ready for the Blizzard (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news2/6-ways-to-get-ready-for-the-blizzard/) – Includes tips about checking on neighbors, clearing fire hydrants, supplies, VDOT and road snow removal, creating a community snow removal plan and information resources.

Emergency Information Blog (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog) – During the storm, this will be the go-to resource for status updates, safety tips, county facilities operations and more.

Social Media – All county social media accounts will be focused on storm-related information: Follow the county directly on Twitter at @fairfaxcounty or check the county’s pages at www.twitter.com/fairfaxcounty and www.facebook.com/fairfaxcounty.

Fairfax Alerts (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts/) – The public can sign up to get important weather updates delivered to their home phone, cellphone, e-mail, text messaging and more.

 

Local Media – The Office of Public Affairs provides information about the county’s status to local radio and television stations and other media.  In addition, Fairfax County Government Radio (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/radio) and Fairfax County Government Channel 16 (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cable/channel16/vod.htm – available on cable) and live video streaming (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cable/channel16/channel_16_live_stream.htm) will provide updated weather and operating status information.

 

Winter Weather Preparedness Web Page (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/winter/) – Find tips and links about a wide variety of topics, such as road conditions and snow removal; freezing pipes and plumbing; people with disabilities; preventing injuries; driving guidelines; and more.