View as Webpage

Don't Fret that Winter Storm - Be Ready Instead!

AT HOME

Here are some great reminders from the Center for Disease Control for making your home winter safe. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management offer a few more on their Winter Weather page.

IN THE CAR

Make sure the right supplies are in your car during the winter months. The National Safety Council offers a good checklist HERE.

WHILE DRIVING

Beware “sneaky” winter driving hazards when navigating wintery roads.

First Snow

While lots of snow in the middle of winter can cause dangerous travel conditions, the first little bit of snow of the season can also cause accidents. Be careful as you and other drivers adjust to driving in poor conditions.

Dense Fog

Watch out for quickly changing visibility in fog. Use your low-beam headlights, slow down, and keep your distance from other vehicles.

Sun Glare

The low sun angle, especially combined with freshly fallen snow, can cause a glare that makes driving difficult. Keep a pair of sunglasses handy and slow down.

Rain with a Temperature Near Freezing

Rain may seem like less of a winter driving hazard than snow, but when temperatures are near freezing, that’s not the case. Ice can form quickly and make roads slick. Be extra careful in these conditions, and don’t let this winter hazard sneak up on you.

Snow Squalls

Snow squalls are short, intense bursts of snow and wind that can reduce visibility and cause dangerous travel conditions. Try not to travel during one.

Freezing Drizzle

Freezing drizzle can cause difficult-to-see ice to form on roads, creating very dangerous travel conditions. When it’s drizzling in the winter, slow down!

Flash Freeze

Wet roads can quickly turn to ice as temperatures fall below freezing. Slow down and don’t use cruise control.

Rain After a Long Dry Stretch

When it rains after a long dry stretch, roads can become surprisingly slippery. Don’t let this hazard sneak up on you! Slow down and don’t use cruise control.

DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Don't let your holiday celebrations turn into personal disasters. Be aware of the hazards with fresh trees and plants, fireplaces, candles, lights, and food!

Congratulations to the new Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro CERT graduates that finished their training November 15! Twenty-six community members completed the Fall 2019 CERT Basic Training class, and 21 will continue as a S-A-W CERT members. Since the Fall of 2003, we have offered the Basic Training Course 38 times, training a total of 603 people. Currently, the S-A-W CERT team has over 100 active members, with more than half being extremely active!

And speaking of "active" CERT members, our team has been busy filling 25 stockings for the Salvation Army, who distributes them to children in need every Christmas.  A very special thank you to brand new CERT member Kathy Johnson, who personally collected and distributed over 200 stockings this year! Her dedication and hard work is greatly appreciated.

The 2020 Shenandoah Valley Project Impact (SVPI) Preparedness Calendar will be available for pick-up in December at local government buildings and libraries across the region. This year, the calendar celebrates the 20th year of Shenandoah Valley Project impact, which began in 2000. The publication contains preparedness tips and mitigation strategies for dealing with severe weather, emergencies, and disasters as well as historic photographs and fun holidays for each day of the year. Visit one of these locations or contact the CSPDC to to obtain your copy!

WHERE TO FIND 2020 PROJECT IMPACT CALENDARS

Lobby/Reception Desk of Municipal Buildings in:

Counties of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham

Cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro

Towns of Bridgewater, Broadway, Craigsville, Dayton, Elkton, Glasgow, Goshen, Grottoes, Monterey, and Timberville

Main Circulation Desk at these Public Libraries:

Augusta County Library in Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, and Churchville

Bath County Library, Warm Springs

Massanutten Regional Library in Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, and Broadway

Rockbridge Regional Library in Lexington, Buena Vista, Goshen, and Glasgow

Highland County Library in Monterey

Staunton Public Library

Waynesboro Public Library