Prepare For Winter Weather: Safe Driving Tips, Supplies, Phone Numbers

With heavy snow storm conditions predicted for Wednesday, and up to five inches of accumulation expected, make sure you're ready for any emergency conditions.

Drive Safely

A Lake Ridge Driving School offered some safe driving tips, including what to do when skidding, and what to do when your car gets stuck in a snow bank. 

Make an Emergency Supply Kit! 
Below is a list of essential items for your emergency supply kit:

• NOAA weather radio
• You need at least three days of supplies for each family member.
• Food that won’t spoil, such as canned goods and packaged foods.
• Water, one gallon per person per day.
• A hand-crank or battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• A family emergency plan.

Other items useful in an emergency supply kit:

• Flashlights with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• List of prescriptions and doctors
• Special items for young children and disabled or older family members
• Food and water for your pets

Numbers to know: 

For any emergency, dial 911. If it's not an emergency, check out this list:

Phone and internet: 

• Cox Cable, Phone, and Internet: Call 703-378-8422.
• Verizon Phone and Internet: Call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966).
• Direct TV: Call 1-800-531-5000.
• Dish Network: Call 1-800-333-3474.

Power outages:

• BGE outages: 877-778-2222, downed wires: 800-685-0123.
• Dominion Virginia Power outages and downed wires: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357), TTY 711.
• NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) outages and downed wires: 1-888-335-0500 or 703-335-0500, TTY 711.
• Pepco outages: 1-877-737-2662; downed wires: 202-872-3432.

Prince William County:

• Non-emergency number: 703-792-6500.
• Animal control: 703-792-6465.
• Fire Marshal's office: 703-792-6360.

To learn more on how to protect you and your loved ones during an emergency, visit www.pwcgov.org/emergency, www.ReadyVirginia.gov and www.ready.gov.