FEMA Encourages West Virginians To Take Precautions As Storm Approaches 

Release Date: January 29, 2010
Release Number: R3-10-003

» 2010 Region III News Releases

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- For the second time in as many months, West Virginia is preparing for a major winter storm that could drop significant amounts of snowfall across sections of the central and eastern mountain counties of the state. 

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials are reminding individuals to be prepared for the upcoming storm, which could include a mixture of snow, sleet or ice accumulations, subfreezing temperatures, and strong winds.  Any of these conditions can make winter driving extremely hazardous and could cause a variety of emergencies such as a loss of power to homes.

Everyone can benefit by taking a few easy steps now. A first step is to visit the Ready.gov web site to find preparedness ideas you can use all year long. Families are encouraged to get an emergency supply kit, develop and practice a family emergency plan and stay informed about emergency conditions that may affect their area. An emergency supply kit both at home and in the car will help prepare you and your family for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads.

Both kits should include a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, extra flashlights, and batteries.  In addition, your home kit should include a three-day supply of food and water.  Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit and add the following supplies in preparation for this and other snow emergencies:

Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan.  Learn about emergency plans established in your area by state and local officials, and prepare a list of emergency telephone numbers to be used if a crisis situation occurs.

Finally, make sure to familiarize yourself and your family with the terms used to identify a winter storm hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.

Terms used to describe a winter storm hazard include the following:

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit www.ready.gov/winter.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Friday, 29-Jan-2010 17:08:18