Our first snowstorm of 2019: Be careful out there

With about 5.5 inches of snow blanketing the Annandale/Mason area – and more snow coming – just about any event you were planning to do today is probably canceled.

Surprisingly, Fairfax County Public Schools has not yet announced that schools will be closed on Monday, Jan. 14.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency, which allows resources to be freed up as needed so the state police, VDOT, and National Guard can respond to the snowstorm and cleanup efforts.

Public safety officials urge people to stay off the roads as conditions are hazardous.

If your street needs plowing, contact VDOT here: https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/

In case you experience a power outage, contact Dominion Virginia Power, 866-366-4357. Access the power outage map here: https://outagemap.dominionenergy.com/external/default.html

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department encourages people to clear snow away from fire hydrants to make sure they are accessible in case of emergency. They are asking residents to locate the nearest fire hydrant, clear a three-foot area around it, and clear a path between the hydrant and the roadway so it is visible.

The FCFRD also urges people to only shovel snow if they are physically able to do so – and only pick up small amounts of snow in each load. This snowfall is wet and heavy, which can put a big strain on the heart.