Editorial: Get ready for snow
Hampton Roads is pretty lucky that snowstorms, such as the one predicted to sweep through the region this week, are altogether rare. Sure, every once in a while the mercury drops and the skies open up, but our coastal communities are accustomed to mild winters.
So when a big snow event looms — and forecasts are predicting the potential for a “historic” snowfall across the region this week — many residents may be unfamiliar with how to handle it and how to tend to our most vulnerable residents should those forecasts come to pass.
Fortunately, our experience with hurricanes and other tropical systems provides us a firm foundation for enduring what could be a significant disruption to our normal routines.
We know to prepare. We know to hunker down. And we know to look out for those around us. All of those are key.
Preparation is fairly straightforward. We’re expecting snow — and a lot of it. Several of the predictive models call for 5-10 inches between Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon. Trying to specify the time period and total snowfall is near impossible, but best to be ready for a serious storm event.
With the debacle on Interstate 95 fresh in our minds, Virginians shouldn’t need a reminder to stay off the roads unless travel is necessary. But here’s one anyway: Please stay home unless it’s essential that you leave.
More vehicles on the roads inevitably means more accidents and our first responders will have more than enough to do without pulling cars from ditches because folks wanted to drive around to see the snow. Don’t be that person who needs to call for help because you were spinning tires around the neighborhood like a dope.
At home, you’ll want to have a shovel and some rock salt (or a pet-friendly melting agent) to clear driveways, walkways and steps. Don’t hurt yourself shoveling; know that doing a little at a time as the snow accumulates is the best strategy.
If your home has external faucets, shut off the water to them if possible and insulate them if you can. A burst water pipe is a headache (and expense) you don’t want. And it’s good to have blankets and warm clothing at the ready in case ice or falling limbs knock out power.
Should that happen, do not use portable heaters inside unless you know they are safe. Heaters are a leading cause of house fires and carbon monoxide build-up from some gas heaters can be deadly. Please be careful and never leave them unattended.
As with other extreme weather events, it’s always good to check in on your neighbors who might not be able to do any of the above themselves. Shoveling the walkway or driveway of a nearby senior is a gesture of kindness and warms the heart in a way hot chocolate cannot. (Don’t pass on the cocoa, though.)
That goes for our homeless population as well. If you see someone who looks like they need help, contact your community’s local crisis assistance hotline. Those numbers are available at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development website, dhcd.virginia.gov.
And take care of your pets. Just as you don’t want to be out in the cold and wet for too long, your animals suffer in similar ways when left in the elements. When the temperature drops, bring your furry companions inside to stay warm, dry and safe.
For most of our region, none of this is groundbreaking advice. You know to be smart and cautious and to stay home. But Hampton Roads is home to people from all over the place — think of our military population, for example — so there are plenty of people for whom this is new territory.
So be kind out there. Be helpful. Look out for others if you can and do what’s needed to reduce the burden on essential services. As with tropical weather, a little preparation will go a long way.
