Sheriff's Office Alert - Hurricane Sandy

I would encourage those who have not signed up for Loudoun County Alerts/RSS feeds, to do so, below is the follow link:
https://alert.loudoun.gov/index.php?CCheck=1

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Department released the following statement to the Public a shortly while ago:


LCSO Encourages Residents to Avoid Travel & Stay Indoors as Tropical Storm Force Winds with Hurricane Gusts Approach Region

Tropical storm force winds with hurricane gusts are approaching the area and weather conditions are expected to greatly worsen in the next few hours. Loudoun County officials are making preparations in case shelters are required to accommodate residents who must leave their homes.

For anyone who has lost power, communications or has an emergency, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is inviting anyone in need of shelter to go to one of the following LCSO Stations: Eastern Loudoun Station located at 46620 East Frederick Drive, in Sterling, VA, the Dulles South Public Safety Center (Dulles South Station) located at 25216 Loudoun County Parkway, in Chantilly, VA, or the University Station located at 45299 Research Place #100, in Ashburn, VA.

To determine which of these stations is nearest to you, please go to http://sheriff.loudoun.gov/findmystation.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office continues to advise residents to avoid travel on roadways unless absolutely necessary, to stay indoors, and encourages residents to stay informed about the latest weather information by following media reports and monitoring the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov (http://mobile.weather.gov on your phone) for the latest forecast.

Heavy rains are expected to bring flooding to our region and many roadways, especially in low-lying areas, will become impassable. Motorists are reminded to never walk or drive through a flooded area. Stay away from flooded areas and seek higher ground if you are in an area experiencing flooding. It takes only six inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult and two feet to move a vehicle.

Weather conditions are expected to further worsen with tropical storm force winds and hurricane gusts expected in the next 24 to 36 hours. If you haven’t already, residents are encouraged to secure outdoor furniture and other items to eliminate the chances of damage. Do not attempt to take these precautions once the full force of the storm has arrived. During the storm, residents are also encouraged to stay away from windows and glass doors and find a safe area in the interior of your home.

Other precautions to take during the storm:
·If your home is threatened by flooding, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
·Do not use electrical appliances.
·If you lose power, turn off major appliances to minimize damage.
·Stay inside! You could be struck and seriously injured or even killed by flying debris or falling trees.

Deputies have already responded to several traffic signals experiencing a power outage in the county. Motorists are reminded that when approaching an intersection where no law enforcement is present and the traffic signals are off due to power failure, that intersection must be treated as a four-way stop. Please be patient as widespread power outages are expected for our region and the slow moving storm may hinder utility crews from restoring power until weather conditions improve.

When dealing with downed trees and post-storm debris, residents are reminded to stay away from downed wires as they may be live with electricity. If you see a downed line, report it immediately.

Also, make sure to report power outages. For Dominion Virginia Power, call 1-866-366-4357. Dominion also provides updates through Facebook and Twitter. To report NOVEC power outages, call 1-888-335-0500. Make sure NOVEC has your current phone number. The correct number will expedite outage reporting and power restoration. If you use a cell phone, call 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500 to associate your number with your account. Please be aware that bucket trucks are unable to operate in high winds, and this might delay crews working to fix any outages. For Washington Gas, call 1-800-543-8911. For Columbia Gas, call 1-800-543-8911.

Other phone numbers you need to know:
• 2-1-1 Virginia is serving as the public inquiry number for Virginia residents.
• 5-1-1 is to be used for the latest in road conditions.
• Call #77 on a cell phone to report a traffic crash or traffic emergency
• Only call 9-1-1 in a true emergency. For non-emergency situations in Loudoun County, call 703-777-1021.

Please be safe.

 

The LCSO (just released) the following locations, which will be used as Emergency Shelters:

The following locations are open for shelter:

• Eastern Loudoun Station: 46620 East Frederick Drive, in Sterling
• Dulles South Public Safety Center (Dulles South Station): 25216 Loudoun County Parkway, Chantilly
• University Station: 45299 Research Place #100, Ashburn