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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA — With the winter storm this weekend expected to bring substantial snow and freezing rain, sleet, and ice to the area, residents are advised to be prepared to shelter in place for several days.
Sheltering in place means staying indoors to remain safe during an emergency such as severe weather, power outages, or other community-wide incidents.
Taking steps now can help you and your family stay safe and comfortable if sheltering becomes necessary.
Medication and Medical Needs
- Keep at least a week or two of supplies for all prescription medications.
- Refill medications early, if possible.
- Store a list of medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors.
- Include essential medical supplies such as inhalers, insulin, syringes, medical equipment batteries or backup power.
- Keep a small first-aid kit readily available.
Food and Water
- Have shelf-stable, nonperishable foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking, such as baby formula, canned meats, vegetables, and fruit, peanut butter, granola bars, crackers, and dried foods.
- Plan for at least 3-7 days of food per person.
- Store one gallon of water per person per day for drinking.
- Don’t forget items for infants, older adults, and pets.
Power, Lighting and Batteries
- Keep extra batteries for flashlights, radios, medical devices.
- Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
- Fully charge cell phones and battery packs ahead of time.
- Only operate generators outside and away from windows.
- Report outages and downed power lines to utility companies, not 911.
Important Supplies
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Cell phone chargers and backup battery packs
- Personal hygiene items
- Diapers
- Extra blankets and warm clothing
- Paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies
- Cash (ATMs and card systems may be unavailable)
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof container
Storm Preparedness
- If your home is prone to power outages, identify a friend, family member, or neighbor you could stay with for the duration of the storm. Avoid travel as conditions worsen.
- Place plastic tape around windows and place towels at the bottom of drafty doors to keep cold air out.
- Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
- Let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.
- Gather fuel for heat sources and vehicles.
- Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and replace batteries as needed.
Stay Informed
- Monitor local news, emergency alerts, and official county or city communications.
- Sign up for local emergency notifications via Chesterfield Alert.
- Follow guidance from local officials before traveling.
- For public safety, call the non-emergency line at 804-748-1251 (Please save 911 for emergencies only)
- For downed trees, call VDOT at 800-367-7623.
- For electric services, call Dominion at 866-366-4357 or Southside Electric at 866-878-5514.
- For water/wastewater emergencies, call Utilities at 804-748-1310.
Check on Others (and Pets)
- Reach out to neighbors, older adults, and individuals with disabilities
- Make a plan to check in by phone or text if possible
Chesterfield County officials will continue to monitor storm conditions and will make announcements about warming centers or other support when it's safe to do so. For those who are unhoused or know someone who is and needs assistance, here are resources you can provide prior to the storm:
- The Salvation Army's Emergency Shelter (1900 Chamberlayne Ave) focuses on the homeless and/or unsheltered population.
- Call 211 for information on housing via state resources.
Remember: Preparing ahead helps reduce stress and keeps our community safer. You do not need to panic — simple steps taken now can make a big difference while sheltering in place.
For updates and official information, continue to follow local government and emergency management communications via social media and on Chesterfield.gov.
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