By Carla Branch
alexandrianews.org
Alexandrians lined up at Del Ray Hardware from mid-morning to purchase pre-ordered shovels (Photo: Jim Boissonnault)
As the first flakes of Mother Nature’s latest joke began to fall, the City of Alexandria announced more closings and cancellations.
The City of Alexandria remains under a state of emergency as a new winter storm approaches, with a forecast of 10 to 20 inches of snow and near-blizzard conditions. Due to the current forecast, road conditions, and ongoing storm preparation efforts, City of Alexandria government facilities and all normal government operations will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 11. All emergency and support personnel for emergency conditions are required to report on time.
Alexandria City Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 10, and Thursday, Feb. 11. Employees are under Code X for Wednesday (no employees report), with a decision about the Thursday employee code to be announced on Wednesday. A decision about Friday’s school schedule will be announced on Thursday.
“The Board and the Superintendent will start the conversation about how to make up our missed time at this Thursday’s Board meeting. He has already tasked staff to bring forward some options for consideration. We’ve been receiving lots of emails and suggestions from parents and teachers about how to approach this. I appreciate all the input and ask that everyone be open to solutions,” said Yvonne Folkerts, school board chair.
DASH bus service will end at 7 p.m. Today. Visit www.dashbus.com for service updates.
“Residents need to recognize that the combination of these two extraordinary storms is creating a serious public safety challenge for our community,” said Alexandria Fire Chief Adam K. Thiel. “Residents should not expect to return to everyday routines for several more days.”
Thiel knows firsthand about weather-related structural emergencies. On Tuesday, Alexandria Fire Station 206 had to be evacuated because of concerns about the amount of snow on the roof. After structural engineers conducted a thorough investigation, they determined that the building was structurally sound and firefighters and equipment were expected to be back in the building on Seminary Road this afternoon.
The City’s efforts are now focused on preparing for the new storm and minimizing its impact. The top priority is providing mobility for emergency services and ensuring the safety of residents. Snow removal crews have been working around the clock since Friday; however, residents can expect that snow removal efforts will take several more days as the City faces several inches of new snow.
“I want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation this week,” said Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille. “I especially appreciate all those who have lent a helping hand to their neighbors in need, and have kept City streets clear to assist snow removal crews.”
That patience and the ability to help others were sorely tested for some Alexandrians whose shovels were stolen out of their yards. Alexandrianews.org’s Chris Newsham helped neighbors dig their cars and sidewalks out all day Sunday. On Monday, she discovered that her shovel and rake had both been stolen out of her yard. She was not alone. There were many reports of stolen snow shovels throughout Alexandria. Many of those who needed to replace their shovels went to the hardware store on Mt. Vernon Avenue. The owner began taking names of those who wished a shovel early this morning, expecting a shipment of those hard to find pieces of equipment this afternoon. At just after 3:00 p.m. Store personnel began handing out shovels to those whose names were on the list.
The City requests that residents and businesses help during this transition from the February 5-6 storm to this latest storm by taking extra precautions to protect themselves, their homes, and property:
- Clear snow from around fire hydrants and from storm drains.
- Clear snow from heating and dryer vents to prevent possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not run generators in the home, garage, other enclosed spaces, or near exterior wall openings (including soffit roof vents).
- Prepare for the possibility of being stuck at home—potentially without power—by collecting food, medicine and other needed supplies. Place flashlights with fresh batteries throughout your home; do not use candles. Keep refrigerators and freezers tightly closed. If there is a power failure, do not use stoves for heat.
- Owners and occupants of buildings with flat roofs should reduce the current snow load in anticipation of additional accumulation. If capable individuals can safely reach the roof, they should clear at least half the current snow if possible. If only half the snow can be removed, clear alternating 2-foot rows to evenly distribute the snow load, rather than clearing one half of the roof and leaving the other half covered. The City is not encouraging residents with pitched roofs (roofs that are not flat) to climb their roofs. For detailed information about reducing the danger of roof collapse, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Storm.
The following City facilities and services will be affected by Wednesday’s closure:
- All recreation centers, libraries, museums, and other non-essential City facilities will remain closed.
- All City meetings and activities will remain cancelled.
- Alexandria Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts will remain closed.
- Trash and recycling collection scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 10 is cancelled and will be collected on Wednesday, Feb. 17.
- For detailed information about additional closings and cancellations, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Storm .
The William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.) is open as a warming center. Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.) is also available for warming and has cots for overnight shelter. For both facilities, residents should bring all necessities (such as food, water, and other personal items) with them. For more information, contact the Snow Emergency Hotline at 703.746.4488. For a comprehensive list of regional shelters, visit www.novaregion.org .
Residents are encouraged to visit www.alexandriava.gov/Storm for detailed updates and answers to frequently asked questions about the storm. If you still have additional questions, contact the City Snow Hotline at 703.746.4488. To receive the latest weather-related information and snow removal information, follow the City on Twitter or Facebook, or subscribe to eNews .
