Category Archives: Inclement Weather

Inclement Weather

Reminder-Inclement Weather Procedures

As the temperature drops, the Office of Emergency Management would like to remind faculty and staff of the College’s inclement weather procedures. If the College is going to be closed, a text alert will be sent to cell phones registered with NOVA Alert, a notice will be posted on the home page of the College’s website, and major local media outlets will broadcast the closing information. If the College closes early due to inclement weather, an email will be sent out to all faculty, staff, and students with the closing time.

In the Fall of 2013, the College adopted a new closing procedure for faculty and staff. If the College closes early due to inclement weather, faculty, staff, and students will be provided with specific times they can leave. This will help to ensure a safe and orderly departure from building and campuses.  An example of a message you may see is as follows:

NOVA classes and activities will end for students at X:XX p.m. due to inclement weather. Faculty and administrative will close at X:XX p.m.

For more details on the College’s inclement weather procedures as well as a listing of the media outlets that will carry the College’s closing and delay information, please go to the Office of Emergency Management’s website at www.nvcc.edu/emergency. As a reminder, we ask that you do not contact Police Dispatch or the Office of Emergency Management for closing updates.

Inclement Weather, Preparedness

NOVA Winter Weather Advisory

NOVA is closely monitoring the winter storm headed towards our region this evening, Wednesday, February 12, through tomorrow evening, Thursday, February 13. According to the latest forecast, heavy snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches is expected. Snow may mix with sleet and rain. The College will make a decision about closing by 5:00 a.m. Thursday morning.

In preparation for the storm, please consider the following precautions:

  • Sign up for NOVA Alert if you haven’t done so already.
  • Monitor weather reports for the latest details through local TV stations, radio and online. Sources: WTOP 103.5 FM, the National Weather Service and the Weather Channel website.
  • Review the closing information on the Emergency Preparedness site.
  • Assemble and prepare supplies that include canned foods, water, a flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies and medicines in case of a power outage.
  • Be aware that roads can become very hazardous very quickly.
  • Avoid overexertion while shoveling snow and cleaning up from the storm, no matter your age or physical condition. Shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.

The College will provide updates about its operating status through NOVA Alert, NOVA’s website, NOVAaccess Facebook, NovaAccess Twitter and local media outlets.

For more information on how to prepare and respond to severe weather, please refer to the following websites:

Inclement Weather, Preparedness

Governor Terry McAuliffe Declares State of Emergency As Winter Storm Approaches

With the potential for a strong winter storm leading to several inches of snow over the next few days, Governor McAuliffe issued a State of Emergency for Virginia this afternoon.  There are many things that you can do to prepare for this and other winter storms.  You can find several tips listed below under the section, “Citizens should.”  Also, for more information and tips from FEMA on what to do before, during, and after a winter storm, click here.

As a reminder, you can find updated details on NOVA’s operating status by going to NOVA’s website.  Click here to go to the Office of Emergency Management’s website for a listing of where you can see or hear NOVA closing or delay announcements.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 11, 2014

RICHMOND, Va. – Governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency today, an action that authorizes state agencies to be ready to assist local governments in responding to the major snow storm that is forecast to hit the Commonwealth starting tomorrow.

In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia.

“Now is the time for Virginia to get ready for this storm,” said Governor McAuliffe. “This state of emergency declaration will empower the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation, the Virginia National Guard, and our electric and cable utilities to prepare for a storm that is predicted to create power outages and significant travel challenges across the Commonwealth over the next few days.

“Just as state government is preparing for this storm, I urge every Virginian to take proper preparations. Prepare to limit unnecessary travel during the storm, have emergency supplies on hand and be ready in the event that power in your area goes out.”

Citizens should:

  •  Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours, in case roads are blocked and/or there are power outages.
  • A three-day supply of food includes a gallon of water per person per day and food that does not require electricity to prepare it.
  • Have a battery powered and/or hand-crank radio and extra batteries for emergency information.  Listen to local weather forecasts and instructions from local officials.
  • Always run generators outside in well-ventilated areas.  Never use a portable generator in any enclosed or partially enclosed space.
  • Only travel if absolutely necessary.  Roads can become very hazardous very quickly.  Always wear a seatbelt, and know road conditions before you leave.  Road condition information is available 24/7 by calling 511 or going to www.511Virginia.gov
  • Have emergency supplies in your vehicle.  If you are stranded you will need water, food, blankets, flashlight and extra batteries at a minimum.
  • Avoid overexertion while shoveling snow and cleaning up from the storm, no matter your age or physical condition.  Shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.
  • If you need help for an elderly or disabled person during the storm, need information on warming shelters or are concerned about an unsheltered individual or family, call 211 or visit www.211virginia.org.  When you call 211, a trained professional will suggest sources of help using one of the largest databases of health and human services in your community and statewide.
  • Get winter weather preparedness information at www.ReadyVirginia.gov and download the new Ready Virginia app for iPhones and Android devices.
Inclement Weather, Preparedness

Virginia’s Winter Preparedness Week is December 1 – 7

As hard as it may be to believe with today’s temperature going into the mid 60s, winter is less than three weeks away!  OEM and the Commonwealth of Virginia want to make sure you are prepared for whatever this winter may bring.  December 1- 7 has been declared ‘Winter Preparedness Week’ in Virginia to encourage residents to get ready for the upcoming winter months.  Even if it turns out that all the Northern Virginia area receives is a cold winter without snow, it is good to prepare in advance just to be safe.

There are several ways that you can prepare for the upcoming colder months including getting your home ready, buying a shovel and salt for your driveway or sidewalk, getting your car ready by making sure that you have a snowbrush and even an extra blanket inside in case you have car trouble, getting out your winter coats, hats, and gloves, and, last but not least, brushing up on the NOVA inclement weather procedures.

For more information on how to prepare for winter weather, safe winter driving tips, and more, go to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s website.