Emergency Management

Are you prepared for a winter storm? Consider the information below prior to and during a winter snow storm.

Prepare your Home:

• Check your heating systems.

• Have your heating system serviced to make sure it is working properly.

• Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.

• Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year.

• Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.

• Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.

• Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check batteries when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.

• Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages:

• Have a supply of food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and keep water stored in clean containers. Don’t forget pet food.

• Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.

• When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.

• Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including:

• Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a Weather Radio, and lamps, extra batteries

• First-aid kit and extra medicine

• Baby items

• Cat litter or sand for icy walkways.

• Bring pets indoors

Protect your family from carbon monoxide:

• Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage.

•  Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house.

•  Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds, and call 911.

Prepare Your Car:

• Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level; check tire tread or, if necessary, replace tires with all-weather or snow tires.

• Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

• Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.

Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your car in case you become stranded. The kit should include:

• cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries

• blankets

• food and water

• booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction)

• compass and maps

• flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries

• first-aid kit

• plastic bags (for sanitation).

Bristol Virginia Emergency Management works to protect citizens' lives and property from emergencies and disasters by coordinating emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts. 

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Are you and your family prepared for an emergency? Watch this video for tips on making a plan and putting together a disaster preparedness kit.