Winter Weather and Flooding

Executive Orders

Executive Order 45

EO-45 Declaration of a State of Emergency Due to Severe Winter Weather Systems

February 10, 2025 View Document

Press Release Updates

February 13, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin On Storm Response Efforts Across the Commonwealth

Governor Youngkin is continuing the efforts and coordination of state resources to support communities that have been affected by this week’s winter weather and flooding events.

February 10, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin Declares a State of Emergency and Urges Virginians to Prepare in Advance of the Winter Weather

Governor Glenn Youngkin today declared a state of emergency in advance of the impending winter weather.

Returning Home Safely and Damage Cleanup

First, if you have damages following a disaster, contact your local emergency manager. Let your local officials know of any damages you may have, and what immediate assistance you may need. Local officials and voluntary organizations are usually the best options for immediate needs such as food and shelter.

If you have insurance, contact your insurance agent to file a claim.

• Make sure to document all your damages – before you clean up, take photos and make a list.
• Save all your receipts for post-damage repair and clean up.
• If you have insurance and damages, you must file a claim with your insurance company.

If you are returning home following a disaster, know it can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution. You may be anxious to see your property, but do not return home before local officials say it is safe to return.

Safety Issues

• Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster. Watch for washed out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring and slippery floors.
• Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
• Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Do not enter your damaged home if:
  • You smell gas.
  • Floodwaters remain around the building.
  • Authorities have not declared it safe to enter.

Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation and dead animals.

Keep a battery-powered radio with you for emergency updates from local officials.

Depending on what you're cleaning up – debris, or mold, you'll want to be safe. Being safe starts with having the right safety gear.

• Hard hats
• Goggles
• N95 masks (or a respirator with a higher protection level)
• Heavy work gloves
• Waterproof boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank)
• Earplugs or protective headphones (if you're working with noisy equipment)
• At least two fire extinguishers (each with a UL rating of at least 10A)

Be careful with floodwater.

Floodwater can contain dangerous bacteria from overflowing sewage and agricultural and industrial waste. While skin contact with floodwater doesn't pose a serious health risk by itself, eating or drinking anything contaminated with floodwater can cause diseases.

If you have any open cuts or sores that will be exposed to floodwater, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap and applying an antibiotic ointment to discourage infection. (See also Personal Hygiene During an Emergency).

Boil Water Guidance: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/drinking-water/boil-water-faqs/

For more information on how to stay safe during a flood, visit Floods and Your Safety

If I need assistance with cleanup, who can I call?

Call the Crisis Cleanup hotline for Virginia at 276-258-0029 for assistance with your home or property.

This hotline connects you with volunteer organizations that can assist with things like debris removal, mucking out homes, and more.

For more information, visit https://www.crisiscleanup.org/

Report Price Gouging

If you believe you are impacted by price-gouging, you are encouraged to file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Section of the Attorney General’s office by phone at 800-552-9963, by email at consumer@oag.state.va.us, or through the online complaint form.

Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act

The storm has now ended, and my home or community has damage. What is next?

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. Your first concern after a disaster is your family's health and safety. You need to consider possible safety issues and monitor family health and well-being.

If you are returning home following a disaster, know it can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution. You may be anxious to see your property, but do not return home before local officials say it is safe to return.

Damage assessments will be scheduled with impacted localities where there is damage to homes, structures, and public infrastructure. This begins after any flood waters have receded and active response to life-safety hazards are completed.

For tips on recovering from a disaster, please visit https://www.ready.gov/recovering-disaster

What role does my local government play in my disaster recovery situation?

Local emergency managers work frequently around the year with VDEM staff to understand disaster recovery processes and often participate in state and federal training opportunities. They have pre-established relationships with key stakeholders and meetings are promptly scheduled with local jurisdictions by state officials following a disaster to outline the recovery process as soon as emergency response efforts are completed.

What is a damage assessment? Does this mean we will get state or federal assistance?

The results of the damage assessments will assist in determining if eligibility exists for State or Federal recovery programs. State and federal disaster programs are structured so that certain criteria have to be met to determine eligibility. Damage assessments assist in determining if those criteria are met and what the extent of the damages are from the disaster.

Additional information on the damage assessment process can be found at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/how-declared

My road has damages. Who do I contact?

For roadways, the public should report any concerns such as flooding, downed trees or road hazards to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

My home has been damaged. Can I clean it up or must I wait for the damage assessment?

First, if you have damages following a disaster, contact your local emergency manager. Let your local officials know of any damages you may have, and what immediate assistance you may need. Local officials and voluntary organizations are usually the best options for immediate needs such as food and shelter.

If you have insurance, contact your insurance agent to file a claim.

• Make sure to document all your damages – before you clean up, take photos and make a list.
• Save all your receipts for post-damage repair and clean up.
• If you have insurance and damages, you must file a claim with your insurance company.

If you are returning home following a disaster, know it can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution. You may be anxious to see your property, but do not return home before local officials say it is safe to return.

Safety Issues

• Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster. Watch for washed out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring and slippery floors.
• Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
• Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Do not enter your damaged home if:
  • You smell gas.
  • Floodwaters remain around the building.
  • Authorities have not declared it safe to enter.
• Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation and dead animals.
• Keep a battery-powered radio with you for emergency updates from local officials.

I am without power. When will it be restored and who can I contact?

• Unfortunately, there is always a possibility of long-duration power outages following a storm. To report an outage or for more information on power restoration, residents should contact their local provider.
• Remember generator safety. Here are some safety tips for using a portable generator during a power outage:
  • Keep the generator outdoors: Always operate it in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
  • Maintain a safe distance: Place the generator at least 20 feet away from your home and any windows or doors.
  • Use a transfer switch: Connect your generator to your home’s electrical system using a transfer switch to avoid backfeeding, which can endanger utility workers.
  • Avoid overloading: Check the generator’s wattage capacity and only connect essential appliances to prevent overload.
  • Use heavy-duty extension cords: Ensure they are rated for outdoor use and compatible with your generator.
  • Keep fuel stored safely: Store fuel in approved containers away from living areas, and never refuel while the generator is running.
  • Regularly check for leaks or damage: Inspect the generator before use to ensure it’s in good working condition.
  • Monitor the generator while in use: Never leave it running unattended.
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Always adhere to the guidelines provided in the user manual.
  • Plan for power restoration: Stay informed about estimated restoration times and be prepared to turn off the generator when power returns.

How do I find my local emergency management office?

Local governments typically have this information on their webpages or social media sites. You can also utilize the local emergency management directory at https://lemd.vdem.virginia.gov/Public/ .

How do I safely clean up following a flood?

Depending on what you're cleaning up – debris, or mold, you'll want to be safe. Being safe starts with having the right safety gear.

• Hard hats
• Goggles
• N95 masks (or a respirator with a higher protection level)
• Heavy work gloves
• Waterproof boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank)
• Earplugs or protective headphones (if you're working with noisy equipment)
• At least two fire extinguishers (each with a UL rating of at least 10A)

Be careful with floodwater.

• Floodwater can contain dangerous bacteria from overflowing sewage and agricultural and industrial waste. While skin contact with floodwater doesn't pose a serious health risk by itself, eating or drinking anything contaminated with floodwater can cause diseases.
• If you have any open cuts or sores that will be exposed to floodwater, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap and applying an antibiotic ointment to discourage infection. (See also Personal Hygiene During an Emergency).
• For more information on how to stay safe during a flood, visit Floods and Your Safety

Where can I find Boil Water Guidance?

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/drinking-water/boil-water-faqs/

How do I volunteer?

Please volunteer through organizations that you trust, and coordinate before you arrive on-site. Volunteers are being managed through the United Way of SW Virginia. You can find several other reputable organizations through www.virginiavoad.org. Volunteering with trusted organizations ensures your safety and helps public safety officials focus on meeting affected communities' needs.

Preparing for Additional Winter Storms

• Prepare
• Stay Informed
• Build a Kit
• Make a Plan
• Individuals with Disabilities