Gov. Youngkin declares state of emergency ahead of expected wintry weather

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency ahead of expected wintry weather.

Along with the state of emergency announced in the morning on Monday, Feb. 10, the Office of the Governor reminded Virginia residents to stay off the roads during a winter storm as much as possible and only drive when absolutely necessary.

Anyone who must travel during the winter storm was reminded to take the following steps:

• Use headlights. to increase your visibility and see possible icy spots.
• Slow your speed, as it gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control.
• Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces.
• Buckle up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash. 
• Check your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc. 
• Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight. 

Virginia residents were also reminded to keep the following tips in mind:

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning device inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any other partially enclosed area.
• Snow shoveling is a known trigger for heart attacks. Always avoid overexertion when shoveling.
• Check on elderly or disabled neighbors and relatives during severe weather.
• Protect yourself from frostbite. Hands, feet and face are the most commonly affected areas so wear a hat, mittens (which are warmer than gloves) and cover your mouth with a scarf to reduce heat loss.
• Keep dry. Change out of wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer or heavy clothing.

To report a power outage, contact your service provider. To learn what steps to take, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready.gov website.

Residents were also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts from the National Weather Service.