Commissioner of the revenue's & treasurer's offices opening 10 a.m. Jan. 30. All other offices open regular hours, including courts and convenience centers.

If you are concerned about traveling to conduct business with your local government, residents are encouraged to call with any questions. You can find a list of who to call for different public services and programs at kinggeorgecountyva.gov/whotocontact.

Winter storm Fern was unlike most. 

The unique mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain accompanied with prolonged extreme cold has greatly impacted Virginia. 

As the state and county continues to respond to the effects of the storm, please utilize the below resources to get accurate and up-to-date information on the status of roads, schools, and public facilities.

Road concerns?

All public roads in King George are maintained by VDOT.

• Call the VDOT Customer Service Center located in southwest Virginia at 1-800-367-7623
• Visit my.vdot.virginia.gov to submit an online ticket

School facility questions?

Contact the King George County Schools district office about school parking lots, sidewalks and access ways maintained by the school district office such as
King George Elementary 
Potomac Elementary School
Sealston Elementary 
King George Middle School 
King George High School

• Call 540-775-5833
• Visit kgcs.k12.va.us

County facility questions?

Contact county government administration about parking lots, sidewalks and access ways maintained by county government such as
King George Animal Shelter
King George Citizen Center 
King George Courthouse
King George Sheriff's Office
Revercomb Administration Building
Smoot Library

• Call 540-775-9181
• Visit kinggeorgecountyva.gov

Board of supervisors declares local emergency

A winter weather event is expected to impact the Commonwealth of Virginia beginning on Saturday, Jan. 24, until Monday, Jan. 26. Current National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington models predict snowfall for King George at 7.3 inches and 0.28 inches of freezing rain, but severe weather can change quickly. 

The governor of Virginia has declared a state of emergency. Due to the anticipated impacts of this event to King George County, the board of supervisors has also declared a local emergency. This declaration allows for state and local government resources to be distributed more effectively and efficiently by streamlining emergency response funding.  

Do not travel during winter weather. Due to the anticipated amount of snow and ice accumulation, please give VDOT crews up to 48 hours after the winter weather event has concluded to clear roads. Prepare appropriately by reviewing the recommendations below. 

Stay Informed 

KG Alert & Notify Me

Sign up or check your notification preferences for KG Alert at kinggeorgecountyva.gov/alerts and Notify Me at kinggeorgecountyva.gov/notifyme.

Live Feed of Weather Conditions in KG

️View a live feed of Route 3 outside Fire & Rescue Company 1 at kinggeorgecountyva.gov/LiveWeather.

Virginia 511 Traffic Info 

• Download the app 
• Call 511 
• Visit 511virginia.org

Report a power outage 

Check updates from service providers first. If the outage has not been reported, use the online portal if possible before calling in. Try to leave phone lines open for emergencies. 

Dominion Energy 

• Download the app 
• Visit dominionenergy.com/outage
• Call 1-866-366-4357 

Northern Neck Electric Cooperative 

• Download the app 
• Text "OUT" to 833-303-0862 
• Visit nnec.coop/outages-safety/outage-center 
• Call 1-866-663-2688 

Report roadway hazards to Virginia Department of Transportation's Customer Service Center 

• Call 1-800-367-7623 
• Visit my.vdot.virginia.gov 

Contact public safety 

• Non-emergency number
  540-775-2049
• In the case of an emergency, dial 911.

Interior Home Preparations 

Electricity & Gas 

• Charge all electronic devices and power banks 
• Replace batteries in lights and flashlights. Avoid using candles due to risk of fire. 
• Check that furnaces, chimneys, & CO detectors are operational 
• Keep heaters 3-feet from furniture & other items 
• Only use generators, grills, and camp stoves outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.  

Plumbing 

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation and let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold 
• Homes on private wells should fill up bathtubs to allow for toilet flushing and hand washing 
• Homes serviced by public water/sewer systems are backed up by public generators  

Food/Water 

• Some may lose access to drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day. 
• Stock up on nonperishable food. Set aside enough for three days of meals per person. 
• Limit opening of refrigerators and freezers. If experiencing extended power outage, consider transporting food into coolers and set outside until power is restored. 

Clothing 

• Ensure you have enough warm clothing, such as hats, mittens, and blankets, for everyone in your household 
• Pick items made of wool, synthetic, fleece and down materials. Avoid cotton fibers. 
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, and a hat 
• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves 

Preparation Items & Checklist 

• Baby items such as diapers and formula  
• Battery-powered radio  
• Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove or space heater properly ventilated to prevent a fire  
• Extra food and water  
• Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets  
• Extra prescription medicine  
• Feminine hygiene products  
• Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm  
• First-aid supplies  
• Flashlights and extra batteries  
• Hand sanitizer  
• Personal hygiene wipes: never flush down the toilet 
• Review generator safety: never run a generator in an enclosed space  
• Wash bedding, towels, blankets and clothing 

Exterior Home Preparations

• Shut off and drain any outdoor water faucets or irrigation systems 
• Check roof for loose shingles or roof leaks that could allow water to enter 
• Cut back dead or overhanging limbs that could fall on your roof, power lines, or other structures during a storm 
• Have a snow shovel or two available 
• Use salt sparingly. One mug of salt can melt a two-car driveway. 
• Use sand for traction but note that sand does not melt ice 
• Read the directions and warnings on ice-melting products in their entirety. Some products are ineffective at certain temperatures, and some are not to be used on specific surfaces. 
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Take frequent breaks and, if possible, work with a partner 
• Ensure address numbers are visible so first responders can identify homes in the event of an emergency 
• Shovel around fire hydrants so they are clear in case of an emergency 
• Keep HVAC systems clear of snow and ice  

Vehicle Preparations

• Stay off roads during winter weather 
• If you are essential personnel, such as public safety, medical, or public works, drive slow as if you are on ice and make sure you have an emergency winter weather kit in your vehicle.  
• Check your car battery, coolant, & tires & pack an emergency kit 

Vehicle Kit Items 

• Batteries 
• Battery booster cables  
• Blankets/sleeping bags  
• Candle and matches to provide light and emergency heat.  
• Compass and road maps, don't depend on mobile devices with limited battery life  
• Extra clothing to keep dry  
• First-aid kit  
• Flashlight with extra batteries  
• High-calorie, non-perishable food  
• Knife  
• Large empty can/bucket to use as emergency toilet 
• Mobile phone charger  
• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction  
• Shovel  
• Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water 
• Tissues, toilet paper and paper towels  
• Tool kit  
• Tow rope  
• Water container  
• Windshield scraper and brush 

Livestock & Pet Owner Preparations

• Move animals to sheltered areas or bring pets inside. Shelter belts, properly laid out and oriented, are better protection for cattle than confining shelters, such as sheds. 
• Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas 
• Have water available. Most animals die from dehydration in winter storms. Break top layer of frozen water regularly to avoid the entire water container becoming solid ice. 
• Make sure pets have plenty of food and water and a warm shelter 
• Bring pets inside and keep paws away from salt 

Shovel Snow Safely

Warm up

Shoveling can be a hard workout. Stretch before you start.

Pace yourself

Multiple light loads are better than fewer heavy loads. 

Use proper equipment

A quality shovel can ease the strain snow removal can cause on your body.

Take frequent breaks

Stop regularly to catch your breath and grab a drink of water.

Listen to your body

Heavy exertion in cold temperatures can unknowingly spike heartrates. If you start feeling chest pains, get checked immediately.

Emergency?

Dial 911

Non-emergency?

Call 540-775-2049

Extreme Cold Safety 

Temperatures are expected to drop significantly. Take these steps to stay warm. 

• Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc. 
• Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts 
• Minimize travel 
• Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold 
• Bring pets inside 
• Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel 
• Check on your neighbors, especially seniors & those living alone. 
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold 
• Try to stay dry and out of the wind 

Be aware of potential hypothermia. 

Signs/Symptoms of Hypothermia 

• Feeling cold, shivering uncontrollably 
• Cool or cold skin on the abdomen, chest, or back 
• Presence of the “umbles” 
  • Stumbles: loss of control over movement 
  • Mumbles: slurred or incoherent speech 
  • Fumbles: poor coordination or reaction time 
  • Grumbles: change in behavior or attitude 
• Fatigue 

As hypothermia progresses, the person will exhibit: 

• Stiff muscles 
• No shivering 
• Skin that feels ice-cold and may appear bluish 
• Confusion, agitation, memory loss 
• Slow, weak pulse 
• Slow, shallow breathing 
• Loss of consciousness 

If someone's body temperature is below 95 and they're confused or slurring their words, get them to an emergency room right away or call 911. 

Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled. 

• Use portable generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area at least 20 feet away from your home. Do not use generators inside the home or inside the garage. Place them away from doors, windows and HVAC vents. 
• Make sure all vents for your furnace, stove, fireplaces and laundry dryers are clear of snow and other debris 
• When you buy gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as Underwriters' Laboratories 
• Never heat your house with a gas oven. Don't cook or burn anything on a stove or fireplace that isn't vented. 
• Never burn charcoal indoors 
• Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors 
• Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors 
• Never idle a vehicle in a garage 

Sign/Symptoms of CO Poisoning 

• Headache 
• Dizziness 
• Weakness 
• Upset stomach 
• Vomiting 
• Chest pain 
• Confusion

People who are sleeping, inebriated, or under the influence of other substances can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms. It is important to know the signs and prepare appliances appropriately to avoid poisoning. 

For more emergency info, visit the resources below. 

• US National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington 
  weather.gov/lwx
• Virginia Department of Emergency Management 
  vaemergency.gov

This page will continue to be updated as information is received.