VDEM News Release

RICHMOND, VA –Nearly 100,000 gallons of water and more than 6,100 meals have been delivered or will be delivered today to residents of southwestern Virginia, where last week’s heavy snow caused widespread power outages.

Also among the supplies that have been provided by state agencies are two large generators for Buchanan County, 20 propane cylinders for Dickenson County, and 100 oxygen tanks and four kerosene heaters for Russell County in addition to supplemental workers for the county’s Emergency Operations Center.

“We are working around the clock to get critical supplies to our fellow citizens in the far southwestern counties of the Commonwealth,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Our staff is coordinating closely with local officials to make sure we understand what is needed and act as quickly as possible to help.”

Power outages continue to affect more than 43,000 customers in Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wise counties. Last night, more than 520 people in Buchanan, Dickenson Lee, Russell, Scott and Wise counties and the city of Norton took refuge from the cold in 24 shelters set up by the local governments in response to below freezing temperatures.

Other actions from state agencies to help the situation in southwest Virginia include:

* 162 soldiers and 64 vehicles from the Virginia National Guard are on the ground to reinforce local units already operating there and to assist local governments in distributing food and water, transport citizens to shelters and check on the welfare of homebound residents.
* VDEM regional coordinators are advising local emergency managers and coordinating their requests for assistance with the Virginia Emergency Operations Center.
* The Virginia Emergency Operations Center is coordinating volunteer efforts in southwest Virginia. The American Red Cross and the Virginia Baptists are implementing a feeding operation for several counties beginning today. The Virginia Baptists’ mobile kitchen, stationed in Wise County, will prepare about 1,000 meals per day. The ARC’s emergency response vehicles will deliver two meals a day to shelters in Wise, Dickenson and Russell counties as needed.
* The Virginia departments of Forestry and Fire Programs are assisting with clearing debris.
* The Virginia Department of Transportation continues to work on primary roads, which are mostly cleared, and secondary roads, which remain snow-packed and hazardous. If people must travel today, they should use caution and allow extra time to reach their destinations. Traffic alerts and traveler information are available by dialing 511 or by visiting http://511Virginia.org. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial (866) 695-1182.
* The Virginia State Police continue to respond to calls for service. Statewide, VSP has answered more than 17,000 calls since Friday and responded to more than 3,300 traffic crashes. There five are confirmed deaths in Virginia related to the storm, with one additional pending confirmation.