January 5, 2022

Neighbors, 

The winter storm from this week has presented a very difficult situation across the 42nd district and across Virginia.

My team and I have been helping constituents with getting their streets plowed and updated information about power restoration. If you are still facing problems because of the storm, please reach out to my office and we will be glad to assist. 

I also post updates on my social media, I encourage you to follow me for real time updates  on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

We expect more inclement weather in the coming days. I’ve included information please review the information I have included in this newsletter below. If you need anything please do not hesitate to reach out to me by calling (804) 698-1042 or emailing DelKTran@house.virginia.gov.  

 

Stay safe!

Best, Kathy

 

Kathy KL Tran

Delegate, 42nd District 

 

Upcoming Town Halls

 I hope you will join us at our upcoming town halls to share your priorities for our community!

Saturday, January 8 at 9am

I will be participating in the annual Fairfax Delegation Public Hearing. Although we originally intended for the event to be in person, the event will now be virtual due to the surge of COVID-19 cases. You must register by January 6 at Noon in order to provide comments. Register here! 

Monday, January 10 at 6pm 

I will be hosting a virtual town hall with Senator George Barker and Senator Dave Marsden. Registration is open — Sign up here!

 

Declaration of State of Emergency 

 Tonight, Governor Northam declared a state of emergency in anticipation of additional winter storms expected later this week. This will allow Virginia state agencies to expeditiously coordinate and mobilize resources to meet the needs of the Commonwealth.

 

Preparing for Inclement Winter Weather

 As the temperatures drop and snow becomes more likely, I’d like to share some resources with you to help you prepare for inclement weather. If you need any help or have questions about plowing or winter weather procedures, contact my office at (804) 698-1042 or email delktran@house.virginia.gov.

 

Community Resources 

 If you see someone who may be experiencing or at risk for hypothermia, call Fairfax County’s non-emergency Police phone number at 703-691-2131.

 You can learn more about shelters and resources available through the Fairfax County Hypothermia Prevention Program here.

 

Transportation Resources

 Road Conditions and Snow Plowing

You can check road conditions by calling 511 or visiting www.511virginia.org. A mobile app is available for download here. 

Don’t travel during winter storms. The safest place is indoors! If you have to travel, follow these tips from VDOT:

  • Before beginning your trip, know the current road conditions and latest weather forecast.

    1. Keep your car’s windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice.

    2. Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.

    3. Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.

    4. Don’t pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency-response vehicles.

    5. Keep an “emergency winter-driving kit” in your car.

    6. Don’t text and drive – it’s a secondary offense in Virginia.

    7. Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter. Check your:

      • Brakes and tires

      • Battery and ignition system

      • Antifreeze and thermostat

      • Windshield wipers and de-icing washer fluid

      • Headlights, tail and brake lights, blinkers and emergency flashers

      • Exhaust system, heater and defroster

      • Oil

    8. Always wear your seatbelt!

 For real time GPS updates on the progress of snowplows, click here. 

 Report road hazards or ask a question by calling (800) FOR ROADS (800 367 7623). You can also report problems here.

 I encourage you to follow Northern Virginia VDOT on Twitter for general updates and resources at @vadotnova.

 

Fairfax Connector

Sign up for email and/or text alerts for your routes through the Fairfax Connector BusTracker. 

 You can also call Fairfax Connector customer service at 703-339-7200, TTY 703-339-1608 from Monday through Friday, from 5am to 10pm, and Saturday through Sunday, from 7am to 9pm. 

 The Fairfax Connector will also post updates on Twitter at @ffxconnector and on Facebook.

 

Metro

You can sign up for alerts about MetroRail and MetroBus services at MetroAlerts or visit online Status and Alerts.

 

Utilities

 For issues with electricity - You must report outages to Dominion Energy so that they are aware of your situation. You can reach Dominion Energy at (866) 366-4357 and see their outage map here. 

 If you have a medical condition that requires electricity to address your health care needs, you can join Dominion’s Medical Condition List. To learn more or sign up, click here.

 For gas issues, contact your gas provider. You can reach Washington Gas at (800) 752-7520 or (703) 750-1400, and you can see their outage map here. 

 

School Cancellation

 Fairfax County Public Schools will use email, text, website, other social media, and news stations to inform the public about status changes — but FCPS recommends following them on Twitter for the fastest mode of communication at @FCPSnews.