9 Tips to Prepare for Possible Power Outages

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — With a wind advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for today, Jan. 23, in Loudoun County (including, Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling) and other parts of the DMV region, power outages may be possible.

SEE ALSO: Severe Winds May Impact Your Commute

As of this posting time, there are no reported power outages in Loudoun County. For power outage updates, go to the website for NOVEC or Dominion.

To prepare for possible power outages, Loudoun County emergency management officials advise residents of the following tips:

• Take time to charge cell phones and other electronics ahead of inclement weather.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers in your cell phone and near your home phone. Include your power company's phone number.
• Have charged batteries and car-phone chargers for back-up power for your cell phone.
• If you have a traditional landline, keep a non-cordless phone in your home, because it will work even if you lose power.
• Conserve your cell phone battery by reducing screen brightness, placing your phone in airplane mode and closing apps you are not using.
• If you lose power, you can charge your cell phone in your car. Just be sure your car is in a well-ventilated place – not in a garage – but do not go to your car until danger has passed.
• Keep a family emergency kit stocked and handy. Include items like flashlights and batteries, battery-operated radio, water, first aid supplies, canned food and can opener, etc.
• It's a good idea to have some cash on hand ahead of the storm, in the event that automatic teller machines lose power.
• It's good to have a full tank of gas in your car.

Power Outage Phone Numbers:

• Dominion Virginia Power: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357)
• Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC): 1-888-335-0500
• Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520 or 703-750-1400
• Columbia Gas: 1-800-544-5606, TTY 1-800-231-3238

Public Safety Phone Numbers:

• For Emergencies: 9-1-1
• Non-Emergency Line: 703-777-1021

Source: Loudoun County Government