City of Alexandria Prepared for 2012-2013 Winter Weather

City of Alexandria Prepared for 2012-2013 Winter Weather

For Immediate Release: December 5, 2012

As the 2012-2013 winter season approaches, emergency response, including snow and ice removal operations, continue to be a top priority and core service for the City of Alexandria’s snow response teams, public safety and emergency management.

Snow and ice storms produce an average accumulation of 15 inches annually in Alexandria, generally spread over several events in a typical winter. During the winter months, City staff track potential storms 24 hours per day, and on-call City crews and contractors are available to begin working in 12-hour shifts when winter weather is forecasted. 

Clearing city streets and sidewalks is a difficult process that takes time, hard work, and good communication between residents, business owners, and the City. Alexandria clears snow from over 521 lane miles of roadways, 20 miles of City-owned walkways/trails, and 44 acres of municipal parking lots or City-owned squares.  Visit the City’s web site to learn more about the Alexandria's snowfighting capacity and technology.

Residents are reminded that sidewalks, driveways, and entrances abutting residences and businesses are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, occupant, community association, or business for snow removal. Snow and ice must be cleared from all paved sidewalks abutting your property within 24 to 72 hours of the end of the snowfall, depending on the storm response level.

When up to eight inches of snow or other winter weather conditions are in the forecast, City snow removal crews will first work to make snow-covered roads and sidewalks passable for emergency vehicles and ensure schools are accessible. Roadways and/or sidewalks may not be completely clear for as many as three days.

For more information about City’s efforts to prepare for winter weather and other emergencies, visit alexandriava.gov/Snow, sign up for the City’s eNews service, or connect online at alexandriava.gov/SocialMedia. 

Governor Robert F. McDonnell has proclaimed December 2-8 as Winter Preparedness Week in Virginia. For information on how you can prepare yourself and your family for winter emergencies, visit alexandriava.gov.