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Cold, ice, and snow may be headed our way, so it’s essential you prepare. Below are some quick steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter.

• Have an emergency kit prepared with supplies such as flashlights and batteries in your home and car, blankets, food that needs no cooking or refrigeration, a three-day supply of water, prescription medicines, a battery-operated radio, battery-powered cell phone chargers, a snow shovel, etc. Learn more about creating a winter preparedness plan.
• Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics and caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows.
• If you use woodstoves or fireplaces to heat your home, remember to have them professionally serviced and cleaned.
• Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.
• Prepare your vehicle with emergency supplies and have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends.

A key part of preparedness is understanding the terms the National Weather Service uses to describe winter weather, as well as the definitions of watches, warnings, and advisories issued for winter weather events.

• A hazardous weather outlook is issued when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible. Outlooks are usually issued three to five days in advance of a winter storm.
• A winter storm watch alerts the public to the possibility of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter storm watches are usually issued 24 to 48 hours before the beginning of a winter storm. These events may occur separately or in combination. Since watches are issued well in advance of the storm, there will be times when the storm does not materialize, so they may be canceled.
• A winter storm warning is issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, heavy sleet, or any combination of heavy winter precipitation is imminent or occurring. Winter storm warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
• An ice storm warning is issued when significant ice is expected to accumulate on trees, power lines, and roads. An ice storm is very dangerous, often disrupting traffic and knocking down power lines. Prolonged power outages can occur leaving people without power for up to a week or more.
• A wind chill warning is issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure, usually at temperatures below minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A blizzard warning is issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below one-quarter mile. These conditions should persist for at least three hours.

An advisory is issued for less serious weather conditions. Specific advisories will alert you to weather that would have a significant effect on roadways, outdoor activities, or public events. The following are the advisory headlines issued for winter weather events:

• A winter weather advisory is issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and/or sleet which will cause significant inconveniences, but if sufficient caution is exercised, do not usually threaten life and property.
• A wind chill advisory is issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to hazardous exposure.

Learn more about the city’s snow removal plan and routes.

The upcoming holidays will impact Newport News city operating hours and services. Here’s a look at how city offices, facilities, and services will be affected.

Christmas Holiday

City Offices, Recreation Centers/Programs, Libraries – Closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Thursday, Dec. 26

Recovery Operations Center – Closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Garbage, Recycling, Bulk Waste Collections – No collections on Wednesday, Dec. 25. All collections for the week are delayed by one day. Wednesday’s collections will take place on Thursday and Thursday’s will take place on Friday. There will be no holiday collection delay for garbage, recycling, and bulk waste collections on Tuesday, Dec. 24. (There will be no holiday collection delay for 18-gallon, Black Bin recyclers).

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter – (Serves Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, and York County) Tuesday, Dec. 24, the Reunite Lobby will close at 4 p.m. and the Adoption Center is closed. Wednesday, Dec. 25, the Reunite Lobby is open from 10 a.m. – noon, and the Adoption Center is closed.

New Year’s Holiday

City Offices, Libraries, Recreation Centers/Programs, Recovery Operations Center – Closed Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Garbage, Recycling, Bulk Waste Collections – No collections on Wednesday, Jan. 1. All collections for the week will be delayed by one day.

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter (Serves Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, and York County) Wednesday, Jan. 1, the Reunite Lobby is open from 10 a.m. – noon and the Adoption Center is closed.

The item pictured to the right is a foam packing material found in a food delivery box. This is a classic example of theory versus reality.

Many companies want to be able to tout that their products or packaging are recyclable, to meet the preferences of many consumers. Theoretically, some of these items could be recyclable, but the reality is that they are not, at least for now.

For an item to be recyclable in practice, several criteria must be met, including:

• Demand for the material by manufacturers
• High volumes of the material generated
• Easily identifiable by the public
• Collectible
• Portable by the processor
• Bale-able and transportable
• Processable by the recyclers

Please be sure to stick to the basics: paper, cardboard, plastic bottles/jugs, and rinsed food/beverage cans. Contact 311 at [email protected] or 757-933-2311 or visit our Solid Waste Division website for more information.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, and create lasting memories. However, it’s also a time when fire hazards can increase in the home. The Newport News Fire Department (NNFD) wants to help ensure your holiday is fun and safe. Here are some important tips to keep in mind as you celebrate:

1. Stay in the Kitchen While Cooking – Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires on Thanksgiving Day. Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying, grilling, or broiling. If you must leave the kitchen, ask someone else to watch over your cooking or turn off the stove while you are out of the kitchen.
2. Be Careful with Cooking Oils – Deep-frying a turkey is a popular tradition, but it can also be dangerous. Always thaw your turkey completely before frying, and be sure the fryer is on a flat, stable surface. Keep children and pets away from the fryer, and never leave the fryer unattended.
3. Check Smoke Alarms – Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them before cooking, and replace the batteries if necessary. This simple step can save lives in case of an emergency.
4. Keep Flammable Items Away from Heat Sources – Clothing, towels, and oven mitts should be kept away from heat sources, including stovetops and ovens. These items can catch fire easily and spread quickly.
5. Use Fire-Resistant Tablecloths and Decorations – If you’re decorating for the holidays, choose flame-resistant or non-flammable decorations. Avoid using candles with open flames; instead, use battery-operated candles for a safer option.
6. Keep the Fire Extinguisher Nearby – Having a fire extinguisher on hand in the kitchen is essential. Make sure you know how to use it properly and keep it in an accessible location. If a fire starts, remember the acronym “PASS:” Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.
7. Safe Travel Tips – If you’re traveling for the holiday, be sure to check your vehicle’s safety equipment, including the gas tank, tires, and brakes. Carry a flashlight, blanket, and water in case of emergencies.
8. Educate Your Family – If you have children in the house, make sure they know what to do in case of a fire. Teach them how to stop, drop, and roll, and have an evacuation plan in place. Practice fire drills as a family.
9. Keep an Eye on the Weather – Be prepared for weather changes that may affect your cooking or travel plans. Stay informed about weather forecasts and be cautious if you plan to use outdoor grills or fires.

By following these Thanksgiving safety tips, you can help prevent accidents and ensure your holiday celebration is both enjoyable and safe. Your NNFD wishes you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!