Winter storms can create serious challenges including power outages, unsafe travel conditions, limited access to heat, and disruptions to medical care. For Veterans, military families, and under-resourced households across Virginia, preparation and access to reliable information can make a real difference.

At Tech For Troops, our mission is to reduce barriers and ensure people have access to the tools and information they need. Below is a Virginia-wide winter storm resource guide organized by region. Bookmark this page or share it with friends, family, and neighbors who may need it.

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Statewide Emergency Alerts and Preparedness

Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)
Emergency alerts, preparedness guidance, and storm updates
Website: https://www.vaemergency.gov
Phone: 804-267-7600

VDEM Winter Weather Preparedness
Website: https://www.vaemergency.gov/threats/winter-weather

FEMA Virginia
Federal disaster preparedness and recovery assistance
Website: https://www.fema.gov/locations/virginia

Office of the Governor of Virginia
Statewide emergency declarations and official updates
Website: https://www.governor.virginia.gov

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Statewide Utilities and Power Outages

Dominion Energy Virginia
Electric service for much of Virginia
Website: https://www.dominionenergy.com/virginia
Outages and Support: 866-366-4357

Appalachian Power
Serving portions of western and southwestern Virginia
Website: https://www.appalachianpower.com
Outages and Support: 800-956-4237

Columbia Gas of Virginia
Natural gas service in select regions
Website: https://www.columbiagasva.com
Emergency Line: 1-800-543-8911

AmeriGas Propane
Propane delivery and service
Website: https://www.amerigas.com

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Statewide Shelter, Heating, and Basic Needs Support

211 Virginia
Connects callers to shelters, warming centers, food, utility assistance, transportation, and emergency services
Website: https://211virginia.org
Phone: 2-1-1

Virginia Department of Social Services Energy Assistance Program
Fuel and utility assistance programs
Website: https://www.dss.virginia.gov
Phone: 804-726-7000

Note: Many warming shelters are activated only during severe weather events. Calling 211 is the fastest way to find open shelters in your area.

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Health and Safety Resources

Virginia Department of Health
Guidance on hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide risks
Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-preparedness/emergency-preparedness/winter-weather-preparedness/

Poison Control
Carbon monoxide exposure and heating-related emergencies
Phone: 1-800-222-1222

Emergency Medical Services
Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies

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Transportation and Road Conditions

511 Virginia
Real-time road closures and travel alerts
Website: https://511virginia.org
Phone: 511

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
Winter road operations and safety updates
Website: https://www.virginiadot.org

Virginia State Police
Traffic safety alerts
Website: https://www.vsp.virginia.gov

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Regional Resources

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Central Virginia and Richmond Area

Richmond Emergency Management
Local emergency updates and alerts
Website: https://www.rva.gov/emergency-management
Phone: 804-646-2504

The Salvation Army of Central Virginia
Emergency shelter and cold weather support
Website: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/centralvirginia
Phone: 804-225-7470

HomeAgain
Homelessness and housing support
Website: https://www.homeagainrichmond.org
Phone: 804-358-7747

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Northern Virginia

Fairfax County Emergency Management
Local alerts and shelter information
Website: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency

Loudoun County Emergency Management
Website: https://www.loudoun.gov/emergency

Arlington County Emergency Management
Website: https://www.arlingtonva.us/emergencies

Use 211 Virginia to locate active warming shelters across Northern Virginia counties.

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Hampton Roads and Tidewater

Virginia Beach Emergency Management
Website: https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/emergency-management

Norfolk Emergency Management
Website: https://www.norfolk.gov/emergency

Hampton Emergency Management
Website: https://www.hampton.gov/emergency

Local shelters and warming centers vary by city. Call 211 for real-time availability.

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Western and Southwest Virginia

Roanoke City Emergency Management
Website: https://www.roanokeva.gov/emergency

Montgomery County Emergency Management
Website: https://www.montva.com/emergency

Appalachian Power customers in this region should report outages directly to their provider.

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Federal and Community Preparedness Resources

Ready.gov
Winter weather preparedness guidance
Website: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Virginia Cooperative Extension
Severe weather and community preparedness resources
Website: https://www.ext.vsu.edu/severe-weather

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How to Prepare Now

• Sign up for local and state emergency alerts
  
• Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries
  
• Avoid indoor use of generators, grills, or fuel-burning heaters
  
• Limit travel and check road conditions before leaving home
  
• Check on neighbors, Veterans, and older adults during extreme cold
  

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Tech For Troops works to ensure Veterans and their families are not left behind during emergencies. Access to technology, information, and community resources can reduce stress and improve safety during severe weather events. If you or someone you know needs help accessing technology, internet connectivity, or digital resources during or after a winter storm, Tech For Troops is here to help.

Stay safe, stay warm, and stay connected.