Politicians Send Out Hurricane Irene Updates

Like many of you, I'm on dozens (if not hundreds) of email lists and am constantly receiving campaign updates from politicians. The last few days, however, these lists haven't been focused on political events but have instead provided folks with information about Hurricane Irene. The blogger in me wants to point out how this is an example of social media providing a public good, but I'll simply pass along some of the information that I've received since it contains some resources that people could use as we're preparing for the storm.

This email was sent out by Sen. George Barker. I could highlight others, but the others contain very similar information and the one George sent out contained the latest information when I wrote this (8:30 on Saturday morning).

Dear Bryan,
With Hurricane Irene heading our way later today, I wanted to make sure you had key emergency contact numbers and the most current information.


Forecast as of Friday evening:
Saturday:  Chance of showers and thunderstorms.  Cloudy, with a high near 81.  Breezy, with a northeast wind 9 to 12 mph increasing to between 22 and 25 mph.  Winds could gust as high as 36 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 50%.  New rainfall amounts up to a half an inch possible.

Saturday Night:  Tropical storm conditions possible.  Showers and possibly a thunderstorm.  Some storms could produce heavy rainfall.  Low around 68.  North wind 28 to 33 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 80%.  New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Sunday:  A chance of showers before 2pm.  Cloudy, with a high near 81.  Breezy, with a northwest wind between 18 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 50%.  New rainfall up to one inch possible.

Sunday Night:  Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.


Utility contact info:
VDOT:  For road issues, such as downed trees or other obstructions, call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623).

Dominion:  In the event that you or your neighbors lose electrical service, call Dominion Power at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).

NOVEC:  For those with NOVEC service, call (703) 335-0500.


Government services:
Statewide:  For the latest statewide emergency information and tips, please visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management:  
http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia

Fairfax County:  To sign up for Fairfax County's emergency alert system: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cean/ 

Prince William County:  For county-specific information, please check the county's website for continual updates: 
http://www.pwcgov.org/ 
           
 Alexandria:  For city-specific information, please check the city's website for continual updates:   
 http://alexandriava.gov/ 

My office:  As always, you can reach me at (703) 303-1426 and my staff will answer any questions or direct you to the appropriate government contact.     


Stay safe and dry,

It isn't just the candidates currently in office sending out these updates as I've received similar updates from Brian Schoeneman's campaign (he's running against incumbent Democrat Del. David Bulova) and Jack Dobbyn's campaign (he's running against Republican Dave Albo) also sent out an email with some tips on how to prepare for the storm.