Governor Morrisey Addresses Storm Preparations in West Virginia
Jim Zamagias
The Governor said state agencies, local emergency managers, public safety officials, utilities, FEMA, the National Weather Service, and the federal Department of Homeland Security have been in close communication all week. Additionally, non-governmental, voluntary, and community organizations met Friday to discuss readiness related to food banks, shelters, and crisis response plans.
As the Storm Approaches:
- Fully charge cell phones, medical devices, and backup power supplies.
- Continue checking trusted weather forecasts and official alerts.
- Adjust travel and work plans ahead of time, avoiding unnecessary travel once conditions worsen.
- Ensure you have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts (weather radios, mobile alerts, local media).
- Check on family members, neighbors, and anyone who may need assistance, especially older adults and those with medical needs.
During and After the Storm:
- Travel should be limited to essential trips only.
- Use emergency heat sources only if properly ventilated. Never operate grills, generators, or fuel-burning devices indoors or near open windows. Generators must be operated outside, at least 20 feet away from homes.
- Take frequent breaks when shoveling snow and avoid overexertion.
- Never approach downed power lines, and report outages to utility providers.