Winter Preparedness Week

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia in recent years has experienced extensive, statewide severe weather including numerous record-breaking snowstorms and extremely cold temperatures; and

WHEREAS, many communities in the Commonwealth during recent winter seasons suffered through below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation and snowfall; and

WHEREAS, during and after winter storms, millions of Virginians suffered through interruptions in electrical and communications services affecting their homes, schools and businesses; and

WHEREAS, winter weather can lead to injury and death through hypothermia, heart attack, stroke, traffic accidents and other related causes; and

WHEREAS, the loss of life and property during the winter months can be greatly reduced when Virginians take preparation steps before severe weather sets in and follow appropriate precautionary measures during and after severe winter storms; and

WHEREAS, preparedness procedures will be highlighted throughout Winter Preparedness Week as the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and other state agencies join with the National Weather Service and county and city emergency management offices to provide winter safety information to citizens throughout the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize December 2-8, 2012 as WINTER PREPAREDNESS WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.