Weekly Happenings - 01/23/2026
Greetings, Prince William! This week's column looks a little different-because winter is coming! As we prepare for Winter Storm Fern, we're thinking ahead to support members of our community who may need a little extra help once the snow starts to fall.
Volunteer Prince William is recruiting Volunteer Snow Shovelers to
assist senior citizens and adults with disabilities by clearing sidewalks and
driveways after snowstorms.
Who can volunteer?
· Volunteers 16 and older are welcome
· Volunteers under 16 may participate with a parent
Who Receives This Service:
· Senior citizens with critical medical needs such as dialysis or cancer treatment appointments
· Senior citizens receiving in-home care such as hospice or visiting caregivers
· Senior citizens who are disabled and unable to shovel snow
· Adult residents under 65 who are disabled
· All other senior citizens who are physically unable to shovel their walk/driveway
What to expect:
· Volunteers will be on call through March 31st
· Shoveling typically takes place 1-3 days after a snowstorm
· Volunteers must provide their own snow shovel.
You'll help vulnerable residents safely access critical medical appointments, home healthcare, and enter or exit their homes.
To learn more or sign up, please click here or email jhawkins@volunteerprincewilliam.org. Please be sure to indicate how far you're willing to travel. Thank you in advance for your consideration and continued community support!
· From Prince William County Social Services: Hypothermia services will be available Jan 23-26 on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration required. More info on hypothermia shelters and locations here: pwcva.gov/hypothermia-services
· As Winter Storm Fern approaches Northern Virginia, now is the time to prepare-both for ourselves and for our neighbors. A little planning ahead can make a big difference in staying safe, warm, and connected during and after the storm.
Prepare Your Home
Make sure you have essentials on hand, including food, water,
medications, batteries, and flashlights. Charge phones and backup batteries ahead of time
and set thermostats to a safe temperature.
If you rely on medical equipment that uses electricity, consider making a backup plan in case of power outages. Please note, you can notify the power company of your medical needs to be given priority in the event of an outage.
Think About Transportation
Road conditions can change quickly during a winter storm. If
possible, plan to stay off the roads until conditions improve. Keep your gas
tank at least half full and have a small emergency kit in your vehicle with
blankets, snacks, and a flashlight.
Check on Others
Winter storms can be especially challenging for older adults,
people with disabilities, and families who may need extra support. A quick
phone call or knock on a neighbor's door (when safe to do so) can go a long
way.
After the storm, help with shoveling walkways or checking that everyone has what they need can make our community stronger.
Stay Informed
Monitor local weather updates and follow guidance from local
officials. Conditions can change and staying informed helps everyone make safer
decisions.
By preparing ahead of time and looking out for one another, we can weather Storm Fern together. Thank you for being part of a caring and resilient community.
You can find more information from the American Red Cross on Winter Storm Safety here: https://tinyurl.com/2w85k76s
· If you're concerned about having enough pet food for your dog or cat during the winter weather, please come by Prince William County Animal Services Bureau on Friday, Jan. 23 between 11am-5pm and Saturday, Jan. 24 between 10am-2pm to pick up food. Their address is 14807 Bristow Road, Manassas 20112. As a reminder, citizens may request dog and/or cat food from the front desk at Animal Services Center any time.
