QUICK ANNOUNCEMENTS
Snow
Neighborhood Watch – Watch Captain Needed!
Book Club
Good Day ManorGate Residents,
Heavy snow is predicted for our region that could impact the area for many days. This email contains information for preparing for and dealing with the effects of the storm.
SNOW PLOWING
• Green Trails Blvd is a public roads that is maintained and plowed by VDOT. Clearing is done on a priority basis, with interstates and high volume roads cleared first. VDOTplows.org shows the status of plowing in northern Virginia neighborhoods. Once it snows more than two inches, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William residents can enter their address and a color-coded map shows whether plowing is underway, completed or not yet started in their neighborhood. For real time VDOT snowplow status click here. If at all possible, please refrain from parking on the streets to allow for maximum road clearing and to avoid being plowed into a space on the street.
Snow Removal FAQs
1. Why doesn't the crew put salt on the roads before it snows? Putting salt on road surfaces prior to a snowfall wastes time and money since the salt blows right off the streets. Salt is most effective after the snow has accumulated about an inch and the temperature is 20 F/-6 C or higher. Under these conditions, the salt and snow will mix, melting the snow into a slush that can be plowed off the pavement. This melting action will occur within two hours, less if cars are already using the roads. If the temperature is below 20 F/-6 C, the salt will not melt the snow and ice. Abrasives are put down for traction, and calcium chloride can be added to melt the ice and snow.
2. Why is only one lane plowed out in a heavy storm? In most cases, the crew will attempt to open as wide a drive lane as possible. Many of the streets are very narrow. When the parking lots are full (as they usually are after a storm) it is frequently not possible to open up more than a single drive lane.
3. I have shoveled out my car now a plow has come through and just plowed me back in. Why? To call the operations “snow removal” is actually incorrect. Snow isn't actually removed; it is moved from place to place. With a community like ManorGate, which is high density, there is simply no good place to pile snow. If you are digging your car out, please DO NOT throw the snow back into the street! Take the extra effort to put the snow in a nearbyarea out of the way if possible i.e. your front yard.
SNOW SHOVELING
• Fire Hydrants & Storm Drains - With feet of snow in the forecast, digging out fire hydrants should be a priority. Keeping the openings of storm drains clear of snow and debris will help alleviate potential flooding.
• Walkways, Well-Traveled Paths, School Bus Stops, Metro Bus Stops - One of the best ways to make sure that commonly traversed paths are cleared of snow is to work as neighbors to get the job done. Reach out to your neighbors and talk about who is able to pitch in to help out. The state and the county do not clear snow and ice from public walkways (sidewalks and trails). While not legally obligated, residents are asked to help keep sidewalks safe. And snow removal will take days of work, especially to help clear sidewalks for school.
• Some things to consider when working out your snow removal plans:1. Volunteer to use/share equipment you may have such as small snow blowers.2. Shovel snow into the yard instead of into the street to minimize the problem of the snowplow covering your driveway or the path with snow after you’ve just shoveled it.3. Do some neighbors need assistance in clearing their walkways (due to age, health conditions, disability, etc.)?4. Consider your health condition. If there is any reason that shoveling snow might be dangerous for you, such as a heart condition, consult your doctor before shoveling.5. If neighbors are on vacation (lucky them!), can someone chip in and help out so the whole community is safe?
TRASH
• Inclement winter weather will disrupt trash and recycling collection. Most collection companies work diligently to resume service as soon as possible. In an effort to keep roads clear for plows, please ensure that all receptacles are properly stored prior to the first flakes flying and refrain from rolling totes to the roads unless you are certain that collection has resumed. Please consult with the management company for specific trash and recycling collection details.
GATES HUDSON OFFICE - EMERGENCY CONTACT
• Every effort will be made to provide normal office hours during and immediately after the storm, but sometimes it is not possible. In the case of an emergency, if you attempt to contact the office (703) 752-8300 and are unable to reach someone, please contact the emergency line 1-(888) 660-7132.
FREEZING TEMPERATURES & WATER
Water expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on the material that is containing it, including metal and plastic pipes. Expanding water can cause pipes to break regardless of the strength of the container. Pipes that freeze are usually those exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like kitchen cabinets, basements or attics. In addition, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.
Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes:
• Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing. Insulation made especially for this purpose is typically available at your local building supplies retailer.• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children.• Running water through the pipe, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.• If you will be away from your home, keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature to make sure all areas with water pipes are kept above freezing.
Tips for Detecting Frozen Pipes:
• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe.• Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.• A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze. If water is not running through the pipe the water temperature becomes cold.
Tips for Repairing Frozen Pipes:
• Contact a licensed plumber.• Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the flow of water can minimize the damage to your home.
OTHER CONTACT NUMBERS
NOVEC - 703-335-0500
Fairfax Water - Phone: 703-698-5800, Emergency Phone: 703-698-5613
VDOT - 1-800-367-7623
Washington Gas: 1-800 752-7520
Fairfax County Police — Phone: 703-691-2131, Emergency: 911
Patience and realistic expectations are critical as everyone works to resume normal operations once the snow has stopped falling. Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated. Be careful and stay safe in the snow!
Thank you,
ManorGate HOA
Book Club
Neighborhood Watch – Watch Captain Needed!
Book Club
The Book Club‘s next meeting is January 14 at 7:00 pm in the clubhouse. The book is Mice 1961 by Stacey Levine.
Neighborhood Watch – Watch Captain Needed!
Neighborhood Watch – Watch Captain Needed!
Neighborhood Watch – Watch Captain Needed!
An easy way to help your community is by taking on this volunteer position. Even if you only participate as a watch volunteer, the Neighborhood Watch is a safe and effective way to help your community. All it takes is one short training class and then you drive around the neighborhood for a very short time on your appointed night. You never have to leave your car and it’s an easy way to help keep an eye out for the neighborhood. The program is completely community-based. Sign up today by emailing Shanna Brewer with Gates Hudson if you are interested in joining as a volunteer or as Watch Captain..
HOA Meeting
Bulk pick-up is easy!
Neighborhood Watch – Watch Captain Needed!
The next HOA meeting is virtual on January 28,2025 at 7PM. Zoom link to follow.
Bulk pick-up is easy!
Bulk pick-up is easy!
Bulk pick-up is easy!
If you have items that are too large for the trash pick-up, such as couches, mattresses, tables, appliances, etc., consider posting them as FREE on one, or all, of these sites:
Or, have one of the numerous charity organizations come pick up furniture and applicances. Contact:
Your trash is someone else's treasure!
You can also schedule a bulk pick-up from Patriot Disposal.
You can schedule the pick-up of the items by the special bulk truck for a fee.
Please call (703) 257-7100 to schedule Patriot Disposal pick-up of your large items.
These items should not be placed in the common areas.