Dear Reston Station Neighbors,
A winter storm is expected to impact the area from Saturday evening through Sunday night. According to the National Weather Service, this may be a high-impact event, with heavy snowfall, dangerous travel conditions, and extreme cold. Please read this ENTIRE message, which includes a description of the snow removal and treatment plan, potential issues with parking on the street, and tips to prepare your home.
Snow Removal and Treatment Plan
A crew from Freddy’s, Reston Station’s snow removal vendor, will be actively monitoring conditions and begin removal operations when snow accumulation reaches approximately 2 inches. The present forecast is that snow will precede ice in this event, therefore, we don’t plan to pre-treat prior to the initial snow removal.
Crews will clear roadways and sidewalks and apply Magnesium Chloride ice melt to treat all pavement and road surfaces. As a reminder, Magnesium Chloride is the only approved ice melt for use within the community. Rock salt is never permitted, as it is corrosive to paved surfaces and harmful to pets and landscaping. Please note that Magnesium Chloride requires more time to activate and melt ice compared to rock salt.
We will continue to monitor storm forecasts and other developments and will work with the Board and Freddy’s to adjust our plans accordingly.
Important Information and Reminders
1. Snow Removal Responsibilities and Interference with Snow Crews
The HOA is responsible for clearing all streets, alleyways, garage entrances/aprons, sidewalks, lead walks, steps, and stoops.
Please do not obstruct, interfere with, or request individual assistance from snow crew, including snow shovelers and snow plow or spreader truck operators. Crews are contracted to service the ENTIRE property, and interruptions delay overall clearing operations.
2. Safety
Safety is the HOA’s top priority during winter weather events. Freddy’s crews will continue operations throughout the storm period as conditions allow.
With sustained below-freezing temperatures expected overnight, residents should use extreme caution when walking or driving, as snowmelt may refreeze and create hazardous conditions.
3. Pets
While Magnesium Chloride is considered pet-friendly, residents are encouraged to wipe or wash pets’ paws after being outdoors. Adjacent communities or County-treated areas may use products that are not pet-safe. Some residents may also wish to use protective booties for their pets.
4. Snow Disposal
Snowplows are designed to push snow toward the curb, which may result in snow being deposited behind parked vehicles or at garage entrances. During heavier accumulations, crews will return to hand-shovel garage entrances as conditions permit.
5. Park in your garage
Remove your car from the street, if possible. Parking on the street hinders the ability to clear snow from the roads. Additionally, cars parked on the street will likely be blocked in by snow plow drifts.
6. No Parking Zones
Do not park in NO PARKING AREAS, including alleys, under balconies, fire lanes, or other restricted areas. Improper parking significantly impedes snow removal operations and emergency access.
7. General Caution
Residents are urged to exercise caution at all times when walking or driving within the community during this major winter storm. Please refrain from driving, if possible.
Household Tips
Keep cabinet doors open under sinks, etc. and keep warm air moving throughout your home.
Make sure your hose bibs are drained.
Be prepared for power outages: charge your devices, have flashlights and batteries on hand, etc.
Remove door mats to facilitate clearing the snow from your front stoop.
Bring anything inside you do not want potentially damaged by heavy amounts of snow, such as pots, lawn ornaments, etc.
Close retractable rooftop awnings.
Make sure the drain on your rooftop terrace is clear.
Do NOT shovel snow off your roof or terrace into areas that have been cleared by the snow removal team.
All snow-related issues or feedback should be reported by email to RestonStation@Theoharis.com and will be addressed as promptly as possible based on priority.
Additional updates regarding snow removal progress, road conditions, and safety measures will be provided as necessary.
Thank you for your cooperation, and please stay safe.
Theoharis Management