Non-emergency number issued in wake of snowstorm

Stafford, VA – A non-emergency phone number for citizens will be available beginning
tomorrow, February 5, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. for information about the impending snow storm
expected to arrive in the region tomorrow.

The non-emergency phone number to call in Stafford County is (540) 658-5751.
The National Weather Service is predicting that Stafford County and nearby jurisdictions
could potentially receive a significant amount of snow beginning on Friday, February 5, 2010 and
continuing through Sunday February 7, 2010.

The Sheriff’s Office and Fire and Rescue Department expect that there will be a significant
increase in calls for emergency assistance through the E-911 center. The non-emergency number
will help ensure that emergency call-takers and dispatchers will be able to facilitate and prioritize
emergency incidents with efficiency, and dispatch the appropriate emergency units.
Citizens should always call 911 to report incidents that require immediate dispatch of law
enforcement or fire and rescue personnel. If in doubt about the “urgency” of the situation, please
call 911. If, however, the event or incident does not require the immediate response of public safety,
the non-emergency number will be appropriate.

On another snow-related matter, the Stafford General District Court has announced that it will close
at noon tomorrow, February 5, 2010.