Fight Back Against Mold Illness with Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment in Alexandria, VA

Experiencing mold toxicity is a terrifying thought for most people. Although it may seem like an interesting concept for a medical drama, nobody wants to experience the effects of mold exposure firsthand.

Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet environments, such as under tiles, wood floors, and ceilings, pipes, and roofs. While several types of mold exist, some are more hazardous than others, and some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to mycotoxins, the toxins that mold naturally produces. Exposure to excessive amounts of mold, or the types of mold that trigger health problems, can lead to mold toxicity and even CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. This acute and chronic systemic inflammatory response syndrome is typically acquired after exposure to mold or other producers of biotoxins, usually from damaged water buildings.

If you believe that you're suffering from mold toxicity or mold illness, it can seem like the world is folding in on you. No matter what you do, your symptoms persist, lowering your quality of life and eliminating your peace of mind. Fortunately, there is reason to be hopeful: Proactive Wellness Centers now offers a research-backed, highly effective mold illness poisoning treatment in Alexandria, VA for men and women just like yourself and your children as well if they have been impacted.

Service Areas

Understanding

CIRS and Mold Toxicity

CIRS and mold illness are on the rise, and accurate diagnosis of the issue plays a major role in this trend. Thanks to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, there is a huge body of evidence that covers diagnosing and treating patients with CIRS. Dr. Lawson is one of less than 30 practitioners in the United States that are fully certified by Dr. Shoemaker for diagnosing and treating CIRS. The body of evidence by Shoemaker and many associates is the largest body of scientific evidence that is published in major medical journals. Around 80% of CIRS/Mold cases are caused by indoor air contaminated with mold toxins and other triggers. However, it's important to note that CIRS can also be caused by biotoxin producers such as cyanobacteria and a marine dinoflagellate that produces the Ciguatera toxin found in certain types of fish.

When mold or biotoxins are not processed effectively, a series of biochemical changes known as the Biotoxin Pathway occur. Genetic studies have revealed that approximately 24% of individuals have a genetic makeup that makes them susceptible to developing an illness related to mold or biotoxins. The remaining 76% of the population can typically eliminate these toxins from their system and avoid the development of the Biotoxin Pathway that can lead to various diseases.

CIRS Treatment In Alexandria Alexandria, VA

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Misdiagnosis

CIRS and mold exposure symptoms overlap with many other chronic illnesses, which makes diagnosis challenging and can even lead to missed diagnosis of CIRS. Based on research from Proactive Wellness Centers, CIRS is frequently misdiagnosed. Some of the most common misdiagnoses include:

  • Lupus
  • Chronic Pain Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • PTSD
  • More

Lyme disease, in particular, is often misdiagnosed. We have treated a number of patients whose symptoms were in line with Lyme disease. Fortunately, we were able to confirm the presence of CIRS and mold and were able to successfully help those patients using CIRS treatment in Alexandria, VA.

Note that many of these patients have CIRS and Lyme disease and in that case, it is necessary to treat both in order for full recovery. Treating one or the other will invariably leave the patient with debilitating symptoms and even more frustration with their medical team. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we are skilled In diagnosing and treating both.

 VA Alexandria, VA
 CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment In Alexandria Alexandria, VA

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Symptoms

If you're reading this page, chances are you're concerned that you might have CIRS or some form of mold poisoning. You may be wondering what you have - is it CIRS, or is it something else like Lyme disease? We can't provide the answer to that question without consultation and testing at our wellness center in Virginia. However, there are common symptoms of CIRS and mold toxicity you should know.

Some of the most common symptoms of CIRS include:

  • Fatigue
  • Decreased Word Finding
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Morning Stiffness
  • Tremors
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Tingling
  • Night Sweats
  • Frequent Urination
  • Confusion
  • Mood Swings

Proactive Wellness Centers'

Tools for Diagnosing Mold Sickness and CIRS

Identifying and confirming if a patient is being impacted by CIRS and identifying the cause and source of the biotoxin are the two main steps in diagnosing CIRS and Mold Exposure. To diagnose CIRS and Mold Exposure, the following diagnostic tools are commonly used:

To learn more about the debilitating symptoms of mold sickness and to find out whether you have CIRS or something else, contact Proactive Wellness Centers. Our team of medical professionals is here to help you every step of the way.

 VA Alexandria, VA

Hope for Patients with CIRS: Proactive Wellness Centers' Mold Illness Treatment in Alexandria, VA

Our approach to treating CIRS utilizes integrative and functional medicine, The Shoemaker Protocol along with the latest evidence-based approaches to treating mold illness and the related secondary issues that it causes. We begin by utilizing advanced diagnostics to confirm the presence of the condition and identify the specific environment causing continued exposure to biotoxins. Next, we take a stepwise approach to halt the progression of the disease, eliminate biotoxins from the body, and reverse any damage to cellular structures. Our goal is to help patients achieve a full recovery.

To do this, we not only have to identify the primary condition like CIRS or Lyme disease, but we then have to continue looking to see if you have any of the common secondary conditions like reactivated EBV, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and others. Once we understand the totally of your condition, then we can implement a treatment plan tailored for you. Yes, it will leverage the Shoemaker protocol, but we have found that we have to extend the protocol to cover the secondary issues that we uncover.

The steps we follow to reach that goal include:

In order to initiate the recovery process, it is important to address and resolve any affected areas, or, alternatively, relocate the patient from that environment if necessary. Prolonged exposure to mold can hinder the success of the treatment plan and impede the healing process.

Two commonly used binding agents in the process of treating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome are Welchol and Cholestyramine. Cholestyramine is particularly effective in binding biotoxins that are processed in the liver's bile ducts and helps to eliminate them from the body. It has been scientifically proven, through placebo-controlled studies, to reverse multiple aspects of the inflammatory process associated with CIRS.

Many individuals experiencing mold sickness and other chronic inflammatory illnesses may have a staph infection called MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) residing deep in their nasal cavities. This infection is resistant to antibiotics and needs to be eliminated for the patient to fully recover.

Each patient requires a customized plan based on the affected areas and CIRS severity. Retesting is necessary after each step to confirm balance restoration. Testing may include some or all of the following:
  • VIP
  • TGF Beta 1
  • MMP9
  • ADH
  • Antigliadin
  • Androgen Imbalance
  • C4a
  • More

In order to halt the growth of mold fungi, patients need to avoid foods that can cause mycotoxins. Some examples of these foods include:
  • Barley
  • Cottonseed
  • Peanuts
  • Corn
  • Black Pepper
  • Figs
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Beans
  • More
Proactive Wellness has a proven track record of treating patients who have experienced severe health issues without any clear explanation. Unlike other "syndromes," our diagnosis process involves specific tests to confirm a diagnosis rather than simply ruling out other diseases.
 CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment In Alexandria Alexandria, VA

Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue, and Chronic Pain Syndrome are examples of illnesses that are often diagnosed without such confirmatory tests. If you are experiencing unexplained health issues or have been exposed to water-damaged buildings, it is possible that you are suffering from CIRS or a mold illness.

The good news is that we can diagnose and address this disease with a mold illness treatment program in Alexandria, VA tailored to your body and your symptoms. That way, we can help you regain your health as soon as possible.

Be Wary of These

5 Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Mold spores can easily be brought into your home on your shoes or clothing or through open windows or doors. If these spores can find a warm, damp, humid environment, they can begin to multiply. Soon, your home can be filled with toxic mold. If you think mold has invaded your home or another environment, like in an office or warehouse, it's important for you to know about the symptoms.

Unfortunately, diagnosing mold issues can be exceptionally difficult. But why? The answer can be quite frustrating.

Understanding the Difficulty of Diagnosing Mold Symptoms

Many doctors fail to recognize the impact of mycotoxins emitted by certain indoor mold species, which can lead to chemical and inflammatory reactions. While conventional medicine acknowledges that mold can cause allergies, it may overlook this crucial aspect of mold-related health issues.

This can happen for several reasons:

  • Standardized treatment protocols for mold toxicity are offered mostly by Functional/Integrative physicians as the conventional physicians are not on board despite over 20 years of published research. Due to this issue, patients spend precious months/years going from doctor to doctor in the conventional channel with no answers.
  • Though ERMI testing has been accepted in the integrative/functional medical community, there isn't a "gold standard" in mold testing that is universally accepted.
  • Mold symptoms can manifest in vastly different ways depending on the patient.
VA Alexandria, VA

After understanding the points above, it's no wonder that mold poisoning can be hard to diagnose. Fortunately, integrative and functional holistic medicine providers and wellness centers like Proactive Wellness are flipping the proverbial script. Unlike traditional clinics, our team considers environmental factors that can affect patient health and has advanced training to provide mold poisoning treatment in Alexandria, VA.

Now that you understand why mold symptoms are so hard to diagnose let's take a closer look at five of the most common indicators of mold sickness.

 Mold Toxicity Symptoms Alexandria, VA

Fatigue

Fatigue is probably the number one symptom of well over 90% of CIRS patients. The level of fatigue varies from 5 on a 10 point scale all the way to 10 on a 10 point scale. Many patients can no longer work or remain productive as in the worst cases, the fatigue is overwhelming. College students living in moldy dorms frequently have to drop out of school until the illness is treated effectively. Older adults have to retire or stop working due the fatigue. If you have overwhelming fatigue, CIRS may be a major contributor to your illness.

 Mold Poisoning Symtoms Alexandria, VA

Breathing Problems

Exposure to mold can cause a host of respiratory problems, such as breathing difficulties, allergies, and asthma, especially in individuals with a weakened immune system. Mold can worsen asthma, irritate the nasal passages, lungs, and throat, and lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Other health issues such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sinus congestion, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis have also been associated with mold sickness.

 Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Alexandria, VA

Sadness and Depression

Mold can cause a variety of illnesses that can show up in different ways, such as psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, concentration problems, and memory loss. It has been reported that nearly 40% of people who live in moldy homes experience depression. Researchers suggest that exposure to toxic mold and dealing with the physical symptoms of mold illness can contribute to mental health issues.

Due to this phenomenon, many mold patients are given antidepressant medications in the conventional channels.

 Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Alexandria, VA

Feeling "Pins and Needles"

Numbness, twitching, or tingling in the extremities, such as hands, feet, legs, and arms, is another symptom of mold illness. The sensation is similar to pins and needles, which are often felt when the body is held in an uncomfortable position for a long time. While this sensation can indicate serious nerve damage or disease, it can also be a symptom of mold sickness.

CIRS Treatment In Alexandria Alexandria, VA

Digestion Problems and Disorders

When exposed to mold, individuals may experience various digestive problems. Some may lose their appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss. Others may suffer from stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Furthermore, the influx of mold spores may trigger systemic inflammation, causing bloating and weight gain due to the digestive system's exposure to harmful mold.

Top Tips for

Controlling Mold in Your Environment

It's not possible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores from your home or place of work. However, since mold spores need moisture to grow, the best way to prevent or get rid of growth is to reduce the moisture in your environment. If you already have mold growing there, it's important to clean it up and address the issue causing dampness. If you only clean up the mold and don't address the underlying problem, the mold is likely to return.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture throughout your home or office:

  • Use A/C or Dehumidifiers. This is especially important if you live in a hot, humid area of the United States.
  • Ensure A/C drip pans are clean, dry, and obstruction-free.
  • Thoroughly dry areas that are damp or wet within 48 hours.
  • Be sure to install insulation in cold areas like your home's exterior walls and windows. Doing so will reduce condensation.
  • Work with an HVAC company to check your HVAC system. Doing so can help ensure your unit is removing as much humidity as possible.
  • Keep the humidity in your home below 60% whenever possible.
 CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment In Alexandria Alexandria, VA
 VA Alexandria, VA

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in your kitchen:

  • Check for leaks near your ice makers, sinks, and anywhere else water is present.
  • Make sure your exhaust fans are directing moisture outside, not into your attic.
  • If you notice your appliances are causing moisture on windows and other surfaces, turn them off as soon as you're done using them.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in crawlspaces:

  • Use a plastic covering on the dirt in your crawlspace. Doing so will prevent moisture from saturating the ground.
  • Ensure that your crawlspace or basement is ventilated well.
  • Check your home's gutters. Make sure they're directing water away from your property, not toward your foundation or crawlspace.

Your Top Choice for

Mold Toxicity Treatment in Alexandria, VA

Trying to "tough it out" through life with CIRS isn't any way to live. If you're suffering from the effects of biotoxin illness, you should know that there are solutions available to help you reclaim your health and your life. With the help of a can-do attitude, healthy living, and mold illness treatment from Proactive Wellness, there's light at the end of the dark tunnel you're trapped within. Contact our office today to get started on your first step toward recovery!

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Latest News in Alexandria, VA

Alexandria neighbors push to change law amid ongoing data center debate

Residents will attend a Land Use Committee meeting on Tuesday to make their voices heard.ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The ongoing battle over data centers in Northern Virginia continues this week in Alexandria. We have been reporting on several data center proposals for months, and they have all brought a lot of contro...

Residents will attend a Land Use Committee meeting on Tuesday to make their voices heard.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The ongoing battle over data centers in Northern Virginia continues this week in Alexandria. We have been reporting on several data center proposals for months, and they have all brought a lot of controversy. Some consider them an economic driver, while those who live next door to them say they are a nuisance.

Neighbors in Alexandria are the latest in our area to try to stop construction of a data center there. Residents will attend a Land Use Committee meeting on Tuesday to make their voices heard.

It's the second time neighbors will put up a fight against the same developer. They thought they succeeded in stopping construction, but the developer changed plans to a smaller footprint that gives them by-rights use. It's meant to fast-track approval, and means neighbors will not have a say.

One of those residents speaking out, and trying to change the law, is Rebecca Gomez.

"Back here is where the data center will be," Gomez said, looking off her balcony.

She lives just behind the site where developer Starwood Capital Group wants to build a 446,000 square-foot data center. She doesn't think it's the right fit for the area, and construction could be a hassle. Gomez just had a baby.

"My primary concern for the newborn is that the constant sound would negatively impact him," she said.

We reached out to Starwood Capital Group, but they have yet to respond. Gomez and others wonder if enough is being done to regulate data centers.

"We have talked to Alexandria City, Fairfax County and the developers and because this is a by-right development, the developers aren't willing to speak with us," Gomez said.

Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez responded to our request for comment with the following statement:

"The Bren Mar location's by-right land use designation was decided before I took office in January. Nevertheless, I made it a priority to closely monitor Fairfax County's proposed data centers."

Jeffrey McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, echoed those sentiments in a letter he sent to constituents. It explained that zoning laws could be amended to address data centers, but even if that is proposed it would not be in time for this one.

"If the submitted plan meets all requirements, it must be approved," McKay wrote.

"I'm really disappointed. I really think there's an opportunity here to assuage our concerns. If the primary concern is noise, and that's something that's going to be fixed, why not talk to us," Gomez said.

In a report last year, we verified the type of noise these data centers emit are low frequency sounds, however they are harder to silence, can be more annoying and even pose health risks.

RELATED: What’s all the data center noise about?

RELATED: Battle over 'Digital Gateway' continues in Prince William County as Board is expected to make a decision

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Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC)

Explore the city as a laboratory with architecture and urban design programs for undergraduate and graduate studentsWelcome to the Washington Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC)05:39Located in historic Alexandria, VA, less than eight miles from Washington, DC, the WAAC offers a unique professional learning environment with an interdisciplinary, international, individual focus. Our pedagogy emphasizes freedom and responsibility as partners in ethical design practice. Students have the freedom to choose their own studio ...

Explore the city as a laboratory with architecture and urban design programs for undergraduate and graduate students

Welcome to the Washington Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC)

05:39

Located in historic Alexandria, VA, less than eight miles from Washington, DC, the WAAC offers a unique professional learning environment with an interdisciplinary, international, individual focus. Our pedagogy emphasizes freedom and responsibility as partners in ethical design practice. Students have the freedom to choose their own studio and thesis projects, then take on the responsibility to realize those projects. We inspire students to chart their own career paths and become the architects or urban designers they want to become.

How to Study at the WAAC

The WAAC accepts master's and doctoral students, in addition to undergraduate students in their fourth or fifth years of study.

View Work from Our Students!

Selected WAAC Master's Thesis Projects

Facilities

The WAAC allows students to address the complexities of urban areas, using the Washington metropolitan area as a resource laboratory for design and research. All of our facilities are located within the Old Town district of Alexandria, VA, within a historic urban campus.

Student Activities

Firm Advisory Board

The WAAC Firm Advisory Board is open by invitation to a select group of design firms in the Washington metropolitan region and meets regularly to exchange ideas about the ways in which academia and the profession can work together on all the wicked problems facing the world.

Contact the WAAC

Please e-mail Stephanie Woodson, administrative and program coordinator, at rwsteph@vt.edu for general inquiries or requests to schedule a visit.

Follow the WAAC on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook.

Make a Gift to the WAAC

Donate directly to the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center. Enter the amount you would like to donate, then follow the prompts on the form to complete the process.

All of us at the WAAC – students, staff, and faculty alike – thank you for your generous support!

Alexandria City Council votes to change four street names with Confederate ties

In 1953, the City of Alexandria in Virginia adopted an ordinance that said streets running in North-South directions had to be named for Confederate military leaders. But now, some of the street names that resulted from that ordinance will be changed.“We named streets and other contexts, we named parks,” said city council woman Sarah Bagley, who serves on the Naming Committee. “And so I took up ...

In 1953, the City of Alexandria in Virginia adopted an ordinance that said streets running in North-South directions had to be named for Confederate military leaders. But now, some of the street names that resulted from that ordinance will be changed.

“We named streets and other contexts, we named parks,” said city council woman Sarah Bagley, who serves on the Naming Committee. “And so I took up what I saw as the mayor’s charge to us that we should be leading this effort with public feedback.”

The name change proposal came about last year from Mayor Justin Wilson. There are at least 41 streets in Alexandria that are associated with Confederate military members.

During a meeting on Jan. 9, the City Council finalized a plan to rename or rededicate four of those streets.

The Naming Committee, composed of Bagley, Councilman John Taylor Chapman and Councilwoman Alyia Gaskins, worked with the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission to generate a list of individuals and locations worthy of honor by the City.

The ordinance, which was officially adopted on Jan. 20, will rename North Breckinridge Place after the founder of Alexandria’s first school for free Black children, Harriet Jacobs.

Forrest Street will become Forest Street and North and South Jordan Streets and Jordan Court will be rededicated in honor of Thomasina E. Jordan, an Alexandria resident who became the first Native American to serve in the U.S. Electoral College.

North and South Early Streets will each get an extra “e” in the name for the U.S. Army’s highest-ranking Black woman officer during World War II Lt. Col. Charity Earley.

Prior to the vote, city residents were given the opportunity to provide public testimony on the ordinance.

“We need to realize and recognize that our city made a failure in naming the streets as such, but by rededication allows us to close those wounds,” said one man named John who lives just off North Jordan Street.

Susan Cole lives on North Early Street, she said she’s concerned about the issues that could arise from changing street names.

“Personally, I have a ninety-year-old mother and a husband at home and I work full time. I am the caretaker to both of them,” Cole said. “And I can’t even fathom trying to do a name change for all the documents for my mother and for myself.”

But others, such as Fran Vogel who’s also a resident of North Early Street, found themselves in the middle.

“We still bear the burden of effort, time and costs of change of address — which is considerable,” Vogel said. “That said, renaming Early with the spelling E-A-R-L-E-Y preserves the sense of place, eradicates the association with the Confederacy giving new meaning that is unrelated to Civil War history and results in a change all can embrace.”

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Alexandria Post Office on Barclay Street is Hiring for Immediate Openings

If your New Year resolution is a new career, look no further for competitive wages, health benefits, paid leave, retirement savings and more in 2024!ALEXANDRIA, VA — The United States Postal Service, consistently named one of the most trusted brands in America, is hiring motivated and dynamic individuals to help us Deliver for America in Alexandria.Accepting a position with the United States Postal Service is the first step that could lead to a long, fulfilling career with a dynamic, forward-thinking organization committe...

If your New Year resolution is a new career, look no further for competitive wages, health benefits, paid leave, retirement savings and more in 2024!

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The United States Postal Service, consistently named one of the most trusted brands in America, is hiring motivated and dynamic individuals to help us Deliver for America in Alexandria.

Accepting a position with the United States Postal Service is the first step that could lead to a long, fulfilling career with a dynamic, forward-thinking organization committed to delivering for the American people.

If you like working outside or prefer inside, we have openings for various positions, such as city carrier associates, rural carriers, personnel support employees, mail processing and maintenance just to name a few.

Various craft and management opportunities are available after you receive a career appointment. If you have a skillset, with more than 2,000 different job titles, we more than likely have positions that align. Don’t have a skillset? Not a problem, we offer free on-the-job training.

To learn more, the Postal Service invites job seekers to attend the following USPS job fair to fill immediate openings:

Friday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Alexandria Post Office 5900 Barclay Street Alexandria, Virginia 22315

To assist potential applicants, USPS personnel will be onsite at the job fair to provide detailed information about available positions and to answer questions about starting pay and benefits. Applications are accepted online only at www.usps.com/careers. Applicants must be 18 years of age and be able to pass drug screening and a background investigation. Applicants must be available to work weekends and holidays. See job postings at www.usps.com/careers for full details for duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Job postings are updated frequently, so check back often for additional opportunities.

Delivering For America

The Postal Service is entering its fourth year of the Delivering For America (DFA), 10-Year Plan. If your news outlet is interested in interviewing a postal official about the progress made since the implementation of the DFA, please contact Mark Wahl at mark.a.wahl@usps.gov. To read the DFA plan: Introduction: Delivering for America: Our ten-year plan - about.usps.com.

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Next Snowstorm In Alexandria: Preparations For Up To 5 Inches

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Preparations are being made for a winter storm Friday night into Thursday in Alexandria.The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for much of the region and winter storm warning for some areas north and south of DC. Alexandria has the chance for 2 to 5 inches of snow. In the heaviest snow bands, 1 to 2 inches of snow per hour could fall for several hours.The City of Alexandria is responsible for clearing its roadways, while the Virginia Department of Transportation handles intersta...

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Preparations are being made for a winter storm Friday night into Thursday in Alexandria.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for much of the region and winter storm warning for some areas north and south of DC. Alexandria has the chance for 2 to 5 inches of snow. In the heaviest snow bands, 1 to 2 inches of snow per hour could fall for several hours.

The City of Alexandria is responsible for clearing its roadways, while the Virginia Department of Transportation handles interstates. The city's Department of Transportation and Environmental Services crews have mobilized equipment and pre-treated roads with a focus on bridges, hills and overpasses. Crews working 12-hour shifts will respond to snow and ice conditions for the duration of the storm.

Primary routes, including snow emergency routes, are cleared first, followed by secondary streets, intermediate streets and residential streets. Primary routes are considered major routes through the city. Secondary routes can include local and neighborhood streets and most Metro and DASH bus routes. Intermediate streets are those requiring extra attention in winter weather, such as streets with hills. The last priority is other residential streets near homes.

Residents can see the status of snow removal at apps.alexandriava.gov/SnowReport. For updates on interstates cleared by VDOT, visit vdotplows.org.

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If a snow emergency is declared, vehicle owners should move their vehicles off snow emergency routes.

Snow emergency routes include:

Property owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks, driveways and entrances. Snow and ice must be cleared from all paved sidewalks on the property within a certain amount of time under the city code. A violation could result in a $50 fine. If a Level 1 storm is declared (8 inches of snow or less), property owners have 24 hours to clear snow after the snow stops. Violations can be reported to Alexandria's 311 or 703-746-4311.

Due to temperatures forecast at freezing and below freezing, the city's Winter Shelter at 2355-A Mill Rd. will be open starting at 7 p.m. Friday through 12 p.m. Sunday. Recreation centers and Alexandria Libraries also serve as warming centers when open.

Residents needing assistance with city services should use the Alex311 website, Alex311 mobile app or @AlexandriaVA311 social media. Emergencies should be reported to 911. For updates on weather, subscribe to the city's news at alexandriava.gov/eNews.

DASH Bus riders should check for updates on dashbus.com, the DASH Trip Planner or DASH's Facebook and X/Twitter channels.

The city government recommends the following tips during winter storms:

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