RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Bob McDonnell is urging Virginians to start preparing themselves for winter weather.

McDonnell on Wednesday proclaimed Dec. 2-8 as Winter Preparedness Week across the state.

The governor’s office says the meteorological winter doesn’t officially begin in Virginia until Saturday, but the state has already seen early significant accumulating snowfall from Superstorm Sandy. And while last winter in Virginia was less snowy than the previous two winters, the National Weather Service says anything could happen this year.

Among the things Virginians should to do prepare are: get fireplaces and chimneys inspected, install smoke detectors, gather emergency supplies, make an emergency plan and operate space heaters safely.

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