Scott's View: Winter Storm Jonas - Benefits Update

Early Thursday we were already feeling the effects of Winter Storm Jonas, expected to arrive full-force in the Mid-Atlantic region tomorrow. According to the National Weather Service, Jonas is a "potentially crippling winter storm" with anticipated snowfall of up to two feet around Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and significant freezing that could reach as far south as Kentucky and North Carolina.

Along with the expected power outages and snow-choked roads, flight delays and cancellations are clearly expected. Airlines operating out of airports near the storm are already issuing waivers for travel over the weekend, including our two great partners: United Airlines and JetBlue, both of which are keeping customers up to date on Twitter (@united and @JetBlue) and on their websites. The travel waivers they issue will allow passengers affected by the storm to change to alternate flights without paying a fee.

We’ve updated our fee waivers in advance of winter storm Jonas. Find our latest updates at: https://t.co/UY3n3QpFX4

— JetBlue Airways (@JetBlue) January 21, 2016

Plan ahead as winter storm #Jonas approaches the U.S. mid-Atlantic & Northeast. A waiver is in place for changes. https://t.co/3nlDZfh91V

— United (@united) January 21, 2016

And, as I’ve said before, kudos to those of you who prepare for such dangerous storms by keeping a stock of emergency supplies close at hand, helping alleviate the strain on emergency services when disasters hit. Building and maintaining a disaster supplies kit, or 72-hour kit, is a responsibility we should all take seriously long before a crippling winter storm threatens, and a number of our partners offer much of what you’ll need.

So when you build your first 72-hour kit or need to refresh your current supplies, take a look at this list from ready.gov and consider how much you can save with your Veterans Advantage member benefits: buy extra phone chargers and accessories from Verizon Wireless Stores nationwide at 25% OFF, find first aid and personal sanitation supplies with 20% off in store at CVS/pharmacy and on CVS.com. Online shop for emergency gear at Coleman.com and be rewarded your service with our exclusive offer of 35% OFF site-wide until the end of February, and buy additional warm clothing with 10% OFF brand-name winter gear from Eastern Mountain Sports. 

Good luck to all in the path of Winter Storm Jonas this weekend, especially our service personnel and first responders who will be looking out for the rest of us. Stay warm and stay safe.