EDUCATION

ADULT EDUCATION
— CONTINUING EDUCATION • For information on computer courses such as the Internet, computer basics, Windows, Word 6.0, Excel 5.0 call the Department of Libraries & Information Services Community Technology Center – Pearl Bailey Library at 247-8677. For other general interest classes including conversational French, German and Spanish, photography, boating skills, interior decorating, money management, etc., call the Newport News Public Schools’ Continuing Education Department at 591-4700, ext. 1136 or visit www.nnschools.org.

— GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA (GED) • Adults who have not completed high school may prepare for and take an examination for the GED. For information, call the Newport News Public Schools’ Continuing Education Department at 591-4700, ext. 1136 or visit www.nnschools.org.

— LITERACY PROGRAMS • For information on literacy or pre-GED classes, including classes in math, writing skills and test preparation, call the literacy coordinator of the Department of Libraries & Information Services at 247-8677.

NEWPORT NEWS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
— EMERGENCY CLOSINGS • To obtain the most up-to-date emergency closing information, call the Newport News Public Schools Information Line at 283-7810 or visit www.nnschools.org.

— INFORMATION • General information on Newport News Public Schools may be obtained by calling Newport News Public Schools at 591-4500; or you may visit their website at www.nnschools.org. Links are available to sites for most of the City schools and departments. 

www.nnschools.org

AMERICAN RED CROSS • The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Services include disaster preparedness information, including how to develop disaster plans and kits for individuals, families, schools and businesses. Services also include mass care and other assistance after disasters including for victims of house-hold fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. Other emergency services include crisis communications for military families including deployed military, reservists and national guard. The Red Cross also recruits blood donors and bloodmobile sponsors for local blood needs. There are fist aid courses and information on CPR, AED, Pet First Aid, Babysitting, HIV/AIDS prevention and other first responder classes including fist aid for teens, new parents and seniors. For more information, call the American Red Cross, Hampton Roads Chapter at 838-7320 or visit www.hrredcross.org.

ANIMAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS • The Animal Services Division (ASD) is dedicated to educating the citizens of Newport News on how to protect their pets in the event of a disaster. For more information on animal disaster preparedness or to request information brochures on this topic call 595-7387.

BUSINESS EMERGENCY PLANNING • The Office of Emergency Management offers information and coordination of government and business emergency planning, including SARA Title III requirements. To arrange a presentation or emergency planning meeting for your organization, call 269-2900.

DISASTER/EMERGENCY INFORMATION • During City declared major emergencies or disasters, citizens can obtain disaster information by calling the Emergency Information Center at 269-2912 (staffed by City employees) or the recorded Disaster Information Line at 269-2910.

DISASTER RECOVERY ASSISTANCE • For information on disaster services and programs available to you, contact the Office of Emergency Management at 269-2900. For disaster assistance immediately following a major disaster, please monitor local radio and television stations for emergency information or call the City Emergency Information Center at 269-2912 or the Disaster Information Line at 269-2910 during major declared emergencies.

DISASTER RECOVERY TASK FORCE, PENINSULA (PDRTF) • Provides additional assistance in the post recovery process for victims of local disasters by bringing together various levels of assistance and resources to local persons and families in need. Call 245-3271 extension 306 (Office of Human Affairs Emergency Services).

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE, DISABLED • The Office of Emergency Management maintains the City’s Special Needs Program. This program allows the City to better serve the emergency needs of our citizens during major disasters and day-to-day individual fire, police and emergency medical emergencies. Disabled citizens who may require evacuation assistance or special sheltering considerations should enroll in this program before a disaster or emergency strikes. Call the Office of Emergency Management at 269-2900 and request an application.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) - BILLING ONLY • For information on EMS billings for ambulance services, visit the Fire Department located on the 6th floor, City Hall or call 926-8459.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS • Information to assist you in preparing for, responding to and recovering from natural and manmade disasters, to include hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, power outages, winter snow storms, ice storms, lightning, heat waves, water spouts, terrorism events, hazardous materials spills, nuclear emergencies, and droughts is available through the Office of Emergency Management at 269-2900 or visit www.nngov.com/emergency-management.

EMERGENCY SHELTERS • Information on planning for emergency sheltering is available through the Department of Social Services at 926-6016. During City declared major emergencies or disasters, information on shelter openings will be available through the Emergency Information Center at 269-2912, and on the Disaster Information Line at 269-2910.

NEWPORT NEWS RADIO AM 1700 • During times of emergency, tune into Newport News Radio AM 1700 for information on closings, shelter locations, emergency updates and other disaster related information. During times of non-emergency, AM 1700 broadcasts information on city events such as public meetings, special events, and other city-related activities. For more information call Communications and Community Relations at 926-8501.

CITY GOVERNMENT • The Department of Human Resources, at 700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200 and on the 2nd floor of City Hall, posts job vacancies, and receives and processes applications for employment with the City. All applicants must complete an application and may include a resume. For more information, call Human Resources at 926-1800. City job vacancies are also posted online at www.jobs-nngov.com and on the job line at 926-1840.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES • The Office of Human Affairs Employment Services & Job Bank provides employment-related counseling and locates suitable training and employment opportunities for area residents. For information, visit the Outreach Center located at 2708 Chestnut Avenue or call 244-6121, or visit the Clark Center for construction opportunities. The Clark Center is located at 392 Maple Avenue or call 247-6747.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION (EEOC) • For information regarding employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability, call the EEOC at 441-3470 or visit www.eeoc.gov.

JOB TRAINING SERVICES • The Greater Peninsula Private Industry Council, through funding from the Job Training Partnership Act, offers courses on various job training skills such as secretarial, medical office clerks, security guard, manufacturing and home-building skills such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, wiring and HVAC. For more information, visit the Greater Peninsula Private Industry Council located at 2019 Cunningham Drive, Hampton or call 224-2600.

LABOR • The Virginia Department of Labor & Industry provides information and enforces state laws on labor, safety and health compliance, unpaid wages, garnishment, child labor, right to work and apprenticeship programs such as cabinetmaker, plumber, electrician, welder, bricklayer, optician, cosmetologist and others. For information, call 455-0891 or visit www.doli.virginia.gov.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division provides information and enforces Federal labor laws such as the Family Medical Leave Act, minimum wage, overtime, child labor, government contracts and the Polygraph Protection Act. For more information, call 441-3490 or visit www.doli.gov.

STATE GOVERNMENT • Contact the Virginia Workforce Center Job Service Office to find out about state government job opportunities. Visit the Peninsula Workforce Development Center located at 600 Butler Farm Road, Suite B, call 865-5800, or visit http://jobs.state.va.us.

UNEMPLOYMENT • To file for unemployment insurance benefits, visit the Peninsula Workforce Development Center located at 600 Butler Farm Road, Suite B, or call 865-5800 or visit www.vec.virginia.gov.

WORK PERMIT (YOUTH) • For information on work permits and types of work available for youth, ages 14 and 15, visit the Newport News Public Schools Administration Building located at 12465 Warwick Boulevard or call 591-4537. Forms may also be obtained from guidance counselor offices at middle and high schools.

WORKER'S COMPENSATION • Worker's Compensation claims in Virginia are handled through the employer's insurance company. To file a worker's compensation claim, an accident form must be filled out and filed with the employer's insurance company. The insurance company files the claim with the Worker's Compensation Commission. For more information, call the Worker's Compensation Commission at 1-877-664-2566 or visit www.vwc.state.va.us.

ADOPT-A-SPOT • The Adopt-a-Spot Program encourages citizens, civic organizations and businesses to participate in cleaning a specific site, street or waterway in the community. A sign with the name of the sponsoring person or organization is posted at the adopted spot. Safety vests, plastic bags and disposable gloves are provided. For more information, call 269-2872 or visit www.nngov.com/public-works.

ADOPT-A-TREE • The City Adopt-A-Tree program gives citizens an opportunity to request and cost share on replacement trees at locations (usually in front of residence). For information about the program, contact the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department at 926-1400 or www.nngov.com/parks-and-recreation.

AIR POLLUTION • The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulates air quality in the Tidewater region. The DEQ inspects facilities and issues permits for emission sources, smokestacks and inspect facilities. For general information, call 518-2000 or visit www.deq.virginia.gov. To report a pollution violation for air, water, solid and hazardous waste, call the Pollution Response Line at 518-2077. The Department of Engineering inspects for air quality in public buildings. For information on these programs, visit the Department located on the 8th floor of City Hall or call 926-8611.

Citizens may also contact the NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which provides information on preserving air quality through recommendations for composting and reducing by-products from natural animal waste. For information, call the NRCS at (804) 932-4376 or visit www.usda.gov.

BEACH EROSION • The Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation helps private landowners by providing technical assistance on correcting beach or shoreline erosion along tidal waters in Newport News. For information, call 925-2468 or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov. The Department of Engineering is the City contact for public beach erosion problems and other activities related to the public shoreline. For information, visit Engineering on the 8th floor of City Hall or 926-8611.

GREEN FOUNDATION • The Newport News Green Foundation works with residents and landowners to preserve and establish green areas in the city. For more information call the Department of Development on the 3rd floor of City Hall or call 926-8428.

EROSION/SEDIMENT CONTROL • The Department of Engineering reviews development plans and project construction plans, and inspects construction sites and activities in the City rights-of-way, for compliance with the City Erosion & Sediment Control Ordinance. For more information, visit the Department of Engineering located on the 8th floor of City Hall or call 926-8611.

HAZARDOUS WASTE, COMMERCIAL • For disposal of commercial hazardous waste, see the phone book for a list of vendors who dispose of hazardous waste. To report illegal dumping of hazardous materials, call 247-2500. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality inspects commercial facilities that generate, handle and store hazardous waste. For information, call 518-2000 or visit www.deq.virginia.gov. To report a pollution violation for air, water, solid or hazardous waste, call the Pollution Response Line at 518-2077.

HAZARDOUS WASTE, HOUSEHOLD
— USED MOTOR OIL/ANTIFREEZE/CAR BATTERIES • Many service stations accept used oil and antifreeze for recycling, and most auto parts stores will accept used batteries for recycling. For information, call the Public Works Customer Service Center at 269-2700. Never mix wastes such as oil and antifreeze since this makes recycling virtually impossible.

— CONTAMINATED OILS • Citizens may dispose of contaminated oils (oils mixed with kerosene, water or other chemical) and kerosene for a fee by calling a qualified vendor. For a list, see the phone book or call the Public Works Customer Service Cetner at 269-2700.

— HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW) AND E-CYCLING •  The City sponsors household chemical and electronics collection events quarterly throughout the year. Residents are encouraged to regularly dispose of unwanted household chemicals at these collections events. For location and dates, contact the Public Works Customer Service Center at 269-2700 or visit www.nngov.com/public-works. The Department of Engineering offers a 15-percent rebate on the stormwater management service charge for residents who participate in the City Household Chemical Collection Program at least once per year. The rebate acts as an incentive for people to participate in the chemical drop-off program and promotes the proper disposal of chemicals and other waste that may otherwise find its way into the storm sewer system. For more information, visit the Department of Engineering Stormwater Management Division, located on the 7th floor in City Hall, or call 926-8611. Residents who are not able to wait to dispose of electronics, the ARC of the Virginia Peninsula will accept electronics at their facility. For more information, call the ARC of the Virginia Peninsula at 896-6461.

— OTHER HAZARDOUS WASTES • For disposal of household chemicals such as pesticides, kerosene, paint, etc., attempt to use up or donate to a friend, neighbor, local nonprofit or theater group. For information, call the Public Works Customer Service Center at 269-2700.  The Solid Waste Division also provides advice on how to dispose of other hazardous wastes. Depending on the waste, the resident may have to make arrangements with a private company and pay for disposal.

LITTER CONTROL • It is a Class I misdemeanor to litter in the State of Virginia. The Newport News Environmental Commission develops programs to reduce and control litter. To volunteer, call the Recycling Office at 269-2872.

MEDICAL WASTE • The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality inspects and enforces state and federal regulations regarding disposal of medical waste from medical offices, hospital incinerators and commercial incinerators. For more information, call 518-2000 or visit www.deq.virginia.gov. For information on disposal of medical waste for a home care program, contact the health provider with whom you are working.

TREE TRIMMING OR REMOVAL • For information on tree maintenance or removal of trees on City property, call the Park Facility Maintenance at 888-3335. For information regarding the trimming of trees and bushes in City rights-of-way that are blocking motorists’ visibility, call the Department of Engineering at 926-8611.

WATER
— CONSERVATION • Newport News Waterworks is a member of the Hampton Roads Water Efficiency Team (HR WET) which promotes water conservation throughout Hampton Roads. For water conservation information and/or tips, visit www.hrwet.org or call Waterworks customer service at 926-1000. In addition, Waterworks is responsible for developing and implementing a drought management plan for the city as well as the regional Waterworks service area. For information regarding the plan, call Waterworks customer service at 926-1000 or visit www.nngov.com/waterworks.

— LAKE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM • The Department of Engineering administers the Lake Enhancement Program, which is a participatory effort between the City and private citizens, to clean up some of the 60+ private lakes that accept stormwater runoff from public facilities such as roadways, swales, etc. For information call 926-8611 or visit www.nngov.com/engineering.

— STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM • The City of Newport News and other municipalities with populations over 100,000 are required to apply for a Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Stormwater Discharge Permit. Local governments that are issued these permits must develop a long-term, comprehensive program to reduce the pollutant loading from their stormwater systems. The City Stormwater Management Program reduces and filters stormwater runoff and provides educational programs on water quality and stormwater issues. For information, call 926-8611, or visit www.nngov.com/engineering.