The Hampton Roads hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November.
To ensure preparedness should a storm strike, families should begin hurricane preparations now.
Two of the most important preparations are putting together a SURVIVAL KIT and developing an EVACUATION PLAN. |
- Low lying coastal areas, such as Hampton Roads are particularly vulnerable to destruction from hurricanes and other severe weather.
- as hurricane Isabel demonstrated, water and electricity may be off for several weeks following a storm.
- banks, stores, gas stations, medical facilities, and other activities may also be closed for an extended period of time.
- preparing now to be self sufficient in the event of a hurricane or severe storm is the best way to avoid problems and minimize the impact of a hurricane.
- it is important that we plan well ahead.
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- When a hurricane watch is issued, monitor radio and television reports regularly.
- The intensity and track of tropical storms and hurricanes can change quickly. Do not wait until it is too late to prepare.
- Many media outlets offer free tracking charts and preparedness guidelines. Now is the time to get one, read it, and then use it when a storm approaches.
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Documents:
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Prepare for high winds and possible flooding.
- Move items indoors that can become airborne in strong winds and cause injury and damage as deadly missile hazards (garbage cans, lawn furniture, garden equipment, toys, bird feeders, etc.).
- Items too heavy to move should be tied down.
- Lower antennas, brace garage doors and board up or close shutters on glass doors and windows.
- Move trailered boats close to the house and fill them with water for added weight. secure trailers by anchoring them to the ground, tree or some other stationary object.
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- If ordered to leave the area, do so immediately.
- Whether going to a shelter or evacuating the area, ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas, necessary maps and emergency survival items.
- If necessary, make arrangements to travel with someone else.
- Protect important papers (driver's license or other identification, cash, insurance papers, birth certificates, shot records, visas, property inventory, etc.) by placing them in ziploc bags and taking them with you.
- Remember to take medical alert information, prescriptions (refill if necessary), eyeglasses, and hearing aids with extra batteries.
- Survival kits should contain canned foods, dried provisions, utensils, can opener, bottled water, first aid kit, flashlight and battery powered radio with extra batteries, sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, infant needs, and hand tools.
- Shelters do not allow pets, alcoholic beverages or weapons.
- When leaving your home remember to lock windows and doors, and turn off water, gas and electricity.
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- If you choose to remain at home, store drinking water in sanitized containers.
- Fill bathtubs and larger containers for cleaning and bathing.
- Unplug appliances with the exception of the refrigerator, set it on maximum cold and if power is lost only open when necessary.
- Seek shelter in an interior room away from doors and windows on the lowest floor level.
- Avoid the temptation to go outside during the brief calm when the eye of the storm passes over.
- Do not go outside during the storm for any reason. Getting seriously injured or killed trying to secure an item that has broken free is not worth it.
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- After the storm passes, beware of outdoor hazards such as downed power lines, weakened roads and bridge structures, debris in streets, snakes, insects and displaced wildlife.
- Do not drink or prepare food directly with tap water until health officials indicate it is safe to do so.
- If returning from out of the area, remember that gas may not be readily available.
- Call ahead to get road conditions and to determine the availability of services.
- It may be best to wait a day or two to allow emergency personnel and clean-up crews to start to restore conditions to normal.
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