Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, VA 23236
CONTACT: Rohn Brown (804) 897-6510

FOR RELEASE AT WILL - August 10, 2001

VIRGINIA'S PRIME HURRICANE SEASON IS AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

RICHMOND, VA – Did you know that seven of the last 10 hurricanes to hit Virginia occurred in August or September? From Hurricane David (1979) to Floyd (1999), Virginia has seen its share of hurricanes in the late summer.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 83 percent of the nation’s hurricanes from 1871-2000 occurred in the three-month period of August, September and October. Even though June and July have been calm, 2001 could be a busy hurricane season.

Dr. William M. Gray, professor of atmospheric science at Colorado State University, predicted as many as 12 named tropical storms, seven hurricanes and three intense hurricanes of category three or higher in his updated August 7 forecast.

"We know the worst of the hurricane season is still ahead of us," said Michael Cline, State Coordinator of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. "The good news is that there is still time to prepare and we encourage all Virginians to do so now. Whether you live inland or near the coast, everyone should be aware of their level of risk and plan accordingly."

Here are some reminders on how to prepare.

• Check with your local emergency manager to see if you are in a storm surge or flood prone area. If so, consider purchasing a flood insurance policy from your local insurance agent. In most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period for the coverage to take effect.

• Find out if you live in an evacuation area. If you do, know your evacuation routes. If you don’t need to evacuate, make sure you are prepared to stay in your house during a storm.

• Consider purchasing a weather alert radio for official information directly from the National Weather Service.
  

• Prepare to be without electricity for an extended period of time. Stock up on batteries for radios and flashlights. Have a supply of water and nonperishable food.

• Identify shelter options such as a friend or relative’s house, a motel or a public shelter.

• As the storm approaches, prepare for high winds by covering all windows with plywood or installing storm shutters. Move all outdoor furniture, tools and loose items inside.

For more preparedness tips and hurricane history, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Web site at www.vdem.state.va.us. If you live in a coastal community, visit the Hampton Roads Emergency Management Committee Web site at www.hremc.org or contact your local emergency management office.