Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, VA 23236
CONTACT: Bob Spieldenner
                       (804) 674-2400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Sept. 12, 2005

Southeast Virginia Should Prepare for Ophelia

Information Available on How Citizens and Businesses Can Prepare for the Storm

RICHMOND, Va. – With Hurricane Ophelia potentially bringing strong winds, rain and tornadoes to Southeast Virginia between Wednesday and Friday, all residents and businesses in the area need to prepare for the storm.

Ophelia's winds and rain could create power outages and flooding in some areas, especially if it moves through the area slowly. The storm could also spawn damaging tornadoes.

"Residents and businesses need to be prepared to be without power for at least three to five days," said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. "Make sure you and your family have enough supplies such as water, canned food, flashlights and extra batteries.

"Those who are elderly or medically fragile need to take special precautions. If they are reliant on power then they should make plans to relocate with friends or family outside of the projected impact area if possible. Also, they should ensure that they have an extra supply of prescription medicine," said Cline.

Four key steps to personal emergency preparedness are listening for emergency information, making a disaster plan, having a disaster supplies kit, and preparing your home.

• Paying attention to television, radio, newspaper, and Website information about Ophelia will allow you to track the progress of the storm and get vital information about what you should be doing in response to it. Having a radio and extra batteries is important so you can receive information even when power is out.
• Making a disaster plan for your family or business will ensure everyone knows when to evacuate during an emergency and where to go when they do evacuate. It also ensures that everyone has vital contact information for family, friends, and co-workers during an emergency. Disabled, elderly, or medically fragile individuals may wish to consider staying with family or friends outside of the projected impact area to ensure their safety.
• When making a disaster supplies kit, you should include food, water, and medicines that will last everyone in your home at least three days. Particular thought should be given to the dietary and prescription medicine needs of disabled, elderly, or medically frail individuals. You should also include a first aid kit and a flashlight with extra batteries in your kit. Having these supplies on hand can be critical if you need to stay where you are without utilities for a long period of time.
• Protect your home from wind damage. Trim back dead or weak tree branches and secure garbage cans, lawn furniture or anything that could become airborne and cause damage.

Information about personal and business preparedness is available on the Web at vaemergency.com. Information is also available by calling the Virginia Public Inquiry Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 866-880-4266.

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