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Threats & Emergencies  

Hurricanes

Hurricane Home • Hurricane Basics • Preparing for Hurricanes • Responding to Hurricanes

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Coastal Residents

Hurricane and Flooding Preparedness Week: May 20-26, 2007

VDEM, the National Weather Service and local emergency management officials offer these safety tips to protect lives and reduce property damage during hurricane season, June 1 to November 30:

Before the storm

• Learn the difference between a watch and a warning. A hurricane watch indicates that hurricane conditions are possible in your area within 36 hours. A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions are possible in your area within 24 hours.
• Know your risk. Find out if your home is in the storm surge-flooding zone. Consult your area emergency management office for this information.
• Re-check your supply of plywood, tools, batteries, tarps and plastic sheeting for roof repairs.
• Cut dead trees and limbs that could fall on your home.
• Consider retrofitting your garage door by installing horizontal bracing onto each door panel. High winds that enter through the garage can blow out doors, windows, walls and even the roof.
• Make sure you have a current flood insurance policy (not typically part of a homeowner’s policy). A 30-day waiting period is generally required to purchase flood insurance, so take time now to visit your insurance agent to learn more.
• Take pictures of your property before the storm to help validate your claim and remember to take your policies with you if you need to evacuate.

When a hurricane is approaching

• If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer, consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving about an inch of space inside each one. (Remember, water expands as it freezes, so it is important to leave room in the container for the expanded water.) Place the containers in the refrigerator and freezer. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold for several hours if the power goes out.
• Fill your bathtub with water to use for toilet flushing in case water services are unavailable following the storm.
• Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture and other items that could blow away.
• Fill your car’s gas tank and prepare to evacuate if ordered to do so.

If ordered to evacuate

• Evacuation shelters often do not provide pillows, blankets or sheets. Bring these items with you, along with your emergency supplies kit.
• Take your important documents, such as birth certificates, insurance policies and photo documentation of valuables. They will help you claim assistance after you have returned home.
• Evacuation shelters usually do not allow animals other than service animals for health reasons. Implement the emergency plan you have created for your pets.
• Bridges and tunnels will close only after an evacuation gets motorists off the road and into safe shelters. No road closures should occur during an evacuation.
• In the event of a Category 4 or 5 hurricane, the governor may issue a traffic direction reversal of I-64 to evacuate citizens more efficiently. Traffic direction on I-64 will only reverse during the most extreme conditions. The I-64 reversal plan begins on the Norfolk side of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and ends at the I-295 Interchange in Richmond. During a reversal, the eastbound lanes of I-64 will be closed to eastbound traffic and will allow only westbound traffic.

During the storm

• If you are not ordered to evacuate, remain indoors and away from windows. If necessary, seek refuge in
  an interior, windowless room. Cover yourself with pillows or a blanket to protect you from falling debris.

After the storm

• Prepare to be without power, telephone or any outside services for a week or more.
• Watch out for downed power lines, weakened structures, rodents and snakes, and avoid standing water.
• Avoid drinking tap water unless officials say it is safe to do so. Eat only foods you are absolutely sure are safe.
• Be extra careful when handling power tools, gas lanterns and matches.
• Operate generators outdoors only in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. Poor ventilation can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death.
• Avoid using candles as a light source. Deadly fires can result.