ENTER THE SEASON PREPARED
If you live in a coastal area, identify your evacuation route.
Make copies of your valuable papers and take pictures of valuables.
Send this copy out of the area for safe keeping.
Consider purchasing flood insurance.
IF A HURRICANE THREATENS
Create a disaster supply kit, including: flashlights, portable
radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit and manual, prescription,
non-prescription medication, a 7-day supply of nonperishable food
and water, baby supplies – such as food, canned milk or formula
and disposable diapers. You will also need eating utensils, utility
knife, manual can opener and personal hygiene materials. Also, make
sure you have a significant supply of cash on hand.
Protect your house against wind. Brace garage door against high
winds, lower antennas and anchor all outside objects or, if possible,
bring them indoors.
Protect your windows and doors. Permanent storm shutters offer
the best protection for windows and doors. A second option is to
board up windows and doors with 5/8” plywood, cut and ready
to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Remove debris or loose items from the yard.
Put valuable papers in waterproof containers in the highest place
in your home.
Keep at least one vehicle filled with gasoline in case gas stations
close during an emergency. Take out a small sum of money in case
ATM’s should fail and banks closed.
If you live in a mobile home, listen for the City’s evacuation
notice. If a hurricane threatens, plan for an evacuation.
If you evacuate, stay on the main roads. Avoid roads that routinely
flood in severe rain or high tide situations.
Make plans for your pets. Animals are not allowed in public shelters.
Check with your veterinarian or the SPCA about pet shelter assistance.
Getting Help:
Power outages commonly occur during hurricanes and tornadoes. Stay
away from the downed lines. If a line is sparking or causing a fire,
call 911.
If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and call 911 and
Virginia Natural Gas toll free at 1-866-229-3578. Do not return
home until the problem is resolved.
After a major storm, assume all water sources are contaminated
until proven safe. Listen to emergency officials, local news coverage
or call the Citizen Information Hotline,
If the electricity is off for an extended period of time, food
will spoil in the refrigerator. If you have questions about the
safety of food, call the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Meat
and Poultry Hotline, 1-800-535-4555.
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