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Virginia Department of Emergency Management

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30. Many of our citizens believe that a major hurricane cannot affect them or that there is nothing they can do to protect themselves. But, it could happen (and has happened) yet  there are simple, low-cost steps you can take to get ready.

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. Consult your local emergency management office to find out if your area is flood-prone or for local preparedness information.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, identify where to go if ordered to evacuate and the safest route to get there. If there is a flood, you may only have minutes to get to safety. Choose several places – a friend’s home in another town, a motel or a shelter. Remember, public shelters and many motels don’t allow pets in their facilities.
• Cut dead trees and limbs that could fall on your home.
• If your home or business is in a flood-prone area, make sure you have a current flood insurance policy (not typically part of a standard insurance 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

• To help keep food cold for several hours if the power goes out, fill 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. Functional gas stations will be in short supply in a power outage.

If heavy rains occur

• Floods are deceptive. Avoid already-flooded areas. Floodwaters that are above your knees are dangerous. Turn around and go back to higher ground.
• If you find floodwaters on the road while driving, turn around and find an alternate route. The road could have washed out and rapidly rising water could lift your car and carry it away.

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.