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Threats & Emergencies  

Hurricanes

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

Hurricane Outreach Key Messages

Many believe that a major hurricane cannot affect them or that there is nothing they can do to protect themselves. But, it can happen to you, and there are four steps that every Virginian needs to take to prepare for hurricane season: get an emergency supply kit, make a family disaster plan, listen for local information and learn evacuation routes.

• The best thing you can do to learn about shelters, evacuation routes and other preparedness information is to contact your local emergency manager.
• Even if you don’t live on the coast, the impacts of tropical storm activity can reach far inland. If you live on the coast, know your designated evacuation routes. If you live inland, know where you would go in case of flash floods, which can develop in a matter of minutes.
• Families and businesses should prepare to be without power, telephone, water or other utilities for at least three days. An emergency supply kit includes, among other things, essential items such as a battery-powered radio and extra batteries, food that doesn’t require refrigeration and water to last at least three days, flashlights and a first aid kit.
• Most shelters do not allow pets. Make a plan ahead of time for your pets: ask a friend or relative who lives outside of the storm’s path to watch your pet, or make arrangements with a local kennel or veterinarian’s office that provides sheltering.
• Areas throughout the state — not just coastal areas — are prone to severe flooding. In 2004, tropical depressions Jeanne and Gaston caused nine deaths, more than $50 million in damage and 18 inland localities to be declared federal disaster areas.
• Some of the worst storms in Virginia’s history were hurricanes that made landfall in other states. In 1969, Hurricane Camille made landfall in Mississippi, but killed 153 people in Virginia, making it the Commonwealth’s deadliest hurricane on record. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel made landfall in North Carolina, but caused 36 deaths and more than $1.9 billion in damages in Virginia.
• Tropical storms and tropical depressions can be just as damaging or deadly as a hurricane. In fact, Hurricane Gaston in 2004 had weakened to a tropical depression when it moved through central Virginia. However, the heavy rain from the storm caused record flooding in the region resulting in nine deaths and major damage to homes and businesses.
• Historically, August and September are the prime hurricane season months in Virginia. However, it’s possible to have a hurricane earlier in the season. In fact, in June 1972, Hurricane Agnes tore through Virginia, causing 13 deaths and millions of dollars in damage. The best way to survive a hurricane is to prepare for them well before they turn up on your local news.

Coastal hurricane evacuations:

• An evacuation order does not mean everyone in the area needs to leave. Evacuation orders keep residents safe from storm surge and are intended for those living or working in low-lying areas vulnerable to storm surge or flooding. Residents on higher ground do not need to evacuate to avoid storm surge. (Mobile or manufactured homes and trailers are an exception.) Storm surge maps are available at http://www.vaemergency.com/threats/hurricane/stormsurge.cfm.
• Sometimes it is safer to stay at home. Some coastal areas on higher ground are not as vulnerable to storm surge as low-lying areas. Listen for local instructions. If you are ordered to stay where you are, or “shelter in place,” then go inside and remain there until emergency officials announce it is safe for you to leave.
• You must be ready to leave immediately if emergency officials order an evacuation of your area,. Decide now where you will go, what you will need to take with you and what route you will take. Whether your plan is to go to a family or friend’s home, to a hotel or to a shelter, take your disaster supply kit with you. Gather essential supplies to support your family for at least three days.
• Hampton Roads residents can use several routes to evacuate. Although Interstate 64 is the only route officials currently plan to use with reversed lanes, it is not the only way out of the area. Evacuees should become familiar with the designated evacuation route out of their community and plan to leave early to avoid significant traffic delays.
• If you need to evacuate, remember these tips:

1. Leave early. The sooner you leave, the sooner you will get to your destination and out of harm’s way.
   
2. Stay local. Try to stay with family or friends or at a hotel or motel outside of storm surge areas. If you must stay in a public shelter, shelters on higher ground within the area may be open.
   
3. Public shelters are a last resort. Take your emergency supply kit. Public shelters provide basic necessities such as food, water and a small amount of space for your family to stay. Most shelters do not provide items such as cots, bedding or items for infants or those who have special medical needs.
   
4. Listen for local, up-to-date information. Emergency officials will provide information through local media.
   
5. Plan now for your pets. Some emergency shelters will only accept service animals. Talk to your veterinarian or local humane society in advance about an emergency plan for your pets, or plan to stay with family or friends or at a pet-friendly hotel.