Get additional information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (visit fema.gov and m.fema.gov from your mobile device for information), Ready Campaign (Ready.gov) Citizen’s Corps (citizencorps.gov), the American Red Cross (redcross.org) and NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov).
Preventative Measures
Buy flood insurance. Anyone can get flooded, even if you don’t live in a designated flood zone. There is a 30-day waiting period before activation of flood insurance policies. Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Ask your insurance agent or go to www.floodsmart.gov.
Inquire about emergency plans and procedures at your child’s school and at your workplace.
Make a family disaster plan that includes out-of-town contacts and locations to reunite if
you become separated. Be sure everyone knows home, work and cell phone numbers, and how to call 9-1-1.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit with food, water, medical supplies, battery-powered radio and NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, batteries, flashlights, and other items that will allow you to get by for 3 days after a hurricane hits. Gather important documents such as birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, passports, wills, deeds, and financial and insurance records. Store them in a fire and flood safe location or safe deposit box.
Prepare Your Home Before the Storm
Install permanent wooden or metal storm shutters or board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood.
Install metal straps or hurricane clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
Trim trees and clear rain gutters and downspouts.
Plan ahead for protection of pets and livestock. For information go to www.fema.gov and search on “Pet Owners.”
As the Storm Approaches
Remember that a Hurricane Watch means the onset of hurricane conditions is possible within 36 hours; a Hurricane Warning means the onset of hurricane conditions is likely within 24 hours.
Have a full tank of gas in a vehicle, cash, and your disaster supplies kit ready to go.
Emergency Management
Contact your local emergency management office to learn about evacuation routes and emergency plans.
Chesapeake: Emergency Management 304 Albemarle Dr. Chesapeake, Va. 23322 (757) 382 6297/6497 FAX (757) 382-8228 Emergency Operations Center (757) 382-6464 EMOffice@cityofchesapeake.net Click here for the City of Chesapeake Emergency Management Site. |
Virginia Beach: Emergency Management 2408 Courthouse Dr. Municipal Center, Bldg. 21 Virginia Beach, VA 23456 Direct: (757) 385-8466 mmarchba@vbgov.com Click here for the City of VA Beach Emergency Management Site. |
| Norfolk: The Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response 3661 East Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, VA 23502 757 441-5600 Click here for the City of Norfolk Emergency Management Site. |
Portsmouth: Office of Emergency Management 309 County Street #100 Portsmouth, VA 23704 (757) 393-8338 Click here for the City of Portsmouth Emergency Management Site. |
| Suffolk: 1001 Whitemarsh Road Suffolk, VA 23434 (757) 514-7586 jjudkins@city.suffolk.va.us Click here for the City of Suffolk Emergency Management Site |
Hampton: 1300 Thomas Street 1st Floor Hampton, VA 23669 Phone: (757) 727-1208 Fax: (757) 727-1351 Email: thanger@hampton.gov Click here for the City of Hampton Emergency Management Site |
| Newport News: Division of Emergency Management 513 Oyster Point Road Newport News, Virginia 23602 (757) 269-2900 Click here for the City of Newport News Emergency Management Site |