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ACTIVE HURRICANE SEASON PREDICTED
Virginians Getting Ready
FEMA's Hurricane Information Site
RICHMOND, VA - The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to
bring a higher than normal number of hurricanes to the east coast according to
hurricane expert, Dr. William Gray. The Virginia Department of Emergency
Management encourages coastal residents to prepare now for hurricane season,
which extends from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Even when hurricanes strike other areas of the country, they can still cause
significant damage and loss of life in Virginia. In fact, some of the worst
storms in Virginia’s history were from 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.
Two years ago, Hurricane Isabel made landfall in North Carolina, but caused 36
deaths and over $1.9 billion in damages in Virginia.
“It’s important to stay tuned to weather reports even if it seems a hurricane
will make landfall somewhere else,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for
the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Be prepared to evacuate,
especially if you live in an area prone to flooding.”
Cline adds that tropical storms or depressions can be just as damaging or deadly
as a hurricane. Last year, Hurricane Gaston had weakened to a tropical
depression when it entered central Virginia. However, heavy rain caused record
flooding in the region resulting in nine deaths and major damage to homes and
businesses. Hurricane Isabel was a tropical storm when she entered Virginia, but
caused damage to 75% of the state, making it one of the costliest disasters in
Virginia’s history.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management, in cooperation with the
National Weather Service and local emergency management officials, offers these
safety tips to protect lives and reduce property damage:
BEFORE THE STORM
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Know your risk. Find out if your home is in
the storm surge-flooding zone. Consult your area emergency management office
for this information.
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Identify where to go if you are told to
evacuate and the safest route to get there. 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.
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Get ready for a possible power outage by
gathering a minimum one-week supply of foods that don’t require
refrigeration or cooking, such as canned goods, as well as bottled water,
flashlights with extra batteries, a first-aid kit and battery-powered radio.
If you need to evacuate, make sure you can consolidate these items into a
portable “go” kit, like a backpack or duffel bag.
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Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio for National
Weather Service reports and severe weather warnings.
Re-check your supply of plywood, tools, batteries, tarps and plastic
sheeting for roof repairs.
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Cut dead trees and limbs that could fall on
your home.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Listen to your local radio and TV stations
for updated storm information. A hurricane watch means possible danger.
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If the danger increases, a hurricane warning
will be issued.
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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.
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Fill your bathtub with water to use for
toilet flushing in case water services are unavailable following the storm.
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Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture and
other items that could blow away.
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Fill your car’s gas tank and prepare to
evacuate if told to do so.
DURING THE STORM
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If you are not advised 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
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Listen to your local radio stations for
official disaster relief information and instructions.
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Prepare to be without power, telephone or any
outside services for a week or more.
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Watch out for downed power lines, weakened
structures, rodents and snakes, and avoid standing water.
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Avoid drinking tap water unless officials say
it is safe to do so. Eat only foods you are absolutely sure are safe.
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Be extra careful when handling power tools,
gas lanterns and matches.
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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.
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Avoid using candles as a light source. Deadly
fires can result.
To learn more about hurricane and flood
preparedness, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s Web site
at
http://www.vaemergency.com
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