As Hurricane Irma moves westward toward Puerto Rico, residents in the Historic Triangle should begin to plan their hurricane strategies.
Irma may or may not turn north toward Virginia — but if not Irma, sooner or later a powerful tropical storm will smash into Hampton Roads.
The National Weather Service forecasts Irma will reach Florida early Friday morning, but its path is far from certain.
“It is too early to determine what direct impacts Irma might have on the continental United States,” the National Weather Service forecast stated. “Everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place.”
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management offers tips on how to prepare for a hurricane.
The first step in bracing for a hurricane? Know your zone.
Zones A through D stretch across Tidewater Virginia, and residents of each zone may be directed to evacuate depending on various factors, such as tides and storm intensity. Evacuation directives from the state and local level will be released on local news and social media.
Virginia residents can find their zone on the Virginia Department of Emergency Management website. Those who live outside a zone may not be expected to evacuate, but should still pay attention to the directives of emergency personnel.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management also provides a map of evacuation routes for the Peninsula. While some residents will be ordered to evacuate, others may be instructed to shelter in their homes.
It is important to stay away from windows and remain in interior rooms to avoid wind-borne items. Hurricanes can produce winds up to 200 miles per hour, which can destroy property and turn ordinary objects into dangerous projectiles.
Residents should also be aware of the threats posed by hurricanes even after winds have died down. Coastal storm surges and flooding caused by heavy rains can threaten life and property.
Long before a hurricane begins its approach, safety officials suggest creating an emergency supply kit.
Supply kits should include three days’ worth of non-perishable food for each member of your family. A list of foods suitable for an emergency supply kit can be found on VDEM’s website. Also, plan on storing three gallons of water per person per day.
Food that requires refrigeration should not be relied upon in an emergency. In addition to food and water, kits should include first aid kits and prescription medicine needed by each family member.
Flashlights, a radio, batteries, cash, sanitation supplies, fresh clothes, a whistle to signal for help, local maps, a manual can opener, and a basic toolkit should also be included.
In addition to knowing your zone and preparing an emergency kit, the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management both advise families to discuss their evacuation and emergency plans before severe weather strikes.
Property owners should also consider insurance policies for homes, automobiles and other personal property that may be damaged by a hurricane.
Homeowners are also advised to keep trees branches trimmed, bring outdoor furniture inside, secure doors and be prepared to board up windows.
During a storm, residents should pay attention to updates from the National Weather Service, as well as local and state officials.
