As Hurricane Florence sidesteps Greater Williamsburg, many locals are wondering what to do with all their extra supplies.
But officials are warning not to get rid of all your water and bread just yet.
“People think they might be far away from the storm, but it can still cause impacts to inland communities,” said FEMA spokesperson Daniel Llargues. “Right now it’s too early to say if anyone should be getting rid of their supplies just yet.”
Hurricane Florence had been projected to hit the area earlier in the week, causing many people to hit the stores and stock up on bread, water and batteries. But as weather forecasts showed a shift in the storm’s direction, area residents found themselves with piles of unneeded supplies.
Purchasing all the supplies recommended for a disaster kit can cost $75 to $300, according to FEMA’s website.
“I imagine the cost all depends on who is in the family,” said York County spokeswoman Gail Whitaker. “It’s going to be more costly to a family with a baby who has to provide formula and diapers or a home that has someone with a medical issue.”
Some of these supplies, such as batteries and extra fuel, can be preserved based on user manuals and guidelines until the next potential disaster, Whitaker said.
“We would recommend that people hold on to nonperishable items to be prepared for the next emergency, which could happen at any time of year,” said James City County spokeswoman Renee Dallman.
At the moment, there are no projected tropical storms in the seven-day forecast, said meteorologist Eswar Iyer of the National Weather Service’s office in Wakefield.
But storms can come at any time as hurricane season lasts throughout October, Iyer said, and meteorologists can’t accurately forecast where a storm will hit until about two to three days out.
York County prepared for Florence by opening a shelter at Tabb High School but has since dismantled it. All of the supplies from that shelter were coordinated with the school division and will remain part of the supplies for York County schools, Whitaker said.
However, not all of the supplies can be stored for later use.
Officials say residents should wait until the storm completely passes before getting rid of perishable supplies because there is still the possibility of flooding in some areas of the Historic Triangle.
Once Florence is off the area’s radar, though, there are a number of locations in Hampton Roads accepting extra nonperishable supplies residents may have.
York County:
- The York County Church Women United Food Closet, 300 Ella Taylor Road, Yorktown
- FISH, 312 Waller Mill Road No. 800, Williamsburg
- Five Loaves Pantry, 14425 Old Courthouse Way, Newport News
- Coastal Community Church, 101 Village Ave., Yorktown (food pantry located in Virginia Beach)
Williamsburg and James City County:
- FISH, 312 Waller Mill Road, No. 800, Williamsburg
- United Way of Greater Williamsburg, 113 Palace Lane, Suite F, Williamsburg
- Erase the Need Center, 701 Sentara Circle, Williamsburg
- Salvation Army, 151 Kristiansand Dr ive, No. 09, Williamsburg
- Williamsburg House of Mercy, 10 Harrison Ave., Williamsburg
- Grove Christian Outreach Center, 8800 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg
(Each of these services has individual requirements for food donations. To learn more, visit their websites.)
“We are still in hurricane season so there’s always a chance that we’ll have another one, plus winter is coming so these might be items that people can use,” Whitaker said. “But also the food bank is suffering right now, so I’m sure they would be happy to get whatever people can give when it’s safe to do so.”
On social media, residents have suggested donating to local school sports teams or high school band programs, but York County Public Schools have not made an official request for supplies, spokeswoman Katherine Goff said. Williamsburg-James City County schools did not respond to a request for comment.
Monetary donations also are are accepted at many locations.
“Cash donations go further and make a greater impact and easier to get to the harder hit areas,” said Charvalla West, community resource center manager for the United Way of Williamsburg.
