Hurricane Florence is coming and the National Hurricane Center has predicted a life-threatening storm surge that will likely affect portions of the coastlines of South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.
The National Hurricane Center said that all those who live anywhere from South Carolina into the mid-Atlantic region should ensure they have their hurricane plan in place and follow any advice given by the local officials.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management said that residents should prepare for rising waters, flash flooding, and remember to never drive across flooded roadways.
Most injuries and deaths occur when motorists try to cross flooded roads.
Roads and bridges can be damaged or completely washed away beneath flood waters, and a few inches of water can sweep vehicles downstream.
Remember, turn around, don’t drown.
Hurricane preparedness:
- Follow this link to read a full hurricane evacuation guide
- Follow this link to read a full hurricane preparedness guide
- For flood safety, follow this link to learn how to stay safe
- For a timeline to prepare your hurricane disaster plan click here
The basic supply kit:
Ready.gov has a quick list of items you should pack in your emergency kit.
They also recommend that you store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
For the detailed list and download link click here.
Dominion Power
Dominion Power’s main website lets you report outrages and check outrages in your area – it is easier to create an online account to report an outage.
Make sure your contact information is updated.
Know Your Zone:
If the time comes and an evacuation is called, here is how you will find out which zone you are in.
The VDEM recommends that all residents know what their evacuation zones are ahead of time and have a plan in place.
Follow this link to find out where you evacuation zone is.
Shelters and emergency information:
For those who find themselves in need of a shelter or have decided to shelter in-place they should follow this link to read Hampton’s shelter guidelines and this link for Newport News Guidelines.
In the city of Hampton there is one animal-friendly shelter: Bethel High School.
Follow this link to find a list of emergency numbers for the city of Hampton.
Follow this link to find a list of emergency numbers for the city of Newport News.
Emergency alerts:
Both Hampton and Newport News offer emergency notification alerts that can be send to your email or phone.
If you want to sign up for emergency alerts for Hampton, click here.
If you want to sign up for emergency alerts for Newport News, click here.
As always, monitor all media outlets for weather updates and keep your phones charged.
