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Hurricanes are born and thrive in the ocean, but they can also have disastrous effects far inland. Heavy rains from weakening tropical systems have led to some of Virginia's worst disasters.
It is important to remember that every county and city in the state is vulnerable in some way to the destructive forces of hurricanes, even counties that are far inland, like Loudoun, are vulnerable to the effects of hurricanes. Whether the threat comes from violent winds, storm surge, flash flooding, or spawned tornadoes, the important factor in saving lives and property is being prepared. Hurricanes, once they make landfall, can produce extensive flooding and high winds hundreds of miles from the coast.
The following tips are designed to protect lives and reduce damages before, during and after hurricanes and flooding.
Before the Storm
Familiarize yourself with the terminology:
- Flood Watch means that a flood is possible in your area;
- Flood Warning means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area;
- Flash Floods can develop in a matter of minutes, so if you hear a Flash Flood Warning take action immediately.
Monitor your local news and the NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) for weather-related information. NWR is broadcasts continuous weather information direct from a nearby National Weather Service office on warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day.
Secure garbage cans, lawn furniture or anything that could fly around and cause damage.
Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.
Learn the safest route from your home or place of business to areas that are safe from high winds or flooding. If there is a flood, you may only have minutes to get to safety.
Decide on an out-of –state friend or family member to be the single point of contact for your family (after a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance). Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Decide on a meeting place away from home where you and your family will gather if you become separated (this will be useful in other types of disasters as well).
Keep a family emergency kit stocked and handy. Include items like flashlights and batteries, battery-operated radio, water, first aid supplies, canned food and can opener, etc.
Purchase flood insurance. Flood damage to your home and its contents is not covered by your homeowner's insurance policy. A 30-day waiting period is required for your flood insurance policy to become effective.
Make an itemized list of all your personal property for insurance verification purposes.
When a Hurricane is Approaching
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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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Fill your car's gas tank. Functional gas stations will be in short supply in a power outage.
When a Flood Warning is Issued
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Be alert to signs of flooding. If floodwaters are threatening your home, evacuate immediately. Move quickly to higher ground.
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Follow recommended evacuation routes. Shortcuts or alternate routes may be blocked or damaged by floodwaters.
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If you are driving and come upon rapidly rising waters, turn around and find another route. The water may appear calm on the surface, but could be flowing rapidly below. Furthermore, the roadway may have been washed away by the water and no longer exist. The depth of the water may not be obvious and two feet of water will carry away most automobiles. Most flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.
If Heavy Rains Occur
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If advised to evacuate, do so immediately; move to a safe area before access is cut off by floodwater.
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Keep your battery-operated radio tuned to a local station, and follow all instructions. If you are told to evacuate, move out of the house or building to safe, high ground.
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Be aware that floods are deceptive. Do not wade into flooded areas. Turn around and go back to higher ground.
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Never drive across a flooded road. The road could be washed out and rapidly rising water could lift your car and carry it away. As little as six inches of floodwater can cause you to lose control of your vehicle; two feet can sweep it away. If you find floodwaters on the road while driving, turn around and find an alternate route.
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