While hurricanes rarely make landfall in Virginia, the impact from Hurricane Isabel in September 2003 demonstrates that even a glancing blow from one of these powerful storms can be devastating. Damage to property throughout the Commonwealth topped $1.9 billion and 32 people lost their lives. 

“Hurricane-force winds can easily destroy buildings and mobile homes, flood roadways and disrupt basic services,” said Gerald Jaskulski, Chief of the Emergency Management Division of Stafford’s Fire and Rescue Department. “Everyone needs to have a disaster supply kit on hand, and be prepared to deal with minor personal injury and residential damage after the storm. If the residents of Stafford are well prepared to take care of themselves, we will be able to lessen the impact of these storms.”

The Fire and Rescue Department, in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, reminds citizens that hurricane season begins on June 1, and they should consider purchasing flood insurance now because of the 30-day waiting period before this type of policy takes effect. To deal with the immediate impact of storms, they recommend maintaining a family disaster kit with enough supplies to last for at least one week. Following are some of the items it should contain:

One gallon of water per person per day, including water for pets

Canned or packaged food, and a manual can opener

A battery-operated radio and flashlights with extra batteries

First aid kit

A portable tool kit with a utility knife and duct tape

Prescription medications, toiletries

Extra bedding or sleeping bags

Special items for infants, the elderly and disabled members of the household

Important documents, insurance policies, cash and credit cards in waterproof containers

Duffle bags or backpacks to transport these items in case you must evacuate

When a hurricane is approaching, listen to your local radio station and television stations for updated storm information. To prevent damage from flying debris before the storm hits, trim trees and shrubs and move all lawn furniture, garbage cans and other loose items inside. Clear any debris from rain gutters and downspouts. Fill your car’s gas tank in case local authorities issue an evacuation order.

Prepare for possible power outages by filling plastic containers with water, leaving an inch of space in each one, and placing them in your refrigerator or freezer. The frozen water will keep food cold for several hours if the power goes out. Fill your bathtub with water to use to flush toilets in case water services are unavailable.  

Following are additional steps to take to prepare for a storm:

Take pictures of your property before the storm to help validate claims, and remember to take your policies if you evacuate.

Determine where to go if you are told to evacuate and the safest routes to get there.

Choose several places – a friend’s or relatives’ home in another town, a motel or shelter.

Remember that public shelters and many motels don’t allow pets. Make arrangements to leave your pet at home with an adequate supply of food and water. Have a supply kit of food, vaccination records and toys ready to go in case a shelter for animals is available.

Have an adequate supply of plywood, tools, batteries, tarps and plastic sheeting on hand for temporary repairs.

After the storm passes, wait for an all-clear announcement before leaving your home or shelter. Use extreme caution when traveling in flooded areas. The average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water, and the average person can be knocked off their feet in just six inches of fast-moving water. If you cannot see the roadway because of high water, turn around and find an alternate route to your destination.

Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect your home and check the water heater and appliances for damage – candles and matches can ignite gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. If electric wires are shorting out, turn off the power. In the event that electrical power is lost, turn off all major appliances. They can overload electric lines when power is restored, causing a second outage. Use portable generators cautiously. Make sure they are outside in a well-ventilated area, and refuel a generator only after it has cooled. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. Poor ventilation can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death. Avoid using candles as a light source, which can result in deadly fires.

For more information about preparing for hurricanes, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Web site at http://www.vdes.state.va.us/ or the Web site for Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov.

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