Hurricane Dorian: Time To Prepare Virginia Homes, Families

VIRGINIA — By Thursday, the winds and rain from category 2 Hurricane Dorian should affect coastal Virginia. The record-setting storm made landfall in the Bahamas Sunday afternoon as a devastating category 5 storm packing 185 mph sustained winds and gusts of 220 mph, weather officials said. Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Wakefield said, "All preparations need to be completed by Thursday afternoon, take this storm seriously."

A tropical storm warning is in effect from the border with North Carolina north to Chincoteague and the Chesapeake Bay from Smith Point southward.

The storm surge warning covers the area from the Carolinas to Poquoson, Virginia, and includes Hampton Roads. A storm surge warning means "there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours." The National Hurricane Center urges residents in these areas to take action to protect life and property and follow evacuation orders. There were no evacuation orders in Virginia Wednesday evening.

Hurricanes are notorious for veering off on a new course, fizzling out or strengthening. That's why emergency officials and forecasters urge Virginia residents to monitor weather forecasts and plan ahead in case the storm brings its wind and rains inland.

Here are things you should do before a hurricane arrives in the region.

• Complete a family communication plan. Plan how you will assemble your family and loved ones and anticipate where you will go for different situations. Get together with your family and agree on the ways to contact one another in an emergency and identify meeting locations.
• Check your insurance coverage. Most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage or losses from flooding. Review your policy, ensure you're adequately covered and understand exclusions, and contact your agent for any changes.
• Develop an Evacuation Plan. Find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if your home is unfit to keep you safe in a hurricane. Speak with family and friends and work out a plan to use their home as an evacuation destination. Be sure to account for pets, since many shelters do not allow them.
• Download the FEMA app. Receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States. To search for open shelters (for disaster survivors): text SHELTER and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA).
• Register with American Red Cross's Safe & Well site to let family and friends know you're okay.

How to Prepare For and Report Power Outages

In preparation for potential power outages, individuals should prepare or update their emergency kits. Ensure you have flashlights, batteries, and other items to endure periods without power.

• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage. Open the door only when necessary and close quickly. Frozen food in a half-full freezer should remain safe for up to 24 hours, and in a full freezer, up to 48 hours.
• During a power outage use flashlights and battery-powered lanterns for light. Avoid using candles which pose a fire risk.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as personal cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill a bathtub or other large container with the water. This is particularly important for those whose water runs off of an electrical system.

Dominion Power:

• Report a power outage and check the status on an outage.
• Or call 866-366-4357.
• Northern Virginia outage map.
• Outage safety and preparations.
• Outage FAQ.

NOVEC:

• Report power outages.
• Or call 703-335-0500, 888-335-0500.
• Northern Virginia outage map.

Make a To-Go Kit

• Clothes and sturdy shoes that are appropriate for the weather
• Cash in small bills
• Snacks and water
• Small first aid kit
• Hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, etc.)
• Eyeglasses
• Contacts and contact solution
• Communication devices/equipment
• Favorite personal or comfort items
• Cell phone and chargers
• Flashlight and batteries
• Contact information for your household members and members of your support network
• Important documents in a waterproof bag or container (Insurance cards, Medicaid/Medicare cards, photo IDs, proof of address, marriage certificate, birth certificates, copies of credit or debit cards.)
• Jumper cables for vehicles

Gather Supplies to Shelter in Place

• Water (1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 days)
• Nonperishable food (3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle or bell to signal for help
• Paper and pencil/pen
• Pair of heavy gloves
• Dust mask
• Prescription medications, at least a 3 day supply (as well as a list of what you take, why you take them, and their dosage)
• Non-prescription medications, such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives
• Medical supplies (Oxygen, medication, scooter battery, hearing aid and batteries, mobility aids, glasses, etc.)
• Infant formula/babyfood, bottles, diapers, wipes
• Entertainment - books, toys, puzzles for children
• Supplies for service animals or pets (food, water, medicine, leash, collar, harness, veterinary info)
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Kitty litter or sand for vehicles

Make Copies of Documents, Prepare Electronic Contacts

• Store important documents in a secure, password-protected jump drive or in the cloud.
  • Capture electronic versions of important documents such as insurance policies, identification documents, and medical records. Don't forget to include your pet's information.
  • Back-up your computer to protect photos and other personally important electronic documents.
  • Scan old photos to protect them from loss.
  • Keep your contacts updated and synced across all of your channels, including phone, email and social media. This will make it easy to reach out to the right people quickly to get information and supply updates. Consider creating a group listserv of your top contacts.
  • Create a group chat via a texting app or a thread for family/friends/coworkers to communicate quickly during a disaster.

• Sign up for Direct Deposit and electronic banking through your financial institution so you can access your payroll funds and make electronic payments wherever you are. Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling (800) 333-1795 or at GoDirect.org.

Additional information can be found on the Virginia Department of Health website.

Find more tips and advice on the federal government's Ready.gov website.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management reminded Commonwealth residents that hurricanes can affect much of the state. On Aug. 19, 1969, Hurricane Camille hit the state overnight and caused massive inland flooding and mudslides that killed 153 people. The storm remains Virginia's deadliest natural disaster 50 years later, the agency said.

Camille dropped 27 inches of rain — what is typically six months of precipitation — on Nelson County overnight. More than 100 bridges, roads or railways were washed away or damaged, and more than 900 buildings and structures damaged or destroyed in Virginia.

"Camille reminds us that hurricanes are a statewide threat, not just a coastal concern, as the worst damage occurred hundreds of miles inland," the agency said.

Patch is tracking every move of Tropical Storm Dorian. Get all the updates on the storm by subscribing to Patch's free breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.

Maintaining Your Kit

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
• Replace expired items as needed
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Prepare Your Home

• Bring loose, lightweight objects such as patio furniture, garbage cans and bicycles inside.
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., gas grills and propane tanks).
• Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs close enough to fall on structures.
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
• Purchase a portable generator or install a whole-house generator for use during power outages.
• Keep alternative power sources, such as a portable generator, outside, at least 20 feet away from the house, and protected from moisture.
• Document the condition of your home prior to the storm.

How To Prepare
• Visit DCR.virginia.gov/vfris to learn the flood risk for your home and business.
• Contact an insurance agent or call the National Flood Insurance Program at 888.379.9531 or visit Floodsmart.gov purchase a flood insurance policy. Remember, it takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to take effect, don't wait till you see a storm coming to purchase a plan!
• Coastal Virginians should learn their evacuation zone now and make a plan to prepare their home and business at KnowYourZoneVA.org.
• All Virginians should store critical documentation in a safe place, documenting the condition of their property before damages occur with a camera or smartphone, purchasing emergency preparedness items to sustain your family for days or weeks after a disaster, and by making a family communication plan. Visit VAemergency.gov/hurricanes to learn more.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Dorian: When It Could Reach Virginia, DC
• Fleeing Hurricane Dorian: Dozens Of Animals Arrive In Norfolk
• Hurricane Dorian Now Category 5, Threatens Georgia, Carolinas
• Evacuations Underway In FL As Hurricane Dorian Hammers Bahamas