Be Storm Ready

Public Safety News

Friday, September 30, 2022

Prepare Your Family and Home for Storms

Hurricane season is most active in September and lasts through November. Preparing before a disaster strikes and knowing what to do during and after a storm will help ensure you and your family reduce your risk for injury and damage to your home.

We encourage everyone to have a storm preparedness plan in place to ensure the best possible outcome during a severe weather event. Even though hurricanes may not come to Central Virginia as frequently as coastal areas, there may still be ripple effects that can be just as devastating. These include heavy rain, powerful winds, flooding, tornadoes, and landslides.

If you haven't already, we encourage you to sign up for CodeRED. This emergency alert system will keep you aware of potential emergencies in our area.

Be Prepared

Make sure your house number can be seen from the street.
Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies, pet supplies, water, and food.
Prepare your home by cleaning out drains and gutters and bringing in outdoor furniture.
Keep your cell phone charged and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help to see how you can be of assistance.
Follow official social channels for accurate information. Some examples are:
County of Albemarle
Police Department
Fire Rescue Department
City of Charlottesville
Police Department
Fire Department
Charlottesville-Albemarle Emergency Communications Center
Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)
Virginia State Police
National Weather Service
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Make and Practice an Evacuation Plan

Develop and practice an evacuation plan ahead of a severe weather event.
Include a plan for pets.
Add transportation routes and destinations to your plan.
Prepare an emergency supplies kit for both family members and pets ahead of time to take with you.
Check local news and/or radio broadcasts for evacuation alerts and be prepared to evacuate when authorities tell you to do so.

Stay Safe During Floods

During a flood or flash flood watch, be prepared to evacuate - fill your car’s gas tank, bring in outdoor furniture, move valuables to high points in your home, and unplug electrical appliances and move them to high points.
Keep your emergency supplies kit, including water, stored in an easily accessible, waterproof place.
Stay out of flood waters, if possible. Even water only several inches deep can be dangerous. If you must walk through water, use a stick to check the firmness of the ground ahead of you. Avoid moving water.
Do not drive into flooded areas. If your car becomes surrounded by rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
Stay away from downed power lines.
Avoid floodwaters, which could be contaminated or electrically charged.

Be Storm Smart

If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning.
Look for shelter inside a home, large building, or a hard-topped vehicle. Do not go under trees for shelter. There is no place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm.
Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder before leaving your shelter.
Stay away from windows and doors. Stay off porches.
There is no safe place outside. Small sheds should not be used as shelter.
If a person is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1. Get medical help right away.
Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers and televisions, to prevent damage from surges caused by lightning strikes.
Always assume fallen power lines are energized. Stay away from the area and report any downed lines to authorities immediately.
If you are evacuated, do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe.

View as Webpage

Share This Email