Officials urge caution ahead of Tropical Storm Debby

“We don’t yet know what to expect with this storm, but history has shown us that these kinds of events are magnified in our area by water accumulating rapidly in streams and rivers from the mountains,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Ed Porner. “High water is the number one killer of Virginians in storms. Don’t be a statistic. Don’t drown, turn around! Be alert to official notices both before a storm and post-storm, particularly evacuation and boil-water notices."

RHHD officials are reminding residents to check on family and neighbors, and to ensure important documents and supplies are in a safe place. During the storm, residents are urged to stay inside and away from windows, skylights, and glass doors, and to monitor radio and television for updates.

If power is lost during the storm, major appliances such as the air conditioner and water heater should be turned off to prevent damage. People are also urged to never go outside during a tropical storm, and to avoid driving if at all possible.

If flooding occurs, residents are urged to seek higher ground immediately and evacuate if necessary. Standing water can cause significant flooding and landslides, and downed power lines also can be dangerous.

After the storm, residents should clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have been flooded, and check to see for any damaged appliances that need to be repaired or replaced.

Driving during the storm also could prove dangerous or even life-threatening, and AAA Mid-Atlantic officials are urging residents to keep several key tips in mind:

• Turn around, don’t drown, because as few as six inches of water can cause drivers to lose control of vehicles and potentially stall engines, so never attempt to drive through flooded roads or standing water.

• Be aware of debris or downed power lines in the road, and if your vehicle is in contact with a downed power line, stay in it until help arrives unless there is an imminent danger, such as a fire. If you must exit the vehicle, stand on the door frame or edge of the vehicle and jump clear with both feet at the same time but do not make contact with anything on the vehicle, so that your body does not become a pathway for the electricity to reach the earth.

• Slow down, increase your following distance and avoid cruise control, which can cause hydroplaning in wet conditions.

• Brake early, but not hard, to allow the time needed to slow the car.

• Be wary of changing wind conditions.