VDEM urges preparedness for hurricanes, other severe weather

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is designating the week of May 13-17 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in Virginia, urging citizens to ensure that they have a plan in advance for responding to severe weather events such as hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding.

VDEM officials are offering a number of tips about how to stay safe during severe weather events, including: • having a plan to evacuate if necessary; • building an emergency kit with food, water, and other supplies;• preparing the home by cleaning out drains and gutters, checking doors and windows, and securing anything that could become a projectile (bicycles, planters, grills, and lawn furniture, among others);• having a way to communicate and reconnect with family members if separated during a severe weather event. To view all tips, click here.

Another step that residents can take is to purchase or renew flood insurance. It typically takes up to 30 days for a flood insurance policy to go into effect, so VDEM officials encourage citizens not to wait until a storm is imminent.

Citizens also should know their evacuation zone and stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts from their local office of emergency management.

For details, visit www.vaemergency.gov.