Governor McDonnell urges Virginians to 'get ready for hurricane season'

Posted May 18, 2010
By Virginia Department of Emergency Management

05/18/2010 - RICHMOND — Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has recognized May 23-29 as Hurricane and Flooding Preparedness Week to emphasize the importance of emergency preparation. He is encouraging every Virginia family to take action now to get ready for hurricane and flood season.

"It is critical that every Virginian treat hurricane season seriously and understand how they could be affected by flooding, high winds and tornadoes during this time of year," said Governor McDonnell. "Those who live along coastal areas also need to learn if they are in a storm surge zone and determine where they would go if they have to evacuate. Everyone should take steps now to help keep their families safe."

We are partnering with Virginia retailers to get the word out to families about saving money while getting ready for emergencies, McDonnell continued. "Hurricane season is also flood season. Just because you don't live on the coastline, don't think you aren't affected. Past years have brought us heavy rains and slow-moving tropical systems that have caused extensive damage and loss of life," he said.

Individuals and families should have a family emergency plan and put together a kit of essential supplies including at least a three-day supply of bottled water and non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to hear emergency information and extra batteries.

Make a family emergency plan

If you had to leave, know in advance where you would go and where you could take your pets. Identify several places you could stay in an emergency – perhaps a friends' home in another town, a hotel or public shelter if necessary.

Choose an out-of-town friend or relative as a family point of contact, and be sure every family member has that person's phone number. Go to www.ReadyVirginia.gov for family plan worksheets. Click on Make a plan.

Get essential emergency supplies

Start with at least a three-day supply of bottled water and packaged and canned food. Add a manual can opener, flashlights and extra batteries, first aid kit and medications. Store in waterproof containers that have wheels or that you can lift easily. Get an emergency supply checklist at www.ReadyVirginia.gov. Click on Get a kit.

Listen to emergency information from officials

In case there is no power, you will need a battery-powered radio and extra batteries. Listen to local media for the best information about your area. Consider purchasing a battery-powered or hand-crank radio with a weather band so you can get information directly from the National Weather Service.

Also, be aware that flooding is the most common disaster in Virginia, and it is costly. Just an inch or two of water in a home or business adds up to about $8,000 in repairs. Homeowners' insurance policies don't cover flooding, so talk to your agent now about flood insurance. It usually takes about 30 days for a new flood policy to go into effect. See www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.

Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday

To help Virginians get supplies for hurricane and flood season, retailers are stocking up for the Commonwealth's Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which runs May 25-31.

During those days, no sales tax will be charged on the purchase of many items that can be used to prepare homes and businesses for hurricane and flood season and to fill emergency supply kits. All retailers participate, according to Virginia law.

Batteries, flashlights, bottled water of all types and sizes, cell phone batteries, coolers, portable generators and many other useful items can be purchased with no sales tax added during the week. Many retailers will post signs listing all the allowable items so that Virginians can get ready for hurricane season, which begins June 1. For a complete list, go to www.ReadyVirginia.gov.