Hurricane Season

Hurricane season starts in June and runs through November. Are you prepared if weather strikes? Some storm preparation tips include assembling a disaster supply kit, making a family emergency communication plan, checking your insurance coverage, knowing your flood zone and evacuation routes, tuning into emergency updates via trusted weather sources, and signing up for Chesapeake Alert.

Assess Your Needs, Build an Emergency Supply Kit, and Know Your Risk

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November. The best time to prepare for hurricanes is before they're in the forecast, so take this time to get organized. Build your emergency supply kit with non-perishable food, a can opener, water, first-aid supplies, chargers, batteries, and flashlights. Include any important medications and pet supplies. In addition to prepping your supply kit, develop a list of emergency contacts, know your zone, sign up for flood insurance, document your possessions, create an evacuation plan, and identify your home's structural weaknesses prior to storms.

Ask Yourself These Questions and Make a Plan

An emergency can strike at any time, so prepare a plan in advance. Coordinate with your loved ones to know the answers to the following questions below. Consider the answers to these questions now while you can think clearly.

• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route? If I have to evacuate, what would I bring?
• If I do not evacuate, do I have at least one contact outside of the impact area who can keep tabs on me?
• Do I have everything in place that I need medically (medications, equipment, etc.)?
• Do I have an emergency preparedness kit?
• Have I safeguarded critical documents and valuables? Note: To safeguard critical documents and items, first take inventory of your household documents, contacts, and valuables. Utilize a documentation checklist.
• Who are my emergency contacts?
• Which family member is responsible for what during an emergency (grabbing pets, documents, children, etc.)?
• What is my family/household communication plan?
• If my family members get separated during an emergency, how will we reconnect? Where are our emergency meeting places?
• What about my surrounding community? Have I made plans with neighbors if disaster strikes? Teamwork can make a difference.
• What can be done to make my home and yard safer? Tip: Prepare your trees for severe weather.
• Have I taken photos of my property for insurance purposes?
• If my home is damaged, who do I call?
• Am I in a flood zone? During cases of significant flooding, storm damage, and evacuations, know your zone and be up to date on weather-related developments and emergencies.

Understand Forecast Information

Familiarize yourself with relevant forecast alerts and learn important terminology such as the difference between a "Watch" and "Warning." Sign up for Chesapeake Alert to receive important traffic impacts or initial storm alerts straight to your phone and email. Prior to any storm, follow these official sources for weather impacts, travel updates, and schedule changes:

US National Weather Service Wakefield VA

Virginia Department of Transportation

VDOT Hampton Roads District

City of Chesapeake Government

Chesapeake Public Schools

Chesapeake Roads

Engage With Your Support Network

Reach out to family, friends, and neighbors to share emergency plans and contacts. As you tailor your plan to fit your family's specific needs, practice emergency drills and test your family's communication skills. You can consider the City of Chesapeake as part of your support network. Social media will be updated as emergencies arise, and to further prepare, you can sign up for Chesapeake Alert. Chesapeake Alert is a customizable alert system that sends important local messaging to your phone and email, from the City of Chesapeake, during emergencies or significant events. You can choose to receive alerts that may affect your home, workplace, parent's home, or any location in Chesapeake.

Get Moving When a Storm Threatens

Do you know what to do and where to go if a hurricane threatens? Take the time to know your evacuation plan, determine your sheltering options (consider pets while brainstorming), have a well-stocked go-bag ready in your vehicle, exchange emergency information with family and neighbors, and plan for how you'd protect your home during significant weather. This may include identifying electrical equipment you'd unplug prior to evacuation and taking note of any loose outdoor items that may need securing prior to heavy winds.

Stay Protected During Storms

Consider how you'd stay protected during storms. Whether you evacuate or shelter in place, remain vigilant by having a way to get weather updates and alerts, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay sheltered from wind, rain, and flooding. You can further strengthen your home by decluttering drains and gutters and bringing in outside furniture prior to storms.

Use Caution After Storms

After significant storms, dangers may still remain. Be mindful of damaged buildings, debris such as glass and nails, loose or downed power lines, and flooded roads. Never drive through flooded streets due to the risk of drowning, and don't walk through floodwaters as they may contain harmful bacteria, chemicals, and shop objects. During storm cleanup, stay hydrated, don't push yourself, and check on your neighbors.