Prepare for Intensifying Hurricane Season

The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30. Peak activity is generally from mid-August through the end of September. This means the time to prepare is now. Start by understanding your risk, then develop an emergency plan. Next, stock an emergency kit for your home and vehicle, and sign up to receive and learn how to interpret weather alerts. Finally, have a plan for shelter before, during, and after a storm. Having enough supplies to shelter in place for at least three days is critical.

Stafford County encourages residents and visitors to take steps to prepare themselves and their households today as peak season approaches. While Stafford County does not have significant coastal areas, the entire region is susceptible to inland impacts, including high winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and extended power outages. During Hurricane Isabel, in 2003, some people in the area lost power for over a week. Gas stations, pharmacies and grocery stores were closed due to a lack of electricity, and ATMs did not work. Being prepared is critical to your family's successfully weathering a storm.

Please utilize the following recommendations to help you prepare and increase our community's resilience:

Know Your Risk
Hurricanes, tropical storms, tropical depressions, and severe thunderstorms can affect our area in a variety of ways. Learn about local hazards such as inland flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes, downed trees, and storm-related power loss. Visit the Virginia Inland Impacts Hurricane Guidefor more information.

Prepare NOW
The best time to prepare is before hurricane season begins. Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it's too late. Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

• Develop a Family Emergency Plan: Identify family, friends or hotels that would possibly accommodate your household's needs in the event you need to evacuate the area. Identify family meeting place and be sure to account for pets in your plan. You can utilize this free template to get started - https://www.ready.gov/plan-form.
• Assemble emergency supplies: Have enough supplies for at least 3 days including non-perishable food, water, and medication. For a full list of recommended items visit - https://www.ready.gov/kit
• Get an insurance checkup & document your possessions: Contact your insurance agent to ask for a review of your policy to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Home and renter's insurance do not cover flooding so make sure you have a separate policy for it. Take time now to document your possessions including photos, video, serial numbers and important documents you would need to file a claim. Learn more on ourStafford County Floodplain Management page.
• Create a Communication Plan: Determine family meeting places and identify an out-of-state contact. Make a hard copy list of emergency contacts including utilities and other critical services keeping in mind the internet may not be available during or after a storm.
• Strengthen Your Property: secure loose outdoor items, clean gutters and drains, trim or remove dead limbs/trees, and inspect your home for areas that could be reinforced before a storm hits.

Understand Forecast Information
National Weather Service forecast products can tell you a lot about what is expected to happen with a storm, including the storm's path, rainfall amounts, wind speeds, and more. There is a lot of information available days ahead of a storm, and it is important to understand what it means. Visit https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ for more information about hurricane forecast products.

• Be Informed: Sign up to receive severe weather alerts: Stafford Alert

• Know your alerts & the difference between a Watch & Warning: In general, a Watch means impacts are possible and you should monitor weather conditions; a Warning means impacts are expected or currently happening and you should take action NOW.

Take Action When a Storm Threatens
Have a go-bag ready to take things with you if you need to leave in a hurry. Plan for at least three days including all household members' needs and personal and property documents. Always follow directions from the authorities if an evacuation order or road closures have been issued.

Stay Safe During the Storm
Make sure to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and alerts and continue to listen to local officials. Even small changes in a storm's track can make a big difference. Seek shelter indoors on the lowest level, away from windows until the warnings expire. Following the storm, keep a safe distance from flooded and damaged areas and NEVER attempt to drive through flood waters.

Use Caution After Storms
Dangers remain after the skies clear. Do not let your guard down as nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.

• Be careful near damaged buildings watching for downed or loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage, including dangerous debris such as nails or glass.
• Turn Around Don't Drown! Flooded roads are very dangerous. It can be difficult to judge how deep or swift the water is or what damage has been caused to bridges or roads under
• the water. Don't walk through flood waters either as they contain harmful bacteria, chemicals, sharp objects or dangerous animals.
• Conduct Clean Up Safely: Stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, and clean up during cooler hours if possible. Know your limits as strain and stress can lead to heart attacks, heat strokes, and other serious issues.
• Be aware the emergency responders may be overwhelmed, and it could take hours or days for them to reach your area. Communication systems may be impacted making phone or video calls difficult. If possible, communicate via text, email or social media.