How To Prepare For VA Hurricane Season During Global Pandemic

VIRGINIA — While the waters are calm it's a good time to prepare your property for the predicted active hurricane season along the Atlantic Coast, which has the added problem of a global pandemic complicating things. Experts say DC and Virginia residents should prepare for the hurricane season as usual this year, but with a few modifications and additions to their emergency plan to accommodate coronavirus precautions.

According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, people can expect a 60 percent chance of an above-normal hurricane season. The center anticipates between 13 to 19 named storms, of which six to 10 could develop into hurricanes. Three to six of those expected hurricanes could manifest into major hurricanes ranging from category three to five in intensity.

"As Americans focus their attention on a safe and healthy reopening of our country, it remains critically important that we also remember to make the necessary preparations for the upcoming hurricane season," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. "Just as in years past, NOAA experts will stay ahead of developing hurricanes and tropical storms and provide the forecasts and warnings we depend on to stay safe."

James Krempel with a Maryland office of emergency management, identified a dozen ways residents and businesses in the mid-Atlantic region can stay on top of changes in weather and other emergencies.

"Preparation should begin today while the weather is good and there's time to build a smart hurricane plan in advance. If you get properly prepared for a hurricane, you're ready for just about any natural disaster," Krempel told Patch.

Residents should perform the following safety precautions as soon as possible:

• Sign up for alerts and warnings from your county and state, as well as NOAA Weather Radio https://www.weather.gov/nwr/
• Make a plan - visit https://www.ready.gov/plan
• Coastal Virginians should learn their evacuation zone now and make a plan to prepare their home and business at KnowYourZoneVA.org.
• Save for a rainy day - visit https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness
• Practice emergency drills both at home and at the office
• Make and test a family communications plan

* Designate a central contact number with a family member or trusted friend, perhaps out of town * Text messages will go through when voice lines are overloaded

• Assemble or update emergency supplies - visit https://www.ready.gov/kit (includes CDC recommendations)
• Safeguard valuable documents both physically and digitally
• Visit DCR.virginia.gov/vfris to learn the flood risk for your home and business.• Contact an insurance agent or call the National Flood Insurance Program at 888.379.9531 or visit Floodsmart.gov purchase a flood insurance policy. Remember, it takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to take effect.
• All Virginians should store critical documentation in a safe place, documenting the condition of their property before damages occur with a camera or smartphone, purchasing emergency preparedness items to sustain your family for days or weeks after a disaster, and by making a family communication plan. Visit VAemergency.gov/hurricanes to learn more.
• Get involved in your community - take an emergency course, volunteer, request a preparedness presentation

The coronavirus pandemic requires everyone plan even more carefully for any emergency, Krempel said.

"This is especially true for older adults and people with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Remember the universal precautions during every step of your planning," he said.

Virginia Hurricane History

Just last September Tropical Storm Dorian caused flooding to coastal areas of the Commonwealth and some evacuations.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management reminded Commonwealth residents that hurricanes can affect much of the state. On Aug. 19, 1969, Hurricane Camille hit the state overnight and caused massive inland flooding and mudslides that killed 153 people. The storm remains Virginia's deadliest natural disaster 50 years later, the agency said.

Camille dropped 27 inches of rain — what is typically six months of precipitation — on Nelson County overnight. More than 100 bridges, roads or railways were washed away or damaged, and more than 900 buildings and structures damaged or destroyed in Virginia.

"Camille reminds us that hurricanes are a statewide threat, not just a coastal concern, as the worst damage occurred hundreds of miles inland," the agency said.

Health Precautions To Take
Residents should abide by the following guidelines even during the hurricane season, Krempel noted:

• Wear a face covering
• Observe social distancing of six or more feet
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash hands often for 20 seconds using soap and water or hand sanitizer
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
• It is safer to stay at home. If you are able to telework, do so.
• If you feel sick, stay home except to get medical care.
• Contact your healthcare professional to see whether you should be tested for coronavirus
• Call 911 if you have a medical emergency
• If you have any questions or want a free testing appointment call your county COVID hotline

Krempel also recommended not waiting for a hurricane watch to be issued, but instead, be sure to have a hurricane plan mapped out and emergency supplies already stocked up before danger strikes. Senior citizens in particular, along with all other residents, need to voluntarily evacuate well in advance of a storm to a safe location with a family member or friend.

Because the coronavirus pandemic is still present, Krempel said people need to be sure to wear a face covering and observe six-foot social distancing when leaving home during an evacuation. This fall, it's important to get a flu shot, too.

"It's better to take a short unplanned vacation with a friend in a potential hurricane than to be isolated in the storm's full fury. Plan ahead now to leave early with a companion, pack as if for a short vacation, include medications, arrange a ride if you don't have transportation, travel during daylight hours with a full tank of gas, stay on familiar roads and have a safe destination planned. If you have a pet, plan to take them along, too," Krempel said.

Everyone should have an emergency kit on hand, which should contain basic supplies for at least three days per person, Krempel said, which is the length of time it may take for emergency responders to reach someone after a major storm.

"Most of these things are common sense items you already have around the home. The key is assembling them in advance so you aren't scrambling around to gather supplies as a storm gets closer. Remember, your kit can cover any type of extended emergency or evacuation," he said.

Your emergency kit should include:

• One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation (for three days that equals a case of bottled water per person)

• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, to include pets
• Baby formula and diapers, if applicable
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Personal toiletries and prescription medicines
• Medical items such as glasses, hearing aids (extra batteries), walkers, oxygen, etc
• During the pandemic, we recommend adding a homemade cloth mask
• Cell phone with charger
• Local maps for evacuation (if your smart phone goes out)
• Don't forget to secure important papers (passports, insurance information, medical information, deeds, wills, cherished photos) in a waterproof container or Ziploc bags.

Power Outages

When the power goes out during a storm, an emergency kit should contain two flashlights and spare batteries as mentioned in the list above, which is safer than candles. Cell phones should always be charged, as should radios.

Krempel recommends turning refrigerators and freezers to maximum cold if a loss of power seems likely, and keeping doors closed when the power goes out. An unopened refrigerator will keep perishable food safe for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature safe for about 48 hours.

"Beyond that you'll have to rely on non-perishable food. If you use canned goods, have a manual can opener. If you have a home generator be sure it is properly installed, fueled and located in an area safe to operate to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning or fire. And if you or a family member rely on electric-powered medical equipment, have a working generator or plan to move to a location with steady power," he said.