Prepare now for the 2023 hurricane season

Published 7:29 pm Friday, June 30, 2023

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Virginia’s governor is urging residents to prepare now for this year’s hurricane season that lasts through November 30.

“It is imperative that Virginians take preparedness seriously,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “Now is the time to prepare your families and property, check your insurance coverage, and identify those trusted sources of information that can help keep you safe.”

For comprehensive information on preparedness, response, and recovery activities, please review the updated 2023 Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide, which not only includes evacuation information, but also highlights actions to take in the event of tropical weather.

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Youngkin said residents cannot ignore the fact that storms that start in the lower Atlantic or Gulf States also have the potential to come north and cause significant damage. 

“This is why we encourage all Virginians across the commonwealth to take the time to become prepared,” Youngkin said. 

This year, he said the state has developed a new Hurricane Preparedness – Inland Impacts Guide specifically designed for our communities that are not located along the coastline.

“There is an immense return on investment for taking steps to ensure personal preparedness,” said Shawn Talmadge, state coordinator at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “It not only relieves the stress of scrambling prior to an impending storm, but can also save lives, mitigate damages, and shorten the time it takes for individuals and communities to recover.”

Take the time now to review all insurance policies, secure property and create a plan that includes arrangements for your pets or those that may need extra assistance. 

The following are some critical steps to ensure everyone’s safety.

Know your zone. Evacuation may become necessary depending on the track and severity of the storm. Review Virginia’s evacuation zones at KnowYourZoneVA.org. Users can enter their physical address in the search bar of the website to view and confirm their designated evacuation zone.

 

Complete a family communication plan. Prepare for how everyone will assemble and communicate with family and loved ones. Identify meeting locations and anticipate where to go. Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance on family communications plans is at ready.gov/plan-form.

Check insurance coverage. Remember, there may be a waiting period (typically 30 days) for a flood insurance policy to become effective, and be aware that not all storm-related losses, such as flooding, are covered under traditional policies. Now is the time to review coverage and contact an insurance agent for any changes. Those not insured against floods can talk to an insurance agent, shop private flood insurance or visit floodsmart.gov. For renters, now is the time to ensure there is adequate coverage to protect belongings. It is also imperative to have adequate coverage on all insurance policies to ensure it reflects current home values and replacement costs.

Make an emergency kit. Assemble an emergency kit that includes nonperishable food, water, medication, sanitary supplies, radios, extra batteries, and important documents. Learn more about building an emergency supply kit at ready.gov/kit .

Stay informed. Identify where to go for trusted sources of information during emergencies. Check with the local emergency management office to sign up for alerts that go directly to a phone or email. Be sure to monitor local news for watches and warnings in the area and follow directions of local officials. Power outages are always a concern during weather events—make sure to have a battery-operated radio available to receive life-saving alerts.

There are many resources available to assist with hurricane planning efforts. Learn more about preparing against hurricane threats (and other disasters) at vaemergency.gov/prepare and ready.gov/hurricanes.