VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network

Hurricane Awareness Guidance

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over warm ocean waters and move toward land. Potential threats from hurricanes include powerful winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, tornadoes, and landslides. 
 
IF YOU ARE UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY
•Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
              ◦Evacuate if told to do so.
•Listen for emergency information and alerts.
•Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
 Prepare NOW
•If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
•Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.
•Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
•Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.

When a hurricane is 36 hours from arriving
•Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
•Restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
•Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
•Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
 
When a hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving
•Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
•Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
•Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
 
When a hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving
•Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
 
When a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving
•If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
•Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
•Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
•Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
 
Survive DURING
•If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
•If sheltering during high winds, go to a FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter, or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor that is not subject to flooding.
•If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
•Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
•Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.
•Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
•Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
 
Be Safe AFTER
•Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
•Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
•Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
•Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
•Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
•Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.