Monday, May 7, 2018

Spring Weather Edition

Flood Awareness

Richmond has a rich history on the water and underwater. It wasn’t all that long ago that Hurricane Gaston (2004) inundated downtown Richmond with flooding up to 10ft in many areas, causing over $20 million in damages. This was even after the construction of the Richmond Flood Protection System (flood wall) which was built after the historic 1972 flooding caused by Hurricane Agnes. Even well-prepared communities can suffer from floods, it can happen almost anywhere. Living behind a flood wall or in an area not considered to be a flood plain does not mean you’re immune from risk.  As recently as February of 2018, flood waters rose so high that the RVA Flood Wall had to be closed to mitigate flood risk. Even the most prepared cities can fall victim to a flood disaster. It is your responsibility to know your risk, stay informed, and be prepared!

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What You Need to Know About Floods

  • Flooding can happen in many parts of all 50 states and during any time of the year
  • You should take extra steps to be prepared if you live in a low-lying area near a body of water or downstream from a dam or levee.
  • Flooding can occur in several ways
    • Rivers cannot contain excessive rain, or the rain cannot be fully absorbed into the ground
    • Waterways are blocked, or water containment systems fail
    • Strong storm systems cause storm surges pushing water inland
  • The speed and duration of flooding can vary, it can occur very quickly (flash floods) or it can occur slowly as rain falls over many days.
  • It is important to understand your flood risks. Talk to your insurance agent about flood insurance, as standard insurance policies do NOT cover flood damage.
  • Have an evacuation plan. If you live in a low-lying area that may be at risk for flooding you should know where you’ll go during an evacuation.
  • Have an emergency kit with three days of essential supplies, medication, and important documents
  • Know how to stay informed! There are several ways you can stay informed of weather emergencies in your area.
    • Download a weather app on your phone and check weather frequently to be aware of hazardous weather before it happens
    • Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio to receive weather alerts at home
    • Sign up for alerts from the National Weather Service and Richmond’s Code Red Emergency Alert System
    • Tune in to WRIR 97.3 FM during an emergency for official information

Know the difference between a flood watch and flood warning!
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Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
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Learn More about Flood Safety:


Tornado Awareness

Like floods, tornadoes can happen anywhere and during any time of the year. Tornadoes do NOT avoid cities, they don’t avoid anything in their path. While Virginia isn’t part of “Tornado Alley” they are still a frequent occurrence in our state. In 2004 there were 87 recorded tornadoes in Virginia, in 2017 there were 25. Being prepared for tornadoes is your responsibility, but we have some tips for you.

Tornado that recently hit Manila (RADYO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/PHOTO GRAB FROM KAREN MADRIGAL)

Stay informed!
There are several ways you can find out about tornadoes in your area


Know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning
Tornado with stormy blue-grey sky. Text reads: Tornado Warning: A tornado is happening or imminent. Take shelter immediately. vs. Tornado Watch: A tornado is possible. Stay tuned to local radio/TV for info. Know where you'll shelter if you have to. Footer includes FEMA logo and NWS logo. Photo credit: OAR/ERL/National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)


Know How to Stay Safe During a Tornado:
    • Identify safe rooms at home, at school, and at work so you know where to take shelter. These rooms should be on the lowest level of the building and as far away from windows and exterior walls as possible. Get down low and protect your head.
    • If you’re in a vehicle, buckle your seatbelt and keep your head down with your head covered. Do not try to seek shelter under a bridge.
    • If you’re not in a vehicle or building, seek shelter in a ditch. Lie down and cover your head.
    • Stay sheltered until the all-clear is given by your local officials


Learn More About Tornado Safety:

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