Hurricane Preparedness Day 4 Inland Flooding

Flooding is the most common hazard for the City of Richmond, and can happen as the result of many types of weather events.  Overland flooding occurs when a waterway such as the James River overflows its banks.  Flash flooding occurs within a few minutes of heavy rainfall and often comes with little to no warning time.  Localized flooding can occur as a result from drainage of storm water and exists on a much smaller scale than flash and overland. 

All types of flooding should be taken seriously.  Never underestimate the potential damage or harm that a flood can cause.  A foot of water can float most vehicles so avoid driving through flooded roadways.  Also do not walk through flood waters as they often contain harmful chemicals or debris that could potentially cause injury.  

Check out this video from the National Hurricane Center on Inland Flooding:

Try these flood risk scenarios for more on your risk for experiencing a flood and visit www.ready.gov/floods for more information on how to prepare. 

Hurricane Preparedness Day 3 Wind

Wind damage can result from a variety of significant weather events not just hurricanes.  Strong winds are a characteristic of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and nor’easters making wind damage is a year round risk for the Richmond area.  During a storm that has the potential for strong winds it is important to remember how to stay safe:

•  If  indoors, move away from windows and go to the your buildings lowest level
•  If outdoors, seek shelter immediately
• If in a mobile home, leave and take shelter in a sturdier building
• If driving, pull of the road away from trees and utility poles which have the potential to fall

Also don’t attempt to move downed power lines and report them to the power company.  Take precaution removing any downed trees from your property and seek professional assistance if able.  Check out this video from the National Hurricane Center to learn more about wind damage:

Hurricane Preparedness Day 2 Storm Surge

Today’s theme for Hurricane Preparedness Week is Storm Surge.  While storm surge does not impact Richmond, it does impact the coastal and tidewater areas of the state where many people vacation during the summer months which coincides with hurricane season.  Check out this video from NOAA on Storm Surge: 

Even though Richmond does not face the potential harm of storm surge, flooding is an issue with the proximity to the James River.  The tidal portion of the James River begins in Richmond and Wednesday's preparedness theme will address inland flooding so make sure you check back to find out about more about this hazard.  

Kick Off to Hurricane Preparedness Week

Today starts the week long National Hurricane Preparedness Campaign. Each day will feature a different topic ending with the start of Hurricane season on June 1^st.  Last June our Office kicked off hurricane season with the publication of our first newsletter, which soon transitioned into this blog.  Check out our first newsletter here.  The first day of Hurricane Preparedness Week starts with the basics of hurricanes, watch this video from the National Hurricane Center:

Do you know what you need to be prepared for hurricane season?  Consider starting by making a supply kit.  What items would your family need to shelter in place for 72 hours with no electricity?  Food and water are likely the first and very basic needs to stock.  Stocking non-perishable nutritious foods and one gallon of potable water per person per day for 3 days will be a great way to start building an emergency supply kit.  Start by adding a few extra grocery items each trip, by doing this will lessen the financial burden.  Additionally, remember that even non-perishable food and water have expiration dates so remember to check your kit regularly and replace items as needed. 

Other items to include in your emergency supply kit

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charge

Tornado’s Not Just a Hazard for the Midwest

The news tells the tragic tales of powerful storms that ravage entire communities leaving the residents mourning the loss of loved ones among piles of debris which was once described home.   It is easy to separate what is on the news, particularly when imagining these tornado stricken communities as being far-removed with the ‘it will never happen here’ mentality.  While tornado’s happen with more frequency in the Midwest than in Central Virginia, history indicates that between the years 1950 and 2007 a total of 8 tornados have occurred within the City of Richmond, an average of one tornado every seven years.  One of the most notable and strongest tornados to impact the area occurred in June of 1951.  This powerful F3[1]  touched down near Byrd Park and traversed the Fan crossing Broad Street at Belvidere.  The tornado traveled into the City’s Northside near Brookland Park Boulevard, a total of four miles.  Luckily no deaths occurred as a result of this storm but 100 people were left homeless and 1,000 buildings were damaged, totaling 1 million dollars. 

In October of 2010, the City’s Northside experienced another less powerful tornado which was classified as an EF 01.  The tornado touched down near North Boulevard and traveled northwest 11 miles into Hanover County.  More than 100 structures were damaged and several homes were destroyed.   No deaths were associated with this tornado. 

Both of these storms are an example of the risk Richmond residents face when it comes to these powerful storms.  Consider if the 1951 tornado happened today, the impact would be much larger due to the development of the area, population increase, and the dense commuter pedestrian and vehicular traffic. 

If you find yourself in a situation where a tornado is threatening it is important to know how to react.  If outside when the tornado occurs, try and seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building.  If you are unable to get to a sturdy building or safely drive to one, stay in your vehicle with the windows and doors shut with your seat belt on and cover your head with your arms.   If it is possible to get lower than the roadway leave your car and lie in that area.  It is not safe to get under an overpass or bridge.  If in a structure during a tornado go to a small interior room on the lowest floor if possible.  Stay away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls and put as many walls possible between you and the outside.  If in a manufactured building get out immediately and seek shelter in sturdy building.    

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[1] The Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale) replaced original Fujita Scale(F Scale) in 2007 assigns a rating based on estimated wind speed and related damage.  

Flooding a Year Round Hazard

April showers bring May flowers is the wisdom we are told but as we transition into spring and summer, shedding winter gear for outdoor activities and longer days, hazards also change.  No longer will our concerns be icy roads and snow accumulation, but rather our focus shifts to flooding.  Flooding can occur year round, but in the spring the risk is higher.  This is not only due to April showers, but flooding also occurs as a result of ice and snow melting at higher elevations or mountainous areas of the river.  Did you know that the James River is 348 miles long and forms in the Appalachian Mountains?  River flooding that occurs in Richmond may not be a direct result of an impact to the area, and could originate from other areas of Virginia.  This type of river flooding is referred to as overland flooding.  

Overland flooding on Riverside Drive January 2010

In addition to overland flooding, flash flooding can occur as a result of intense rainfall that occurs over a short period of time in a low lying area.  In addition to river flooding, localized flooding can occur in smaller areas as a result of storm drain blockage and development.  New development often contributes to flash flooding as new construction changes the natural drainage in an area. 

Hurricanes and tropical storms can leave an area devastated by floods.  Hurricane season for Virginia begins on June 1^st and continues to November 1^st of every year. 

It is important during any type of flood event to never drive through flooded roadways.  The depth of the water and the condition of the road underneath may not be noticeable.  Only six inches of water can cause most passenger cars to lose control or stall and a foot of water can float most vehicles.  Trucks and sport utility vehicles are not exceptions to this as two feet of water can carry them away.  After the storm has passed you may be tempted to walk through flood waters, but this is often dangerous as these waters can become contaminated with gasoline or raw sewage and be host to harmful debris.  

Join Richmond's Community Emergency Response Team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a nationally recognized volunteer program that is implemented through local emergency management offices.  Following a major disaster, first responders may not be able to meet the demand for services due to a variety of factors, so local CERT teams seek to fill that gap within the community.  The program trains CERT members in basic disaster response and allows them to recognize hazards and issues that may arise following an emergency or disaster in their community.   Having a community that is trained to support basic needs to fill the gaps in government response is critical. 

The City of Richmond Office of Emergency Management maintains a robust CERT program which has many active members that assist during non-emergency events.  By having a better prepared community the City becomes more resilient and able to recover and sustain more efficiently during an emergency situation that impacts a large amount of people.  In the aftermath of a disaster when people feel compelled to help their community and neighbors, the skills that the CERT program teaches become invaluable.  During non-emergency times, CERT members become advocates for emergency preparedness in the community by promoting the program and engaging individuals in the importance of being prepared at home and work.

  

CERT training is being offered twice in 2014, in April and August.  The program consists of 20.5 hours of training broken down into three Saturdays.  Dates are schedules for April 12^th, 19^th, and 26^th and August 16^th, 23^rd, and 30^th for more information on CERT visit www.richmondgov.com/fire/EM_Cert.aspx.   Use this form to register for the upcoming CERT program:  www.richmondgov.com/fire/documents/CERTRegistrationForm.pdf

The City of Richmond CERT participates in CPR training.  This additional training is offered to CERT members that have completed the 20.5 hour program.