If a Disaster Occurred Tomorrow, Would You Be Ready?

The City of Richmond Office of Emergency Management, in support of National Preparedness Month, is partnering with Target at 7107 Forest Hill Avenue Richmond 23225 to host an outreach event open to all residents on Saturday, September 13^th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. There will be food, giveaways and information on becoming prepared. Representatives from Richmond Police, Fire, 911-Communications, Ambulance Authority and the American Red Cross will join the Office of Emergency Management. Event attendees can join in the nationwide preparedness conversation by tagging images they post on social media with #NatlPrep.

Sponsored annually by the Federal Emergency Management Agency September is designated as National Preparedness Month. This whole community-based initiative aims to educate and empower citizens to prepare for and respond to all types of hazards, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. This year’s preparedness slogan is ‘Be Disaster Aware and Take Action to Prepare’.

National Preparedness Month is a time to prepare yourself and those in your care for emergencies and disasters, both large and small. Emergencies can happen unexpectedly in communities like Richmond. Tornadoes, river and flash floods, snowstorms, an earthquake, and even widespread power outages have impacted Richmond and often can last for many days.

As commendable as they may be in their profession of assisting those in need, public safety officials may not always be able to reach residents quickly in an emergency or disaster. In order to assist public safety officials and the community, residents are encouraged to prepare their homes and families to be self sufficient for at minimum 72 hours following an incident.  Do not forget to include in the preparedness discussions and planning any loved ones that may rely on outside care for their daily needs. The more residents who are prepared, the quicker the whole community will recover.

Early Season Hurricane Threats

In June of 1972, the first named storm of the season developed over the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Agnes would impact the area as a tropical depression causing $222 million dollars worth of damage in Virginia alone. Agnes caused the James River to Crest at 36.5 feet and inundated the water supply for the City and most critical infrastructure. Agnes remains a storm of record for Richmond and much of Virginia.

Path of Hurricane Agnes 

As many on the East Coast embrace for this year’s first named storm Arthur, it is a good time to remember that hurricanes can form anytime between June 1st and November 30th. Typically Virginia experiences hurricanes later in the season; Agnes and Arthur serve as a reminder that this is not always true. It is important to prepare yourself before the start of hurricane season.

River flooding from Agnes 

Remember to make a plan for your family. Hurricanes come with advance warning so take that time to prepare, have a family communications plan, and take into consideration family members that may rely on you for additional support. Check your emergency kit to make sure you have enough food and water for your family, and don’t forget pets too. Check flashlights, radios, and batteries to make sure they are in working order. You may want to fill up your vehicle with fuel as power outages can render gas stations inoperable. Don’t forget to have cash on hand as after a disaster stores may offer goods but are only able to accept cash due to power outages. Lastly, remember to pay attention to local forecasts and follow official shelter in place or evacuation orders, as hurricane tracks and intensity change frequently. The City of Richmond has a partnership with WRIR 97.3 FM to provide timely and accurate warnings when a threat is imminent or occurring.

Hurricane Preparedness Day 7 Taking Action

It is important to remember that after the storm can be just as dangerous as before.  Downed power lines and trees can leave you isolated.  Flooded roadways can be dangerous to drive though, and often contain toxins harmful for human contact.  Try to practice caution when recovering from a hurricane, which occur in the summer months when temperatures can be dangerously hot and humid.  Remember to stay hydrated and not overexert yourself trying to clean up after a hurricane.  Don’t forget pets too, they feel the effects of hot temperatures often quicker than their human owners.  Have enough clean drinking water for them and your family.   For more information watch this video from the National Hurricane Center:

Get a Plan! Preparedness Day 6

During a hurricane Richmond residents will likely be told to shelter in place rather than evacuate, unless you live in a low lying area near the James River.  Sheltering in place and avoid traveling during the storm is advised.  Having a plan to shelter in place and a family communication plan is critical to being prepared.  Often major storms can impact or overwhelm communications infrastructure, making it difficult to call and communicate to your loved ones locally.  Consider identifying a friend or relative out of town that family members can call and check in with to report their safety and well being.  Oftentimes it is easier to make a call out of the impacted area than it is to make calls locally.  Also consider having a plan to be self sufficient at home for 72 hours or 3 days without electricity. 

Watch this video from the National Hurricane Center on planning for hurricane season:

After the Forecast Hurricane Preparedness Day 5

 Forecasts are what local emergency managers rely on, the accuracy and detail matter a great deal to the decisions made at the local level.  For hurricanes, advancements in technology allows forecasters to predict where the storm will make landfall and what intensity.   Once the storm begins approaching and the path is becoming more defined, watches and warnings will be issued for the impacted areas.  Local Emergency Management Offices begin monitoring the information soon after these storms form.  Coordination occurs with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and neighboring emergency management organizations.  Once it is apparent that the storm will impact the Richmond area, the City takes steps to mitigate potential issues as well as notify residents of what to expect and how to prepare for their families.  Widespread power outages are expected with large storms such as hurricanes, and preparedness is centered on what you would need to shelter in place for three days with no electricity.  With any storm it is important to follow local forecasts and be aware of the expected or potential impact.  Follow instructions given by local officials on how to protect yourself and your family.  

Watch this video from the National Hurricane Center on forecasting hurricanes:

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: