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Preparing for an emergency requires proper planning. One
should know what to do in case of hurricanes/tropical storms, flash
floods, and tornadoes as well as other emergencies. Supplies
should be stocked, families should know what their emergency plans
are, they should be aware of evacuation plans for the area,
and alternative communication strategies should be identified.
Additional information about how to stay safe during an emergency
is available at:
We recommend that each Middle Plantaion family visit City of
Virginia Beach website shown above and obtain a custom hurricane
report for your home, click on download a
custom hurricane report. Enter your property address. At that
point you will be given four rather interesting choices regarding
your home - 1. a quick map, 2. a hurricane report, 3.
Geo-information, and 4. tax information. Each of these
contains interesting information which should be reviewed. For
hurricane planning the custom report is invaluable.
A listing of all City shelters maybe found at the same site
under
Emergency Shelters. The city recommends Cox Highschool.
Other information available on the site include storm surge
maps, actions to take before, during and after the event,
evacuation routes, additional family planning information including
plans for seniors, the disabled, pets, home cleanup and
renovation.
Hurricane Information
According to the Virginia Department of Emergency Services,
there are three simple, low-cost steps that Virginians can take to
prepare for an Tropical Storm or Hurricane:
Make an emergency supply kit. A kit includes,
among other things, essential items to last at least three
days, such as a battery-powered radio and extra batteries,
food and water, flashlights, a first aid kit and medications.
Create a communications plan. Discuss what your
family would do during an actual emergency. Decide on a meeting
place if your family cannot return home, designate an out-of-town
friend or relative as a point-of-contact and plan for the specific
needs of your household, such as an evacuation shelter for pets or
transportation for medical equipment.
Listen for the most local, up-to-date information from
emergency officials. Local media will give details about
evacuation orders, how to safely stay where you are and when the
emergency has passed.
Tornadoes
Know the difference between a tornado watch and warning:
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- A tornado WATCH means weather conditions are
favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and
tornadoes.
- A tornado WARNING means a tornado has actually
been sighted. Warnings are issued for individual counties and
include the tornado's location, direction and speed. If you are in
or near its path, seek shelter immediately. Don't attempt to look
for the tornado. Many Virginia tornadoes are obscured by rain and
may not be visible at all or until it is too late to take
cover.
- Know the names of the counties, cities and towns near you. It
will be easier to track the tornado's direction if you are familiar
with the geography of your area.
- Find appropriate shelter and protecting yourself while there.
The best place to be during a tornado is an interior, windowless
room on the lowest level of a sturdy building. If you are outside,
in your automobile or in a mobile home, seek shelter in a sturdy
building. If none is available, lie down flat in a ditch or
depression and cover your head with your arms. Mobile homes are
extremely unsafe during tornadoes
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