Florence continues to strengthen and will likely be a major hurricane by the time it nears the North Carolina Coast. Regardless of the storm’s path, many areas could be subject to strong winds, flooding rains and power outages.
Are You Prepared For A Hurricane? Here’s What You Need To Know.
All VA residents can dial 2-1-1 to reach a trained call specialist who can help them find shelters and learn evacuation routes, find help with storm clean-up, locate food, water and ice, learn about volunteer needs and more. The service is available 24/7 and is available in English and Spanish. Visit 211Virginia.org
Hurricane Resources:
- National Hurricane Center Storm Tracking
- National Hurricane Center Preparedness
- VA Dept of Emergency Management
- Hurricane Preparedness for Pets
Make A Disaster Kit
Prepare for the storm by creating a Disaster Kit or making an emergency plan.
Some items to prepare are:
- Water: Buy plenty of bottled water to keep on hand or fill your own bottles
- Food: Stock up on nonperishable food such as canned foods, peanut butter, granola bars
- Food Prep: Keep Charcoal, Wood (for the fireplace) or Gas (for a gas grill) on hand in case of power outages
- Ice: Freeze a gallon jug of water to keep your refrigerator or freezer cool in the case of a power outage. Can’t find water jugs? Fill gallon ziplock bags and freeze them. Not only will your food stay cool, you can drink the water too!
- Clothing and Bedding: Remember that your air conditioner or furnace may be out if the power is out. Have appropriate clothing and bedding available for high or low temperatures
- First Aid Kit: Make sure your First Aid Kit is easily accessible and stocked
- Batteries: Stock up on batteries for radios and flashlights
