This weekend, as Virginians are preparing for Hurricane Sandy to make landfall, there are practical steps you can take before the storm and afterwards to ensure your safety.
You can follow Hurricane Sandy updates at the National Weather Service - National Hurricane Center.
State agencies are preparing for Hurricane Sandy in the following ways:
- The Commonwealth has activated the Virginia Emergency Response Team.
- The Virginia Emergency Operations Center is coordinating the state's response with increased staffing available 24 hours a day.
- Virginia State Police personnel have been placed on stand-by and will be pre-positioned to the areas where they will be needed based on the final projected path of the hurricane. The Virginia State Police Swift Water Rescue Team is standing by in strategic locations.
- Chainsaw crews from the Virginia Department of Forestry are standing by with emergency response personnel and to help with debris removal.
- Virginia Department of Transportation crews are ready to clear roads and ensure roads are safe for travel.
- The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring personnel on state active duty and begin prepositioning resources.
- The Virginia Department of Health is coordinating with hospitals and long-term care facilities to ensure that they are prepared for storm impacts.
BEFORE AND DURING THE STORM
Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide. Review this information from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on what to do if you need to evacuate your homes.
Be Informed. Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.
Compile an Emergency Kit. Use this downloadable checklist to ensure you have necessary supplies on hand.
Family Emergency Plan. Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.
Options for Protection. Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you stay where you are or evacuate. You should understand and plan for both possibilities.
Hurricane Safety Checklist. Review this Hurricane Safety Checklist from the American Red Cross to prepare for the dangers of a hurricane.
Severe Weather Checklist. Learn the steps to take before, during, and after severe weather hits.
Protect Your Home from Wind Damage. Follow these steps to protect your home from hurricane wind damage.
Warning Systems and Signals. Stay informed during a disaster through emergency broadcasts.
Subscribe to alert services. Many communities have developed systems that will send text messages or emails alerting you to local emergencies or bad weather. Check the community information page to find ways that you can be alerted for hurricane situations or sign up for local alerts:
Amelia County
Phone: 804-561-3914/ 804-561-3039
Emergency Website: http://www.ameliacova.com/department/view/24/
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts: http://www.emergencyemail.org/add.asp?src=&lc=07510
This weekend, as Virginians are preparing for Hurricane Sandy to make landfall, there are practical steps you can take before the storm and afterwards to ensure your safety.
You can follow Hurricane Sandy updates at the National Weather Service - National Hurricane Center.
State agencies are preparing for Hurricane Sandy in the following ways:
Be Informed. Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.
Compile an Emergency Kit. Use this downloadable checklist to ensure you have necessary supplies on hand.
Family Emergency Plan. Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.
Options for Protection. Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you stay where you are or evacuate. You should understand and plan for both possibilities.
Hurricane Safety Checklist. Review this Hurricane Safety Checklist from the American Red Cross to prepare for the dangers of a hurricane.
Severe Weather Checklist. Learn the steps to take before, during, and after severe weather hits.
Protect Your Home from Wind Damage. Follow these steps to protect your home from hurricane wind damage.
Warning Systems and Signals. Stay informed during a disaster through emergency broadcasts.
Subscribe to alert services. Many communities have developed systems that will send text messages or emails alerting you to local emergencies or bad weather. Check the community information page to find ways that you can be alerted for hurricane situations or sign up for local alerts:
Amelia County
Phone: 804-561-3914/ 804-561-3039
Emergency Website: http://www.ameliacova.com/department/view/24/
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts: http://www.emergencyemail.org/add.asp?src=&lc=07510
This weekend, as Virginians are preparing for Hurricane Sandy to make landfall, there are practical steps you can take before the storm and afterwards to ensure your safety.
You can follow Hurricane Sandy updates at the National Weather Service - National Hurricane Center.
State agencies are preparing for Hurricane Sandy in the following ways:
- The Commonwealth has activated the Virginia Emergency Response Team.
- The Virginia Emergency Operations Center is coordinating the state's response with increased staffing available 24 hours a day.
- Virginia State Police personnel have been placed on stand-by and will be pre-positioned to the areas where they will be needed based on the final projected path of the hurricane. The Virginia State Police Swift Water Rescue Team is standing by in strategic locations.
- Chainsaw crews from the Virginia Department of Forestry are standing by with emergency response personnel and to help with debris removal.
- Virginia Department of Transportation crews are ready to clear roads and ensure roads are safe for travel.
- The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring personnel on state active duty and begin prepositioning resources.
- The Virginia Department of Health is coordinating with hospitals and long-term care facilities to ensure that they are prepared for storm impacts.
For information about preparing for Hurricane Sandy and for regular updates, visit http://www.vaemergency.gov/. For general information about the storm, dial 211. The Virginia Evacuation Coordination Team for Operational Response, along with the Virginia Department of Transportation, has created preparedness videos on hurricane evacuations and emergency supplies that can be viewed on YouTube or at www.ReadyVirginia.gov. In addition, I have compiled a list of resources to help you this week before, during, and after the hurricane.
BEFORE AND DURING THE STORM
Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide. Review this information from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on what to do if you need to evacuate your homes.
Be Informed. Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.
BEFORE AND DURING THE STORM
Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide. Review this information from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on what to do if you need to evacuate your homes.
Be Informed. Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.
Compile an Emergency Kit. Use this downloadable checklist to ensure you have necessary supplies on hand.
Family Emergency Plan. Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.
Options for Protection. Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you stay where you are or evacuate. You should understand and plan for both possibilities.
Hurricane Safety Checklist. Review this Hurricane Safety Checklist from the American Red Cross to prepare for the dangers of a hurricane.
Severe Weather Checklist. Learn the steps to take before, during, and after severe weather hits.
Protect Your Home from Wind Damage. Follow these steps to protect your home from hurricane wind damage.
Warning Systems and Signals. Stay informed during a disaster through emergency broadcasts.
Subscribe to alert services. Many communities have developed systems that will send text messages or emails alerting you to local emergencies or bad weather. Check the community information page to find ways that you can be alerted for hurricane situations or sign up for local alerts:
Options for Protection. Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you stay where you are or evacuate. You should understand and plan for both possibilities.
Hurricane Safety Checklist. Review this Hurricane Safety Checklist from the American Red Cross to prepare for the dangers of a hurricane.
Severe Weather Checklist. Learn the steps to take before, during, and after severe weather hits.
Protect Your Home from Wind Damage. Follow these steps to protect your home from hurricane wind damage.
Warning Systems and Signals. Stay informed during a disaster through emergency broadcasts.
Subscribe to alert services. Many communities have developed systems that will send text messages or emails alerting you to local emergencies or bad weather. Check the community information page to find ways that you can be alerted for hurricane situations or sign up for local alerts:
Amelia County
Phone: 804-561-3914/ 804-561-3039
Emergency Website: http://www.ameliacova.com/department/view/24/
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts: http://www.emergencyemail.org/add.asp?src=&lc=07510
Brunswick County
Phone: 434-390-2358
Emergency Website: http://www.brunswickfireandrescue.org/hurricanes.html
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts: https://www.brunswickalert.com/index.php?CCheck=1
City of Chesapeake
Phone: 757-382-6464/757-382-2489
Emergency Website: http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Government/City-Departments/Departments/fire/emergman.htm?
Emergency Alerts: http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Government/City-Departments/Departments/Information-Technology-Department/01chesapeake_alert.htm
Chesterfield County
Phone: (804) 796-7068, (804) 751-2378
Emergency Website: http://www.chesterfield.gov/EmergencyManagement.aspx?id=25
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts: http://www.emergencyemail.org/add.asp?src=&lc=41510
City of Colonial Heights
Phone: 804-520-9300
Emergency Website: http://www.colonial-heights.com/index.aspx?NID=205
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts: http://www.colonial-heights.com/index.aspx?nid=174
Dinwiddie County
Phone: 804-469-5388, 804-469-3799
Emergency Website: http://www.dinwiddieva.us/county-depts/fire-rescue/Emergency%20Information/index.asp
Sign up emergency alerts: http://www.emergencyemail.org/add.asp?src=&lc=53510
City of Emporia
Phone: 434-637-3697 (Emergency Management), 434-634-2121 (Police Dispatcher, Option 6)
Website: http://www.ci.emporia.va.us/dc.html
Sign up emergency alerts: https://cne.coderedweb.com/Default.aspx?groupid=BDHiW7DuvPkrMJHBrN3CaA==
City of Franklin
Phone: 757-562-8575 (Police/ Emergency Aid Dispatcher)
Website: http://www.franklinva.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29&Itemid=167
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts: http://www.franklinva.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=228
Greensville County
Phone: 434-348-4205
Website: http://www.greensvillecountyva.gov/Public%20Safety/publicsafe.html
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts: http://www.emergencyemail.org/add.asp?src=&lc=81510
City of Hopewell
Phone: (804) 541-2275, (804) 541-2298
Emergency Website: http://www.hopewellva.gov/data/publish/codered.shtml
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts: https://cne.coderedweb.com/Default.aspx?groupid=sUVLTJ7H04b6b%2bcahCtlcw%3d%3d
Isle of Wight County
Phone: 757-365-6308
Emergency Website: http://www.co.isle-of-wight.va.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=622&Itemid=84
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts: https://www.iwalert.net/index.php?CCheck=1
Nottoway County
Phone: 434-635-9044
Emergency Website: http://www.nottoway.org/emergencies.shtml
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts: http://www.emergencyemail.org/add.asp?src=&lc=35511
City of Petersburg
Phone: 804-733-2328
Emergency Website: http://www.petersburg-va.org/fire/index.asp
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts: http://www.emergencyemail.org/add.asp?src=&lc=30517
Powhatan County
Phone: 804-598-4878
Emergency Website: http://www.powhatanva.gov/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={50D9F322-9F4D-4E8C-8CAC-55AD9BE336F5}
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: http://www.powhatanva.com/emergency.htm
Prince George County
Phone: 804-733-2659
Emergency Website: http://www.princegeorgeva.org/index.aspx?page=107
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: http://www.princegeorgeva.org/Index.aspx?page=704
Southampton County
Phone: 757-653-2100
Website: http://www.southamptoncounty.org/T0.aspx?PID=2
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: https://cne.coderedweb.com/Default.aspx?groupid=cx0CWxZxvkv1QP710yURGA%3d%3d
City of Suffolk
Phone: 757-514-4536
Emergency Website: http://www.suffolkva.us/em/
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: https://suffolk.onthealert.com/Terms/Index/?ReturnUrl=%2f
Sussex County
Phone: 434-246-1044 or 434-246-8224 (Emergency Operation Center)
Emergency Website: http://www.sussexcountyva.gov/departments/view/Public-Safety
Red Cross
Southeastern Virginia Chapter
American Red Cross
611 W. Brambleton Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510-1004
Phone: 757-446-7700
Greater Richmond Chapter
American Red Cross
420 East Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-780-2250
Southside Area Chapter
American Red Cross
3267 A South Crater Road
Petersburg, VA 23805
Phone: 804-733-5711
Key Twitter Handles to Follow for Constant Updates on Storm Recovery, Resources, and Progress:
Preparing for Power Outages. Dominion Power suggests updating your account with the phone number you plan to use when reporting your outage. This step will ensure immediate access of your account for faster reporting without having to speak to someone. Phone numbers can be updated on-line or by calling the special phone number update line - 1-800-222-0401. Make sure cell phones and laptops are fully charged so they can be used in the event of a power outage. Contact information for all electric companies who service Virginia is as follows:
Dominion Power: 1-866-DOM-HELP or 1-866-366-4357Old Dominion Electric Cooperative: 1-804-747-0592
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative: 1-800-367-2832
Prince George Electric Cooperative: 1-804-834-2424
Southside Electric Cooperative: 1-866-878-5514
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative: 1-888-335-0500
Columbia Gas of Virginia: 1-800-544-5606
During the storm, if electricity is interrupted. Dominion Power offers these practical tips for dealing with power outages during the storm.
-Turn off major appliances such as heat pumps, water heaters and stoves. Unplug other appliances such as TVs, stereos, microwaves and computers. This will prevent damage to appliances and possible overloads to the company's system when power is restored.
-Post a list of contents on your freezer door to minimize the number of times you open it.
-Leave one lamp or light on so you will be able to recognize when power is restored.
-Frozen food can last up to three days. It is safe to eat if it still has ice crystals at the center.
-If using portable or camp-type stoves or lanterns for cooking and lighting, ensure that the area is adequately ventilated.
AFTER THE STORM
-Power Restoration Process
Key Contacts
-Coping with Outages
Food Safety, Using a Generator
-Essential Items , Like Water and Ice
Obtaining Drinking Water, Water Safety
-Returning Home and Dealing with Home Damage
Surveying Your Home for Damage
-Tree and Debris Removal
Locality Debris Removal, Chainsaw Safety
-Flooding
Cleaning a Flooded Basement, Saving Important Documents, Flood Insurance
-Transportation and Roadways
Roadways Information, Reporting Roadway Hazards, Safety Precautions
-Getting in Touch with Family Members
Sending Messages to Service Members
-Internet, Cable and Phone Service
Key Contact Information
-Insurance Claims
What Insurance Covers, Preparing to File Claims
For additional resources on Hurricane Sandy, visit my website here.
Yours in Service,
Congressman J. Randy Forbes
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