Be Prepared for Severe Weather

Be Prepared for Severe Weather

Tornadoes hit Virginia; hurricane season arrives

During April, at least 30 tornadoes hit Virginia, destroying 212 homes and damaging more than 1,000. Neighboring states have recently experienced tornadoes and record flooding. And hurricane season starts June 1. Are you ready for severe weather?

Natural disasters can be devastating. We can’t prevent them, but we can take steps to protect our families and our property.

Follow these steps to stay safe before, during and after severe weather:

• Follow the instructions of local and state officials.
• Listen to local radio and TV stations for updated emergency information.
• Get the latest weather information from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov.
• Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio or battery-powered/hand crank radio with a NOAA Weather Band.
• Make sure you have a safe place to go in case severe weather approaches, such as the lower level of a sturdy building, a basement or a crawl space.
• Do not drive or walk through floodwater. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths.Turn around and find another route if a road is flooded – it is almost always more dangerous than it appears.
• Have a family emergency plan. Everyone should know what to do in case family members are not together when severe weather happens. Get a plan sheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov.
• Evacuate immediately if advised to do so.
• Keep emergency supplies on hand, including three days’ non-perishable food and water, flashlights and batteries, first aid kit, medicines.

For more on getting ready for a tornado, severe storm, flooding or a hurricane, go towww.ReadyVirginia.gov or www.ListoVirginia.gov.