VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – September is National Preparedness Month. The nationwide observance is designed to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies.
In a study by Talker Research, it found that 90% of Americans consider preparation for extreme weather critical, but less than half have a plan in place.
“So whether it’s hurricane[s], snowstorms, or even manmade incidents, we do emphasize preparedness throughout the year,” said Danielle Spach, the Virginia Beach Mitigation Program Manager.
Create an emergency preparedness plan that is tailored to local disaster risks. That can include emergency contacts and health or medical information.
“If a storm does approach, get food, water, and supplies to make sure you’re able to sustain yourself for a few days, and just make sure that you have everything that you, your family, and your pets may need, and especially think about the people around you, too,” said Ricky Matthews, Emergency Planner with Norfolk.
Build a kit with non-perishable food that can last at least one week, flashlights, and a first-aid kit. Consider having backup power sources and keeping a set of clothes for all family members.
An Old Dominion University study says people who live in the Hampton Roads area say they think flooding will be an issue that will persist for years to come, so building a kit can help you and your family if flooding or other emergencies happen.
Spach says plan for your personal belongings too.
“So whether that’s taking pictures of your property, whether you own or rent, so that you’re able to have up-to-date photos in case there’s damage,” said Spach.
Matthews said pets are family too, so don’t forget to plan for them.
“You should have a good leash and even a crate if they’re crate trained, just in case you have to evacuate your house. If you do have to leave your house too and go to one of the City of Norfolk shelters, all of them are pet friendly,” said Matthews. “A lot of people microchip their pets, but then they don’t change their phone number. Change your address if they moved, or if their pets are getting older and don’t have an updated picture of them.”
The seven cities of Hampton Roads have disaster plans in place for their residents:
Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach Emergency Management created the “ReadyVB” Campaign, which aims to ensure residents have the tools they need to prepare for disasters and build resilience before disaster strikes. The city also has an alert system called VBAlert.
There is a template that residents can download to create a personalized emergency preparedness plan.
Norfolk: Team Norfolk plans says it is best to create a emergency communication plan. It has a Norfolk Alert system that is its primary system for emergency-related messaging but has a second system, IPAWS, the wireless emergency alerts. It also says to know your zone for possible evacuations.
Chesapeake: The Office of Emergency Management works to prepare plans, policies and procedures for city operations when responding to and mitigating against natural or man-made disasters. It also has an alert system, which you can click here to sign up.
Hampton: The Hampton Office of Emergency management is responsible for preparing the city for responding to and recovering from disasters both natural and man-made. Click here to sign up for the link to be notified for “Hampton Emergency Alerts.”
Newport News: Newport News Division of Emergency Management (DEM) is the local public safety organization providing comprehensive, risk-based and coordinated emergency management operations. Click here for information on how to create a family preparedness plan. The city additionally has a NNALERT system, where residents can sign up to receive emergency notifications and other alerts.
Portsmouth: Portsmouth Emergency Management works year-round to build a resilient community that is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently to natural, human-caused, and technological disasters. It has a full page for National Preparedness Month, which can be found here. The city’s alert system, PortsAlerts, allows people to receive phone calls, text messages and emails. Sign up here!
Suffolk: The Emergency Management page gives you a list of guides and tips to prepare ahead of a disaster. Click here to learn more about the alert system. The Suffolk Local Emergency Planning Committee has analyzed the hazards that pose the greatest threat or risk to our community so that we may suggest guidance on how to best organize available resources to manage these emergencies.
