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Hurricane Readiness Tips, Good Advice

  • 22 June 2023
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With hurricane season lasting through Nov. 30, emergency officials offer important reminders about readiness. Taking precautions and adhering to safety advisories can increase survival chances, save lives, and positively affect recovery efforts.

While personal and family safety are top priorities, workspace preservation will also be necessary. Consider a few steps to reduce impact from severe weather including:

Create a plan for protecting files, records and valuable equipment,
Obtain and store needed supplies such as plastic sheeting to cover equipment and files,
Discuss preparatory actions with team members and assign responsibilities, and
Update and distribute emergency and contact information to team members and Human Resources.

 

A few tips for around the home:

Create a family plan that includes an emergency kit and supplies that can sustain self-sufficiency for three to seven days or more including food, water, blankets, fuel, medicines, medical supplies, pet supplies, cash, etc.
Prepare your home by storing outdoor items that may become projectiles in heavy winds.
Adhere to all recommendations for evacuation or shelter-in-place advisories from local officials.
Evacuate as advised if you reside in a mobile home or are camping in an RV.
Know your evacuation route. It’s also advised regarding flooding to Know Your Zone. Designated A through D, the zones aim to give residents clear and specific evacuation or shelter-in-place information.

 

Visit ready.gov/make-a-plan to learn about creating a plan. College officials note that these and numerous other measures can mitigate damage and have a positive impact on recovery efforts.

Useful information from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management is available here.

Emergency preparedness can be a mammoth task for those who may not have the means. Information and referrals to many human services organizations that provide aid are available by dialing 2-1-1 or going online at www.211virginia.org.

Severe weather can occur anytime. Early preparation and understanding risks are key to being hurricane ready. In the event of severe weather watches or warnings, look for campus email advisories and other communication throughout hurricane season.