* Pre-plan what conditions will be to force you to leave. Flash flooding occurs rapidly. Once inland, Tropical Storms travel quickly and can produce substantial rains in a short period. Take this into consideration when making a decision to evacuate.

* Listen to reliable local media for local conditions. It's also a good idea to have a battery operated NOAA Weather Radio.

* Everyone may not be at home when the decision to leave is made. Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated. Pick two meeting places at a safe location from your home in case of a natural or man-made disaster. Choose an out-of-state family member or friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call. When you leave, make sure this person knows you are doing so.

* A general rule of thumb is to leave immediately if you are in an area that has experienced flooding and a FLASH FLOOD WARNING has been issued for your location.

* Secure your property as best as you can. If major flooding is a real possibility, move valuables to the highest floor or place inside major appliances such as a refrigerator or washing machine and rope or lash shut. Turn off gas and shut the electricity off at the main breaker.

If You Stay

* Obtain at least a one-week supply of non-perishable foods. Don't forget a non-electric can opener.

* During the storm, stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. If at risk of high winds, find a safe area in your home - an interior, reinforced room, closet or bathroom on the lower floor. If flooding is a threat, prepare to leave for higher ground.

* Wait for official word that the danger is over. Don't be fooled by a break in the storm.

* Offer your home as shelter to friends or relatives who live in vulnerable areas or mobile homes.

* If you lose power, unplug major appliances, such as the air conditioner, refrigerator, water heater, microwave and computer to reduce damage. Leave a light and a radio on so you will know when power is restored.

* If flood waters approach your home, turn off electricity at the main breaker. Immediately go to higher ground!

Your Supply List

Tip: when you implement your Preparedness Plan you can stuff many items in a couple of book bags children use for school. Everything will be ready if you must leave or it will be handy if you stay and lose power.

FOOD & WATER
Food/Water
Bottled water ( 1 gallon per day per person) for 5 days
Manual can opener (don't rely on an electric one)
Non-perishable foods:
Canned meat, fish, fruit and vegetables
Bread in moisture proof packaging
Cookies, candy, dried fruit
Canned soups, & milk
Powdered or single serve drinks
Cereal bars
Package condiments
Peanut butter and jelly
Instant coffee & tea

SUPPLIES
Flashlight (1 per person)
Portable battery powered lanterns
Glass enclosed candles
Battery powered radio
Battery operated alarm clock
Extra batteries, including hearing aids
Ice chest and ice
First Aid Kit-including aspirin, antibiotic cream, and antacids
Waterproof matches/butane lighter
Money
Plain bleach or water purification tablets
Disposable plates, glasses, and Utensils
Maps of the area with landmarks on it

COOKING :
Sterno
Portable camp stove or grill
Stove fuel or charcoal, lighter fluid
Disposal eating utensils, plates & cups
Napkins & paper towels
Aluminum foil
Oven mitts

PERSONAL SUPPLIES:
Prescriptions ( 14 day supply)
Photocopies of prescriptions
Toilet Paper
Entertainment: books, magazines, card games etc
Soap and detergent
Toiletries
Bedding: pillows, sleeping bag
Changes of clothing
Rain ponchos, and work gloves
Extra glasses or contact lenses
Camera & film

BABIES:
Disposable Diapers
Formula, food and medication

DOCUMENTS:
Photocopies of prescriptions
Photo identification
Proof of occupancy of residence (utility bills)
Medical history or information
Waterproof container for document storage
Back-up disks of your home computer files
Current copy of your homeowners or renter's insurance.

PET SUPPLIES:
Dry & canned food for one week
Water (1/2 gallon per day)
Litter box supplies
Traveling Cage

OTHER ITEMS:
Tools: hammer, wrenches, screw drivers, nails, saw
Trash bags (lots of them)
Cleaning supplies
Plastic drop cloth
ABC rated fire extinguisher
Masking or duct tape
Outdoor extension cords
One of your home phones (some people lost theirs during Fran, even though their phone service still worked)
Chain saw

* Emergency shelters provide emergency, short-term shelter to the public.

* Emergency shelters outside flood zones provide a safer place for people who must leave the hazard areas. All shelters in the path of a hurricane or tropical storm are subject to high winds.

* Individuals coming to shelters must bring a complete supply of items to support their stay in the shelter. Emergency shelters provide no cots or bedding. Supplies such as food and water may not be available.

* Pets CANNOT go to the shelters. Individuals need to consider other options that include kennels or the SPCA. Only daily living assistance animals can stay with their owner in the shelter.
(see Pets and Animals below)

* Emergency shelters operate under ARC guidelines and provide basic first aid only. Individuals receiving home health care should consult their physician or home health provider concerning plans for health care needs and possible evacuation during an emergency.
(see People with Special Needs)

* In major hurricanes, inland host shelters will be available in central and western Virginia. These shelters will be available to local residents and those evacuating from the coast.

In-place Sheltering or Staying at Home

* Everyone needs to do preparedness even if your home is reasonably safe and outside flood zones. A new idea for hurricane preparedness is the safe room. The concept comes from the tornado regions of the Midwest where residents learn to identify a central area in a structure away from windows and doors and on the first floor. Bathrooms, central hallway closets, or areas under stairwells provide the best locations. In hurricanes, families move into these areas with their disaster supply kits, flashlights, and portable radios or NOAA weather radios and stay there through the peak of the storm. This area not only provides protection from the wind, but also from tornadoes associated with hurricanes. Note: if your home is in a flood plain do not stay there if flooding is eminent.

Pets and Animals in Disasters

* Because pets are not allowed in the shelters, people need to plan alternative care for their dog, cat, or birds before they go to the public shelter. One avenue is to check with your veterinarian or kennel to see if they can manage additional boarders. Pet owners should attach city or county registration and identification tags securely to the pet's collar. Vaccinations should be current. There are many horses in the Rockbridge area. Owners of large animals, such as horses, should have a plan and make necessary arrangements for their animals. For information on pet care, people should contact their veterinarian or Society for the Prevention to Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).


Want more information?
If you live near the coast you should know the evacuation routes in your area.
For an interactive map showing evacuation routes by State, click here:
http://www.csc.noaa.gov/hez_tool/mapper.html

What to do First After a Storm

* BE PATIENT. Access to certain areas might be restricted. It may take several days for emergency crews to reach your neighborhood. It could also take longer before utilities are restored.

* Stay tuned to reliable local media for advice and instructions about emergency medical aid, food, and other forms of assistance.

* Have valid ID.

* Avoid driving. Roads will have debris which will puncture you tires!

* Don't sight-see especially at night!

* Avoid downed or dangling utility wires. Metal fences may have been "energized" by fallen wires. Be especially careful when cutting or clearing fallen trees. They may have power lines tangled in them.

* If your home has been flooded beware of snakes, insects or animals driven to higher ground by floods.

* Enter your home with caution. Open windows and dry your home.

* If there has been flooding, have an electrician inspect your home or office before turning on the breaker.

* Be careful with fire. Do not strike a match until you are sure there are no breaks in gas lines. Avoid candles. Use battery-operated flashlights and lanterns instead.

* Keep grilles for cooking outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

* Assess and photograph damages to your home and its contents.

* Use your telephone only for emergencies to keep lines open for emergency communications

Clean-Up after a Storm

* Call professionals to remove large, uprooted trees, etc. Always use proper safety equipment such as heavy gloves, safety goggles, heavy boots, light colored long sleeve shirts and long pants. Tie back long hair and wear a hat and sunscreen.

* Drink plenty of fluids, rest and ask for help when you need it. Lift with the legs, not with the back. Don't burn trash. If you can't identify something, don't touch it.

* Be especially weary of downed electrical wires. NEVER touch them or anything they are touching!

* Be extremely careful with a chain saw - don't use it for the first time to clear your yard - and always heed safety warnings.

* Make temporary repairs to correct safety hazards and minimize further damage. This may include covering holes in the roof, walls or windows, bracing and debris removal.

* If you have insurance for renters or homeowners, you'll want to make sure the insurance company pays you fairly for all covered property and possessions damaged or destroyed in the disaster. To do that, you'll need to prove that a loss took place and confirm the value of that loss. If possible, videotape your belongings before a disaster. If not, try to write down as many of your damaged or missing possessions as soon as possible right after a storm. Perhaps a friend or relative shot some videotape in your home. Ask them if you can have the tape to show some of your property.

* Only hire licensed contractors to do repairs. Check with the local Building Department to ensure the contractor is licensed.

* If you hire a contractor, do not get the permits for them. That is their responsibility. Don't be fooled by a claim the work can start sooner if you do this for them. If a contractor requests that you act as the contractor, this may be an indication that he is not properly licensed and is not entitled to permitting privileges.

* Unless you know and trust the person doing your work, do not pay for repairs in cash. Let your insurance company pay them.

For Your Safety:

* Whenever widespread flooding occurs there is a potential for bacterial contamination. Bacteria, such as shigella and salmonella, can lead to life -threatening dehydration for people and their pets if untreated by antibiotics. Disinfect any tap water you drink or use for cooking or cleaning. You must purify the tap water until officials notify you of its safety. Bring water to a rolling boil for a full five minutes or use chemicals (eight drops of chlorine bleach or iodine per gallon) or water purification tablets, as directed. Let the water sit at least 10 minutes before using. Water you saved in clean containers before the storm will be fine for 2-3 weeks. To be sure, add a couple of drops of chlorine or iodine per gallon before drinking.

* Other precautions to remember: Use disinfected water for brushing teeth, cleaning contact lenses and washing hands. Keep soap and disinfected water near the toilet for washing hands. This is an important way to avoid spread of disease. This is especially important if you have any cuts, etc. Apply a disinfectant such as alcohol or antibiotic cream after washing with the disinfected water.

Get Help

* Volunteer organizations and local, state and federal government agencies will work together in a major disaster to provide aid to families and businesses affected by the storm. If federal disaster is declared, Disaster Application Centers (DACs) will be set up to explain programs and provide long-range support (temporary housing, business subsidies, etc.). This was the case after Fran, Floyd, Isabel and a major non-tropical flood in 1996.

* Although not meant to replace or duplicate insurance, numerous government, nonprofit, and private loans and grants may be available following a disaster. Program sources include:

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• The Small Business Administration (despite the agency's name, homeowners or owners of personal property may apply for an SBA disaster-relief loan)
• Your local city or county government (loans or assistance such as property tax relief may be available)
• Private lenders
• American Red Cross disaster relief
• Other voluntary organizations

* You may be eligible for important tax refunds or deductions (called casualty loss deductions) or other tax benefits that are available for any property or possessions damaged or destroyed in a disaster.

• Rules regarding casualty losses are complex. You may want to work with an advisor such as a Certified Financial Planner^® licensee, tax accountant, or certified Public Accountant.
• In general, you may deduct losses if the total amount of losses in one year is more than $100 and more than 10% of your adjusted gross income.
• You must be able to prove that a loss took place, verify its amount, establish that it was due to a specific disaster, and prove that you own the damaged property or are liable for it.
• Keep in mind that some costs of documenting your loss, such as appraisals or photographs, may be deductible.
• You cannot take a deduction for property that has been paid for, or is eligible to be paid for, by your insurance
• Special casualty loss rules apply in a federally declared disaster area. For example, you can amend your previous year's tax return to report current losses instead of waiting to report the losses on your current year's return. This gives you a quick refund (generally within 45 days) of taxes you've already paid. Also, tax filing deadlines and payment schedules may be extended in a federal disaster area.

* Volunteer organizations and local, state and federal government agencies will work together in a major disaster to provide aid to families and businesses affected by the storm. If federal disaster is declared, Disaster Application Centers (DACs) will be set up to explain programs and provide long-range support (temporary housing, business subsidies, etc.). This was the case after Fran and a major non-tropical flood in 1996.

Help List

 

American Red Cross

Replace Your Vital Government Documents

Virginia Cooperative Extension After Storm Publications

Recovery Planning

Sanitation and Hygiene

Chemical and Electrical Hazards

Hiring Contractors

Lost Documents

Signs of Stress
  (Includes checklists for potential terrorism-related reactions and coping strategies.)