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Preparing for Hurricane Florence

Greetings,

Governor Northam has called a state of emergency for the Commonwealth of Virginia as Hurricane Florence approaches the United States. The Governor has issued a mandatory evacuation of the lowest lying areas of Coastal Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

Our state and local agencies are preparing for Hurricane Florence, which is anticipated to make landfall on Thursday, September 13th. The storm is expected to produce high winds, flooding from heavy rainfall, and power outages across our community. I strongly urge you to prepare accordingly.

Below are some resources to help you, your family, and neighbors prepare for this storm. As always, please contact my office by calling 804.698.1042 or emailing DelKTran@house.virginia.gov if I can be of any service to you.

My office intends to stay open. In the event that we may lose power, we will make every effort to respond to you as soon as possible.

Please keep safe,

Kathy

Stay updated on this storm by visiting the National Hurricane Center website.

BEFORE THE HURRICANE LANDS

  • Prepare or replenish your emergency supply kit with (including but not limited to):

    • A battery powered radio with extra batteries

    • Flashlights with extra batteries

    • Lightweight blankets

    • Emergency information, including insurance policies

    • Refilled prescriptions, a list of medications and correct dosage, and contact information for your doctors

    • Personal items such as toothbrushes, soap, extra glasses, etc.

    • A whistle

    • A First aid kit

    • Changes of clothing

    • Non-perishable snacks

    • You can find more information on preparing your kits on Fairfax County's website.

  • Ensure you have sufficient water and food:

    • At least one gallon of water per person per day for three to five days. You can find more information about water needs here.

    • At least three days worth of non-perishable food. You can find recommendations and suggestions for food to have here.

  • Clear your gutters and downspouts of debris:

    • Make sure that water is flowing away from your home, especially if you have had flooding in the past.

    • Make sure to move valuables away from the basement or at least move items from the floor to higher shelves if possible.

  • Review your emergency plan with your family:

    • Make sure everyone is aware of what to do and where to go in case of an emergency, including how to care for your pets. You can find more information on making an emergency plan here.

  • Fill your car’s gas tank:

    • Make sure you have a full tank of gas in case you need to evacuate your home. Gas stations may run out of gas during hurricanes or not work due to power outages.

  • Stay informed:

    • Sign-up for Fairfax Alerts for email and text updates.

    • View VDOT’s 511 traffic information here.

    • You can find other alert systems to sign up for here.

DURING THE HURRICANE

  • If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.

  • If you are trapped in a building because of flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic; you risk being trapped by rising flood water.

  • Stay informed through battery operated radio or other devices for the most up to date information.

  • Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down and one foot of water can sweep your vehicle away. Turn Around. Don’t Drown.


AFTER THE HURRICANE

  • Report outages and damage to appropriate agencies:

    • You must report your power outage to Dominion Energy in order for them to know about and address the situation at your home or office.

    • Report new or check status of power outages:

      • Online

      • By phone: 866-366-4357

      • Please report all downed power lines as soon as possible to ensure your and your neighbors’ safety.

      • If you have a serious medical condition, please fill out Dominion Energy’s Serious Medical Condition form here.

    • Report road issues to Virginia Department of Transportation.


KEY CONTACT INFORMATION

Please keep the following information easily accessible in case of an emergency.

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services: 911

    • Public Safety Non-Emergency: 703-691-2131

    • Fairfax County Emergency Information Line: 703-817-7771

    • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

    • National Weather Service Updates: 703-652-1210

  • Other utilities and services:

    • Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520

    • Fairfax Water: 703-698-5800

    • Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (for sewer breaks or back-ups): 703-323-1211