FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CITY ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED FOR SEVERE WEATHER

Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and strong storms can impact our community

Preparedness information for severe weather from Newport News Division of Emergency Management

In light of the first named storm of the 2011 Hurricane Season, Arlene, making landfall in Mexico yesterday, the City of Newport News Division of Emergency Management encourages residents to be prepared for all types of severe weather including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and strong storms.

“Natural disasters can be devastating and may occur with little or no notice,” said Ken Jones, Coordinator of Emergency Management. “With the tornadoes we had here in Virginia and in neighboring states this spring and the record flooding some areas of the country are facing, we just want to remind our residents that by being prepared you can help to protect your families and 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, and medicines.
• If you or a loved one has a medical special need, go to www.hrspecialneeds.org to register. The Hampton Roads Medical Needs Registry is an emergency preparedness tool that will be used by local emergency managers to communicate with people who have medical needs for emergency preparedness planning. Newport News residents who need assistance with registering can contact the Newport News Division of Emergency Management at (757) 269-2900.

For more information on preparing for hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or strong storms, visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov.  

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